Faults:

ABS sensors, hydraulic fluid in power steering leak, airbag service light came on, suspension back and front plus bearings. Very expensive to repair all of this, but expected of the age and mileage.

The car is serviced on time, has never missed an oil change, no engine or gearbox issues. Also had any belts required changed.

General Comments:

Bright red S40 with contrasting black/cream leather interior, this car is stunning inside and out. R-Design is the spec to have. Soo much equipment and a great styling pack.

My 2012 S40 is one of the last S40's - I believe they stopped making them in 2013 and it was not directly replaced, but rather the V40 covered this segment. I still prefer a boxy saloon to the more modern hatchbacks. Boot is tiny though, and inside despite being very comfortable might be a bit cramped if you are very tall and have a few kids. It will seat 4 average sized adults in good comfort however.

2.0 petrol has excellent performance but only averages 38 mpg, rubbish by today's standards with the current cost of fuel. But as it turns out I don't drive as much as I used to, so fuel costs will be manageable. The car handles very well and the gear change is slick and smooth, I do enjoy driving this car. Seats are as comfortable as you can get. Quiet and smooth on motorways and in town driving.

Interior is probably the best thing about the car; looks smart and very stylish, much like the exterior. Floating dash panel with radio and climate control is interesting and ahead of its time for a car design that has been with us since 2004! Very easy to forget about things like your phone if you use the storage area behind it however. Sound system is excellent, but who listens to the radio these days with the constant adverts and annoying DJ's? I always have my music playlists on, and the auxiliary jack point for music is very handy in the armrest, and the cup holder are in the usual place.

A lot of people say the S40 is not quite as reliable as a Volvo should be, but overall I am happy with the car and will likely keep it for many more years. It has just cost me a lot of money and I feel invested in it, but believe it will return with reliability despite its age and mileage. There is no rust whatsoever or any signs of other problems, plus I look after it well. The biggest complaints I hear about Volvo from this time is that they are complex and expensive to repair, but to be fair you could say that about most post year 2000 cars.

I just washed it inside and out the other day and it looked as good as new despite being 10 years old with nearly 120K. Looks very modern and still blends in with anything else on the road. If buying one for yourself, stick to petrol engined cars, I have heard the diesels are not as reliable and very expensive to repair. They are all cheap enough to buy used now, and all have great equipment levels, even a basic 2005 1.6 S model, but get a facelift/updated 2008 onwards model with a good engine and nice spec with low mileage and you will enjoy this car a lot more.