2007 Volvo S40 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Volvo S40 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Volvo S40 petrol than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Transmission oil leaks2.3× usual
  Volvo S40

  3% All 2007 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Side repeaters2× usual
  Volvo S40

  2.6% All 2007 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.8% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 2007 Volvo S40 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Volvo S40 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  35% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  30% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Volvo S40 petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2007 Volvo S40 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2007 Volvo S40 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?