My Volvo s40 1.8 petrol ,
New / old Volvo , hi all , I am new to forum but not new to Volvo , I owned a 2012 Xc70 D5 for four years and if it helps anyone “ am a self proclaimed dpf expert on these cars “ following heavy research resulting in 4 years of zero dpf issues on my D5 even with short runs . Due to the lack of use and crazy money the xc demands I sold the car and found a cheaper run around as only do 6k a year in my car at best , i think I’ve found a one off , a Volvo s40 1.8 2008 , same owner from brand new with 13 Volvo dealer services at Same Volvo dealer purchased from with wait for it “17,000 “ miles , car is unmarked and drives and smells as new , the underside is like leaving factory . It’s just an S model and I’m told it’s actually a Ford Focus underneath . Either way it’s so so immaculate , instead of a cheap run about i intended to neglect , i now feel a duty to cherish like the old chap before me . Joined forum as they are so helpful when things go wrong with a wealth of knowledge from like minded people who enjoy looking after their cars . The s40 is in no way shape or form anywhere near a XC70 but so far I’m really happy with it and if nothing else have to admire the time warp condition .

 

I've kinda/sorta gone the same way. I had a V70 T5 (kind of an XC70 without the height), and from there (with an Acura MDX in the middle) to a 2.4i V50 (yes, I'm a wagon junkie).

The V50 (same as your S40) is a good, honest little car, and is a lot simpler and potentially less troublesome than the fire-breathing V70 / XC70. No turbos, simple suspension, and not TOO many bells and whistles. I loved the V50, and only replaced it with an Audi A3 (wagon, of course) because I got it for chump change and it was a turbo AND had the outstanding dual clutch transmission. Sadly, it was totaled when a dog ran into it (seriously - and the dog lived), and I've moved onto a BMW E61 530xi (wagon), which - for a 5-series BMW - is relatively simple, though a LOT more finicky to maintain than my trusty old V50, which is now owned by a good friend who's been driving it for years without any incident.

That's a GREAT find, and should give you lots of great service for decades. And let's face it - it's still prettier than 95% of the new cars being built today.

 

Here in RSA the 1.8 was the bottom of the range , so low power and a few less extras than say my T5 .
The bottom of the range , if looked after are the best to get used as most parts are similar to the top of the range and therefore last much longer with so much less stress and obviously the previous owner purchased it for transport and not racing
Car looks fantastic , but it is 14 years old so you will have a few issues even with virtualy no km as some parts need to be changed due to time , like timing belt, auxilary belt etc.
And yes the gen 2 S40 is a Ford focus with a Volvo badge which is not a bad thing as ford spares are lot cheaper , but not all work!