The VOLVO V40 (1996-04) 5DR ESTATE 1.8 122 SE AUTO5 REV 00 is a compact five-door estate from Volvo’s practical, safety-minded era. In the UK used-car market it sits between a family hatchback and a larger load-carrying estate, offering useful boot space without the bulk of a big load-lugger. Mycarcheck.com has recorded 24 look-ups covering 13 distinct VINs, so the picture is helpful but based on a modest sample. Checks show an average private-sale valuation of £900, average recorded mileage of 81,000 miles and annual mileage of 3,000 miles. The cars averaged 2.6 previous keepers, suggesting ownership histories worth checking individually. The 1.8-litre petrol and automatic make relaxed everyday driving, while its estate body suits couples, families and busy commuters carrying shopping, luggage or hobbies. Compared with the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring, it offers an understated, practical alternative. At this age, check condition, servicing and vehicle history carefully.