The VOLVO S40 (2004-07) 4DR SALOON 1.8 125 S is a compact four-door family saloon, offering a more grown-up alternative to a hatchback. It sits among used compact saloons, competing with models such as the Ford Focus saloon and BMW 3 Series, while Volvo’s safety-minded image gives it particular appeal. mycarcheck.com records 309 look-ups covering 133 different cars, a sizeable sample. Checks show an average private-sale value of £800 and average recorded mileage of 117,000 miles; typical annual use is modest at 4,000 miles. Cars have had around four previous keepers on average, so condition and history deserve careful checking. Its comfort and safety reputation suit commuters, couples and small families wanting an everyday car. The 1.8-litre petrol engine feels easy-going, not sporty, and its boot takes shopping or luggage. Against rivals, this Volvo feels understated and solid; a well-kept example can make sensible used-car value for a careful buyer.