The VOLVO S40 (1996-04) 4DR SALOON 1.8 122 SE REV 00 is a compact four-door petrol saloon, offering a more traditional alternative to the hatchbacks popular in the UK. It sits in the family-car class, with Volvo’s understated Scandinavian styling and a reputation for prioritising comfort and safety over sporty flair. Mycarcheck.com records 152 look-ups covering 106 distinct VINs, a useful sample for this older model. Those checks show an average private-sale value of £500 and average recorded mileage of 103,000 miles; typical annual mileage is 5,000, with about three previous keepers. These figures describe cars checked, not every S40. With a cabin, separate boot and relaxed road manners, this S40 suits commuters, couples or small families wanting a used car. The 1.8-litre SE offers straightforward petrol motoring and a more refined feel than budget saloons, while rivals such as the Ford Mondeo may offer more space and are more plentiful.