Volvo - S40 (1999)

Discover the benchmark of understated elegance: the 1999 Volvo S40 – a model that married safety, comfort, and a distinctive Swedish design for the first time at a price point many considered a bargain. Even though the Volvo S40 price varies by region, mileage, and service history, early adopters noted that the 1999 edition offered remarkable value in what was then a competitive mid‑size luxury segment.

The 1999 Volvo S40 quickly gained a reputation for reliability, strong safety features such as side‑impact panels and a base ABS system, and an engine that could handle both everyday commuting and spirited driving. Buyers routinely praised the car’s balance of low operating costs and high resale potential.

• Engine: 1.8‑litre, 4‑cyl, 140 hp, 140 Nm
• Transmission: 5‑speed manual (PF‑5) or 4‑speed automatic (AT‑4)
• Fuel type: Regular unleaded gasoline
• Dimensions: Length 4,676 mm, Width 1,763 mm, Height 1,463 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,680 mm
• Overall weight: 1,290 kg (manual); 1,320 kg (auto)
• Drive type: Front‑wheel drive
• Passenger capacity: 5 seats (2+3 configuration)
• Trunk space: 620 L (with rear seats up)

Understanding Volvo S40 price is essential before you start your research. While suggestive retail prices at launch hovered around $15,000–$20,000 in the United States, a used 1999 model today can command anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on mileage and condition. The Volvo S40 1999 price trend shows clusters of 5‑year lease returns, indicating that these vehicles maintain a solid base value over the long term.

Volvo S40 depreciation: The first year typically sees a 15–20% drop from the new car value due to the steep initial depreciation curve. Over the next two years, the rate smooths to roughly 8–10% per year. By year five, an average used Volvo S40 tends to lose about 50–55% of its original purchase price. Even with this natural decline, the model’s longevity in the used market proves that its core strengths offset many depreciation pitfalls.

When benchmarking against contemporaries, the 1999 Volvo S40 shares space with vehicles such as the Audi A4 (first generation)