Its unlikely that the clutch will go on a petrol version, unless its abused. Diesels can go at any point.

Things to consider would be your mileage, I assume with looking at a 2ltr Petrol you don't do many. Expect low 30s MPG.

Apart from the usual servicing it should be a good car, my brother has a 2005 1.6 petrol S40, and he's has no issues with it other than a leaking pipe on his power steering fixed under warranty by Volvo but that was a number of years ago now though!

Thanks, that's very helpfu. At what mileage was the clutch going please ? looking for potential bills and when they may occur.

If I recall correctly the car had done around 53k. Bear in mind that this one may have had some rough treatment before I bought it (I look after my cars and don't drive them hard) so take that FWIW. There are (many) appriasals of S40's going for very long distances on original bits - I just wouldn't want you not to check it out before you buy. If the bite point is where it should be and there's no sign of it slipping then it's likely to be fine.

Like I say I loved mine and now have another Volvo - quality cars.

Let us know how you get on and what you decide.