Any experience with Volvo S40?

[Burt Munro]

My daughter is looking at a 2000 Volvo S40 with 65K miles. 

Reviews I've read paint a somewhat bleak picture as far as mechanical reliability.

Anyone here had any first hand experience?

Thanks!

[spyderchick]

If the reviews are bleak, then stay away.

Look up a Consumer Reports car guide, they have good reliable info on used cars. You need to be a subscriber to use their internet site, so if you can't find one in the bookstore, try your local library.

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Volvo's do take one good of an impact. Slammed into a civic at 40mph and walked away with bruises.

[KTG]

I've got an 96' 850 glt with 170k miles, my mom has a 00' S70 SE with ~150k miles, my brother has a 96' 850 turbo wagon with ~150k miles and a 00' V70 Turbo wagon with ~100k miles.  And the only trouble have been from the bros V70 with the transmission needing replacement, under warranty...The engines in all these cars are the Inline-5 which is absolutely bomb proof!  The S40 has an I-4 which I have never personally used or know much about.  Maybe they s**t the bed with it?  Or maybe people expect to much from a small Volvo? Before I bought my Audi, I was looking at S60 T5's....I'd still buy an S60 R if found a good deal!  Volvo's are great cars 

[tzracer]

My wife had a 2001 S60. Mechanically it was ok, the main problem was the electrical system.

Computer in trunk would stop working (unplugging would get it to work again), radio change stations on its own, door lock on their own (don't leave keys in car), headlight wiper motor that would not shut off, there were others. Daytime running lights have all the lights on, carry spare bulbs.

My wife did not like it very much. The worst part for her was the fact it was an automatic.

Traded it in on a 2007 328xi, manual, she is much happier.

YMMV.

[KTG]

Never had to change a front bulb on the 850.  Wonder how many hours of run time that is!

[Burt Munro]

Not that this aspect would be a 'make or break deal' for me, but one of the most common complaints I found about the S40 is how frequently owners have to replace headlight bulbs.   What the.....?   

[tzracer]

Not that this aspect would be a 'make or break deal' for me, but one of the most common complaints I found about the S40 is how frequently owners have to replace headlight bulbs.   What the.....?  

The headlights are on ALL the time. In 2 years, I replaced most of the bulbs (headlight, taillight, side marker light, dash lights), more of an annoyance.

[KTG]

The headlights are on ALL the time. In 2 years, I replaced most of the bulbs (headlight, taillight, side marker light, dash lights), more of an annoyance.

Thats strange.  I have had to change the brake bulbs fairly often...must be to much current or something.

[tzracer]

Thats strange.  I have had to change the brake bulbs fairly often...must be to much current or something.

I have replaced those also but not as often. Also had to change both front directional sockets - flashes fast as if bulb burned out, but all are flashing.

[Burt Munro]

Must be Lucas Electronics components. 

Or maybe their Swedish subsidiary Lutefisk Electronics. 

[James Bayles]

S40 4 cylinder is same architecture as 5 cylinder, (no real design problems).  Above mentioned bulb life problems are normally due to setting of head light switch for all time running/head lights, (it is switchable), and water intrusion into lense assembly, any condensation indicates an atmosphere leak. False bulb monitor warnings are commonly fixture problems on Volvos, (not any worse on these models than previous 30 years)  Power brake booster assist pump system has an update, check for hard brake pedal on start up.  At the age and mileage you stated it is due for timing belt / water pump / roller / cam seal /oilpump crank seal, job.  A quick look behind upper timing cover can tell if variable cam timing sprocket seals are leaking too, (pretty common).  I've done a turbo or two on these as well, indication being visible oil smoke from exhaust.  Engine mounts for vibration / lash concerns.  Long term functionality of entertainment / comfort systems is probably getting weak due to 10 year age, but no worse than industry norm. Yes I have my mother in a late transverse 850, but no I don't think the modern models have the robust, never die reliability that the company had with 100/200/700/900 series models. What I would look for is a properly filled out maintenance booklet, (no a glovebox full of tire store reciepts does not count as regular inspection and maintenance) Oh by the way, I do operate a european car repair shop. Guess that was maybe a little more than two cents worth, good luck.