Hey everyone,

I just bought a 2004 S40 T5. 101,000 miles. I am the second owner. I bought it at a used car lot 20 minutes after they brought it back from buying it at a big name dealership auction. The original owner had all the service records in the glove box still. (I was able to keep copies). It looks like the previous owner just drove it for business. The only interior blemish is on the drivers side, I don't know if anyone has ever sat in the back. Car appears to be well maintained and the records are from only two different Volvo dealerships. I have been a mechanic for nearly 15 years and have owned a majority of Japanese and almost every domestic manufacturer, yet this is my first European vehicle, I have done a bit of research and considering the condition, only 1 owner car and clear CARFAX, I thought I got a pretty good deal. Does anyone have any tips or hints? I am thinking I need to have the timing done and a trans service according to maintenance schedule. What is everyone's thoughts?

 

Sounds good. Timing belt is due at 120k on that, so you have some time.

One thing to keep in mind- 2004 is a split model year. Your car is actually referred to as a 2004.5 S40. Totally different platform, so that is important if you are ever looking for parts.

 

Thanks, what is your thoughts on transmission services? Mine is an automatic. I think one was done around the 50,000 mile mark but the service record is not well written so I am not sure if thats what it says.

Also, is there a month of the year that the model splits?

 

I personally wouldn't buy any cars at dealership auctions. I've seen so many cars have major problems get very temporary fixes and get sent to auctions. You can never trust those things, but then again you could have gotten lucky with a good car.

The split is right down the middle of the year so whenever looking for parts look for a late 2004 part.