Any quick advice on this will be very welcomed.

I currently have a 2003 S60 with 69,000 mi (base, leather sun-roof). A friend of mine is has offered to sell me their 2008 S40 with only 15,000 mi (base with leather no moon roof). The price is more than reasonable, but I'd have sell my S60. I recall that some of the S40s had some problems a while back, but I think they were resolved by 2008. Given that the payments would be roughly the same (just drawn out if I go with the 2008), would any of you advise for or against selling my 2003 S60 in favor of the 2008 S40?

I am single with no children, and kind of like the smaller size, though the S60s had better reputations, I don't know if that is still the case. Experiences, problems with 2008...?

Had Volvo started their 5-yr 60,000 warranty in 2008?

I dunno, I am not sure of any pros or cons, and I can't sit on the offer too long.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

~Derek

 

Newer is usually better when you are NOT doing your own work. I have no idea about the reliability issues. You can check cars.com and see what current owners are saying there.

 

Thanks rspi.

I don't/can't do my own work on the car: you make a good point.
It seems like those who have registered their opinions on cars .com have very favorable things to say about the 08. hmmm... Do I bite the bullet? I think there is still 1-yr of warranty coverage.

Thanks again,

Derek

 

Yes do. If your payment will be about the same, for you, newer will be better.

 

But what is your balance on the S60? You are still relatively low mileage and that car should last some time. If your remaining balance is low you could make 4 or 5 "extra payments" in a separate account and leave them there for a few repairs.

The extra room on the 60 will come in handy eventually.

 

I just like the S60 much better than the S40.

 

If your s60 still in good condition, my choice would be the s60. they are a better car.

 

ibanez958 et al,

the S60 is in quite good condition, but I thought the S series, and especially s40 had improved since 2003. My impression is that I would have fewer problems with the newer S40 than with the older S60 as time goes on (I mean the S40 only has 15,000 miles and a year and a half of warranty). My understanding is that there were some transmission problems and misc electrical problems that start cropping up on the 2003 S60. Actually, my instrument cluster on the S60 did behave oddly on two occasions: dipping down to zero and then up to full amplitude, repeatedly. Also I've heard better things about the handling of the newer S40 over the older S60.


While an S60 is likely better and better-appointed than a same year S40, is the 5yr newer construction (handling, engine reliability, electrical reliability) likely an improvement over the 2003 S60? Aren't these things worth considering?

Again, I appreciate the input as I am really struggling with my decision.

 

Well, a good 50 mile test drive you answer most of those questions. If you like the way it drives better than your S60, go for it. Again, read the complaints on the cars.com website and you should have an idea of what problems are ahead for the car. You can also scan the S60 section here and see what people are crying about.