<FONT face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Hi! I currently own a '91 240 wagon which will be getting turned over to the kids in a few months. Great car to learn to drive on! I've looked at the new S40 T5 and I like it. I am concerned tho, because it seems that the newer (i.e., Found On Road Dead involved) volvo's don't seem to be as well made as the older ones. I am interested in anyones thoughts or comments. Thanks!</FONT></P>

 

i admire your choice in volvos. i own a 91 240 and i love it. i have seen the s40 t5 and it is very nice. unfortunately, your suspicion that the volvo's quality has seemingly decreased since ford bought it out. i cant remember when it was exactly, but i think it was the mid to late 90's or thereabouts that volvo was bought out. since then i have heard many stories of faults with volvo cars. for example, the V70 XC has been associated with transmission problems. the s80 has been recalled i think right after it came out for ceratin problems. i have heard of XC90's having problems and someone on this forum wrote of having oil leak after buying the car. i dont hear of problems with older volvos other than they are getting old as time passes, but even then, a lot of people get their old volvos fixed up and keep them running because volvos dont die if they are given a little care. for example, my car has 168k miles and as far as i know, the only things doen to it were routine maintenance. if you like a current volvo, id buy it but just be wary and be ready for problems sooner than you might experience with ur 240. if you would settle for an older but still swedish made car, go buy a nice 850 or something as i think they were still made in sweden. either way, keep ur 240 because no matter what u buy, it will last for awhile with a little care.
-mike

 

thanks mike! oh i well definitely keep the 240! my oldest son loves it and will be learning to drive in it! it is silver and he has affectionately name it "whale", because it tends to sing like a whale sometimes. i've been reading about the new s40, and it is getting some great reviews. it appears to be a lot closer to the s60's. i sat in one the other day at the dealer, and it does have a very solid feel yet seems quite sporty as well. only a test drive will tell, and as i get closer to the buying date i'll do that to make the final decision.