I am looking at buying a used S40 (I have limited funds so 2000/2001 are my target). Can I get some input/advice? I'd like to know how reliable they are, and how expensive they are to maintain. Also, if anyone has a good idea of what I should spend, that would be great too.

Thanks,

Brett

 

Welcome to the forum.

The reliability of the s40 is fairly good. There are some problem areas for these cars that you should be aware of. The coil packs and spark plugs have been known to cause problems, as well as the temperature sensor. People have been generally unhappy with the life of the rear brake pads, but I have had no issues with them.

I own a 2001 s40 and enjoy the car very much. Maintenance can be a little expensive depending on where you go, but you will have that with any foreign automobile. I would recommend that you do all of your service either at the dealer or a shop that specializes in volvos. And i would stick to OEM parts, aftermarket parts and these cars to not get along very well.

With that being said I would recommend that you choose the 2001 model year over the 2000 if your funds will allow. The 2000 was the first model year here in the US and that translates to issues that needed to be resolved in the next model year. As you have seen the body style is the same but there are differences you will notice. The main issue is the transmission. The 2000 has a regular 4 speed automatic with three modes, while the 2001 has a 5 speed automatic with adaptive shifting (shift patterns change depending on how you drive supposedly).

Good luck with your buying experience

 

I have 2002 S40.62K miles.No problems other than temp sensor mentioned above. BJ

 

I have a 2000, only prob was the temp sense. I am about to do some aftermarket upgrades, but most is coming from a sweedish shop and being delivered to the states and they both specialize in volvo. i'll post what and how they turn out....But i love my s40 and plan on buyin a s40 or s60r as soon as my other car is payed off

 

hm... the new 2006 volvo's cost reduction automatically makes the ones b4 them lose their value anywhere from 1G to $500 CDN. I'd recommend getting the newer ones, or not a volvo at all as the resale value just dropped from a new model. Who knows, when they market the 2007, they'll probably try to make it even more cost-effective, making the later models drop in price. But then again, that's what you want right ?

 

Go for the '01 if you can. The styling is tweaked a little (less black plastic body mouldings) and the interior is redesigned. I have had issues with my rear pads like mentioned above, but have just come to accept it. Good luck w/ your purchase.