I am looking at a Certified Pre-Owned 2001 Volvo S40. Are there any problems with this model/year that I should be aware of prior to purchase? Has anyone bought a Certified Pre-Owned before and can relay any experiences? I know the back seats seem a little tight. Also, I checked out the Consumer Reports on this year and it seemed to have a lot of "good" and "fair". Below are the 2001 stats:

5 = Excellent
4 = Very Good
3 = Good
2 = Fair
1 = Poor

Engine: Very Good
Cooling: Excellent
Fuel: Good
Ignition: Very Good
Transmission: Very Good
Electrical: Fair
A/C: Very Good
Suspension: Very Good
Brakes: Fair
Exhaust: Excellent
Power equipment: Good
Paint/Trim/Rust: Very Good
Body integrity: Very Good
Body hardware: Good

Consumer Reports also says that the engine noise comes into the cabin during acceleration.

Any and all experiences/advice are appreciated.

Mike

 

I have a 2001 s40 and love it. Check the local volvo dealer.

 

I have had my 2001 S40 for about a year now, havn't had any major issues with it.

 

Hi. All makes/models tend to have particular ****les - check the forum for common threads such as blowing headlamp bulbs, worn engine mounts & a fragile lock on the trunk on the S40. As you say, rear seat leg room is a little tight.

However, the S40 & V40 are good solid cars. Look for a full Volvo dealer service history & make sure you get a wide-ranging warranty of at least 12 months. After May 2000 the phase II was introduced and from May 2002 the "facelift" version came in & the Sport & Sport Lux models were introduced that year too I believe. Try to hold out for one with leather interior & high spec. such as climate control, cruise control etc.

Some forum members have mentioned soft/soggy handling, but Sport/Sport Lux & T4 models have uprated suspension that improves matters.

The 2.0, 2.0T & T4 petrol engines get the best reviews.

Have fun choosing, best of luck

 

Have had mine for 6 months, no problems at all. Sure, it doesn't handle like a Porsche 911, but I've driven my friend's Audi A4 and I think he got ripped off.