My daughter asked me to poll the forum to see what their crystal ***** show is in her car's future. She bought it in 2006 w/30K, I did routine maintenance on it through 55K until she moved out like all good children should do. She is trying to decide if it's worth it to keep as a work beater or clean it up to sell or trade in on something newer. She has had all the scheduled services performed by a local indie. Her current known repair needs include new struts all around.

My knowledge base only consists of 85 245, 93 854, 95 854 NA and 95 855 turbo. Any fortune tellers out there? Your thoughts would be very welcomed.

 

Front struts were the first thing that came to mind, assuming the timing belt has been done. Front control arms are common as well.

 

the gen 2 S40s are really about Volvo insourcing the S40 car line away from the original Mitsubishi joint venture that created the gen 1s. What you get in the 2004.5+ gen 2 S40 is the same 5 cyl engine evolution that started with the 850s with more common components between the s40 and s60 platforms. My experience is with the 850T (200K miles and counting) and a gen 1 S40 (85K miles ). the 850 just keeps on ticking - on its third set of struts, dunno how many sets of brake pads and its ready for another timing belt. On the S40, I'd look after things like the AC compressor clutch, timing belt/accessory belt, brakes (particularly the rears), coil packs as maintenance items. If you keep clean oil (synthentic 5/30 is a good choice) and filters you should expect 200K+ miles. Sure things will break - maybe an alternator or a battery issue, some odd parts - MAF sensors etc but nothing jumps out in my mind as a design flaw to watch for. Keep in mind these forums are filled with the worst case stories or DIY repair. Volvos like many euro brands are not the cheapest to maintain (parts, dealer shop labor is higher than say a Toyota (got one of those too) so to me, the choice is really about whether you can save some $$ by doing some of your own maintenance or can you live with a call that is not flawless (as with any 10 year old car).