Bought used with 149000 miles and the maintenance history is unknown. What parts or items should be checked an replaced on this car?
First S40 I have owned and it is loads different than the old 240's.


I assume top on the list is the timing belt as this is an interference engine. What else is changed with the timing belt?


Anything else that should be done?

 

Idler and tensioner. Others will do the water pump since you have it all apart.

Synthetic oil and good filter is a must. Don't overfill the oil. The filter is upright below the cold air intake and the oil must drain back to the crankcase before checking the level. If you check the level with the oil filter housing full then it's overfilled. Just check the level cold or as you refill it during a change. Once it's full then run the engine for leaks.

Watch the coolant level as the overflow tank can crack. If you are losing coolant you want to address this quickly.

My 2005 T5 has been mostly solid. It's had the usual high mileage suspects replaced like the fuel pressure sensor, alternator, hi-pressure power steering hose, main motor mount, plus the wear items like struts and brake pads/rotors. I had to do the A/C compressor deshimming but that was super easy. The A/C is rock solid cold. I also replaced the heater core o-rings. Those are a PITA.

It's a good car as long as you keep up the TLC and watch the fluid levels.