Greetings. It's my first post so, please be gentle.

I have my eye on a 2005 s40 with 76,000 miles. Asking price is $8800. It's generally in very good shape with one small ding on the driver's side front fender and a fairly grimy interior. It is the light gray cloth fabric interior which looks like it shows dirt fairly easily.

As I browse the forum, I see page after page of quirks and problems listed.

What is the overall satisfaction level with this car? Am I in for a future of headaches?

Also, any experience cleaning the upholstery?

My plan is to have a pre-purchase inspection at the dealer but is there anything I should be aware of before purchasing?

I also have my eye on a 2005 s60 with 125,000 that has been very well maintained. It is also $8800.

Thanks for your input.

 

I have a 2005 S40 T5 all wheel drive which I bought used in May 2011 with 77k miles. Now at 91k miles it's been a good solid car. It has not been trouble free though. New condenser, ignition switch, and power steering hose to date plus tune up items. At 100k the timing belt is due. The question is what do you expect from a 7 year old car? To me this determines your level of satisfaction. Will the dealer perform the maintenance or will you?

 

I purchased a 2004.5 S40 2.4i last year with 87,000 miles on the clock. I drive a lot for work, so I have 115,000 miles on it so far. Very, very little problems with the car. It performs beautifully! EXCELLENT gas mileage. I couldn't ask for more form a car I bought 7 years old. I highly recommend it, but I think a good idea is to have it pre-purchase inspected as you mentioned to be on the safe side. I did, and the mechanic I brought it to gave it a glowing review. So far so good!