Need to replace the old 89 240 wagon for something with airbags. The daughter is going to college 5hrs away and want something reliable w/o breaking the bank. Found a 01 S40 turbo auto with 112k miles. Nice shape and very clean. Dont know ANYTHING about the the front wheel drive Volvos. I do all my wrenching and want to know what I should look out for. Whats the weakness and expensive things to look out for when looking at this car? Should I look at a different models or years? Help a frugal father out here.

 

Bring a T-27 tox bit and pull the 2 bolts that hold on the timing belt inspection cover. Of course check the T-belt but look to see if there is oil in the cam sproket area or on the cover. The cam seals and exhaust VVT cam commonly leak oil. Blown head gaskets are some what common so check under the oil cap for muck. Also pull the oil dipstick while running to see if it smokes which maybe a sign of a full PCV trap. I think the S40's are pretty good cars. Bring an OBD scanner and pull the codes. The OBD port is on the driver footwell to the top right

 

I agree with everything JP R wrote. It's a great little car right up to the point where the timing belt breaks. Make sure it's been replaced as it's due at 105K miles.

My 2001 started leaking oil from the CVVT gear at about 175k miles. This eventually ruined the belt causing it to slip and bend the exhaust valves. You do not want the hassle with that either. I did rebuild it and my 17 year old daughter now drives it.