Hey guys, I've never owned a Volvo before and just wanted to see if there is anything I need to be aware of with the 2008 S40 that I just bought. Any quirks for that year? Thanks!

 

Read the FAQ (top level of this forum). It has a lot of good info.

In general, the S40 / V50 (and other variants) are solid, reliable cars. You get more maintenance issues with turbos (not sure if yours is NA or turbocharged), and of course with the automatic transmission. But in most ways, it's very generic - you need to make sure that the timing belt has been changed previously (or make plans to change that 15 year old belt post haste). Motor mounts can fail, shocks and struts could be worn out along with suspension bushings and/or wheel bearings. But by far the best thing you can do to keep your "new" Volvo on the road for decades to come is to do a drain-and-fill on the transmission. Easier than an oil change, but make sure you use the right fluid (I always bought Mobil 3309).

 

+1, proper service is the way to keep your car. 1) oil change on factory interval use proper weight synthetic oil and correct OEM filters (ie Mann) 2) brake fluid every 2 years (S40s seem to consume calipers - at least mine does) 3) transmission fluid change - I am in the 100K camp here, drain/fill takes about 12 quarts to do 3-4 cycles which get you to 90%+ clean. No need for an expensive flush. 4) timing belts - 10 years /120K which ever comes first, always with a tensioner and check the idlers / replace the serpentine belt. Water pumps are optional - with the first change. If you decide to do the water pump with the timing belt, don't go cheap - buy OEM or genuine 5) anti-freeze every 5 years. Fresh water flush - no need for harsh chemicals. Use model appropriate coolant but don't overthink the brand. Do regular inspections - axle boots, struts/shocks (look for weeping/leaks etc), bushings. 6) power steering fluid every 5 years. I also do a drain/fill on this with the turkey baster technique. I attach a short tube to a turkey baster and suck all the fluid out of the reservoir then fill with fresh fluid. Start the car and turn lock to lock 3-4 times. Repeat 3 times. That should consume about 1 quart of fluid. Go with model appropriate PS fluid (Volvo friendly web stores like IPD USA or FCP Euro will have recommendations) or go genuine.