Hi, I'm planning on getting a 2005 2.4L S40 and I was just wondering how much trouble I would run into driving one that has 65k+ miles on it? I will be driving to and back from school and I just want to know if it's reliable at the mileage its at. I really want this car! I just need to know about this particular thing.

 

65k! ITS A VOLVO, the car hasent even warmed up. Close your eyes and buy it! This is coming from a 2004 s40 owner who brought his at 87k

 

Oh really? Wow haha. Well my mom is crazy about cars breaking down and all that stuff and I drove my jeep a lot these past couple of years. What have you experienced with your S40 since you've been driving it?

 

I dont regret it a single bit. Just take good care of it, regular oil change and maintenence. If this is your first volvo make sure you take care of it like a baby. So far no problems with mine. Highway mileage is great. To be honest I cant think of any complaints. However for all the drivers out there, please drive a car like a car and not a fighter plane. Most wear and tears happen due to how the car is driven and then they complain that the car is ****.

 

i just got an 05 s40 t5 with 87k on it its perfect this thing will easily push 130k

 

I can't speak for the 05, but my 01 is a lemon.
I am never going to buy another volvo.

Parts are super expensive for it. And getting a new key was a huge rip off.

 

My father drives an 01 S80 daily 80 miles. It has over 180,000 on it an still drives like the day it came home!! He's the reason I have my 05 S40 T5--it's gorgeous!

 

I have a 2000 S40, and have done a lot of repairs. I think I bought a used lemon four years ago, yet keep repairing it, as when it's running well, it's running very well. Besides, it's paid for, and if I bought another used vehicle, I have to make repairs to that as well, so I consider repairs much like a car payment. Lemons happen.

 

about how much was spent per year in repairs? and how many miles were on it when you bought it?

 

I bought it in 2005 with 66k miles, and have put about 4k into it since then. The person that owned it prior to me did not take care of it, so I've been babying it. It's better than buying another used car, in my opinion, and then making repairs to it. As I work in social services and cannot afford (mortgage payments come first) a new Volvo (C70, ha).

 

I too have been considering a 2005 S40 T5. Originally, back in 2005, I was very interested in a brand new S40. Things did not work out, but now I am in the market for a quality used vehicle and the '05 S40 seems to be in my price range.
It is nice to know these are known for longevity (for the most part).
The one I am looking at has 57k on it.
I feel this is a gorgeous car for the money and now you've got me even more stoked about getting one... :-)
Would you recommend an aftermarket warranty if available?

 

The very peculiar thing about volvos is that they have what I like to call a lot of "stupid" problems, yet few critical problems.

Generally a volvo can last very long and have few hard mechanical problems, but they are prone to falling at computer system issues. (which happen regardless of age/milelage)

So curiously enough you'll find that an older volvo with more miles on it will not be so much more troublesome than a volvo that just pulled out of the dealership.

My S40 baby is only 3 years old, yet every year it seems to get a problem. The alarm system went haywire, a fuse blew in a cigarette lighter (i think that's somwhat normal though), and just a week ago they spent 4 hours diagnosing a fuse in the ECU blowing, but ended up just replacing the fuse, and not being able to find the root cause.

Thankfully these are cheap repairs (well especially under warranty), so I think I would still recommend the car. I do trust the actual driveterrain components are quality.


Regarding warranty. In the long run, you are better off not getting warranty. If you were, the warranty companies wouldn't make any money. They aren't stupid and do research to price extended warranties at a price of the average repair costs, plus their profit.

Though peace of mind does have a certain value, and depending on your financial situation could be worth its cost in a worst case scenario.

Good luck on your purchase!

 

If this is your first volvo make sure you take care of it like a baby. So far no problems with mine. Highway mileage is great.
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