I know nothing about cars and have never owned a Volvo. Found a 2004 S40 1.9T base sedan, with 48,000 miles, one owner for a decent price that I am thinking of buying as a first car for my 17 year old daughter. Need to know pros/cons. I read on Edmunds this model has a history of engine problems? Let me know your thoughts, particularly if you've owned this model, thanks!!!!

 

Pro's: It's safe, it gets good gas milage, at 48k it has no major problems. not til about 150k. Insurance is low, tires won't kill you when replacing them.

Con's: It might not be that cute, but if you don't care then it doesn't matter. Interior can squeak sometimes.

I'm in class so can't list very well.
And i am a 17yo boy, and this is my first car, and i love it.

 

+1 on SnowTek, except that I think they are a pretty good looking car. If it has a good service history and the price is right then I would say go for it.

 

Thanks guys. The first thing my daughter noticed was that the car was not that attractive on the exterior, but she said if it got the job done, she would be happy (although she did ask how much a paint job would cost - are all volvos white?) I have to make a decision tomorrow..... will probably go for it, as my criteria is: does it run and is it safe!

 

I have a white 01 s40.. and white is a pretty common color yes.

 

Check the insurance rates. It is a turbo and she is a teen. Other than that I can say that from personal experience, it will protect her. Mine was totaled when it got rear-ended at highway speed by a mini-van (my car was stopped due to traffic). The crumple zones, high strength steel reinforcement and WHIPS worked flawlessly. Even the glass was untouched. I walked away without even a backache.

I saw a Civic that took a similar hit also by a mini-van. The roof buckled and collapsed above the rear passenger compartment.

Stan