OK I have read the sticky on common issues with the S40 and it doesnt seem too bad... I had a Volvo guy tell me that the S80's were not worth buying...and that I should avoid all S models...but I just need more info as to why I should not consider a '05 S40 T5? I mean should the S40's be avoided at all costs?

 

The early S80's are garbage and will cost you more in repairs then what the car will ever be worth.

There is absolutely no valid argument against buying an '05 S40 T5. The 04.5 S40's were the first production run of the second Gen S40's and as such there were a few bugs that had to be worked out. In '05 they had it all straightened away.

There some people out there that are die hard wagon (V/XC) lovers but there is nothing wrong with the S (Sedan) versions. Now, the advice about avoiding all "S Models" is kinda on the stupid side. The V50 is the wagon version of the S40, and they're exactly the same other then one being a wagon and the other being a sedan.

I had an '05 S40 T5 FWD for about 2.5 years and I loved every bit of that car. Never had anything major go wrong with it in the 40k+ miles I drove it.
Actually been really thinking about getting back into an S40 T5 lately...

Do some reading on SS. This sub forum is dedicated to the 04.5+ S40/V50's.
Swedespeed Forums - S40 & V50 (2005-Current)

 

Thankyou Mad Matt... I pretty much was told that the early model S80's..S60's and S40's were all garbage..but I figured by '05 they'd have worked out the bugs in them. I'm currently driving my '97850 T5 and I absolutely love driving it. Alot of small problems and a few bigger ones have me looking at newer designs.... and the S40 T5 had caught my eye...However... if I were looking at S60 and S80 models which yrs were the most desirable? Thanks again...bne

 

I here ya, I only put about 2,500 miles on my S60R last year in favor of driving my '97 850R. The 850's are just a whole lot of fun to drive!

The first gen S40's aren't bad cars by any means, they're just kinda boring with the limited options given in the North American market.

If you go with an S60, I'd go with '05 and up. There were some style changes (clear tail lights, paint matched body trim) that make the car look much better and not so dated.
I really don't know much about the S80's other then the first few years had a whole lot of mechanical and electrical problems. I'd try to go with a '07 or newer. That's when the started the second gen S80's. Volvo had all the issues sorted as well and just making a much nicer car.

 

Matt...Thanks for your input...You have helped me broaden my search for my next Volvo

 

No problem.
This is a great site for Volvo's but If you are really looking for a S40/S60/S80, do some reading over at Swedespeed.com. The sub-forums there are more active and more specific to those cars.
Swedespeed Forums - FWD & AWD Volvos