Does anyone have any thoughts on why the S40 has received such a bad rap by car reviewers?

When I've looked at online reviews, CR, etc. the ratings are usually well behind the competition, even though when I've read the details I don't see why. Sure, the car has some things that aren't ideal, but in the past few weeks I've had mine, I have found it to be a capable and smooth small sports sedan, and each time I have driven it I come out with a smile...

Is it the reliability reputation (which regardless of what I've read here isn't positive)? Is it that the competition is that much better? Is it because the car is seen as too expensive?

 

its because people see volvo and get scared, same thing when they see audi, vw, bmw, benz etc. automatically they think price.

none the less, screw the reviews its a nice car, and i havnt had any issues really with mine either.

 

IMO almost all the S40's are solid cars excpet the 2004.5, which has some electrical issues. Motors are solid( just dont overheat) and are a nice compact car.

 

The cost of the car, the cost of service, the cost of parts and a higher than average negative dealer/service experience when compared to other makes/models are what usually put Volvo at a ratings disadvantage. It's not the car itself but those other elements that kill Volvo's ratings.

 

i just got my s40 in mint condition for 4,000.... i dont think thats to bad....

 

I just traded in my CRV for the s40 because I am a car person, not so much an SUV person. I bought the subscription to CR and everything got the top rating it could get except for electrical which got the 2nd highest score. However when I look online I see mixed reviews, some people love it others had tons of repairs. Well for now, the car is an 2008 and under warranty. We'll keep it till the warranty is out and see what happens. We were sold on the safety of the vechicle, great gas mileage, and sporty looks.

 

Are the S40s as expensive to repair/maintain as I've heard Audis and BMWs can be?

Regarding negative dealer experiences, I've had a few with a local Toyota dealer as well (pushing unneeded repairs, trying to charge $500 for a simple brake job, messing up an oil change and trying to charge for the resulting repairs), so I tend to be wary of car dealers in general. I'm adopting a wait and see attitude with the Volvo dealer that I purchased my car from...I'll certainly get the scheduled maintenance done there while it's on Volvo's nickel, but anything past that point will depend on my experiences there.

In the meantime, I'm going to continue to question the questionable S40 reviews...so far my car's been a real pleasure to drive.

 

The most valuable thing you can find for your car is a good, independent, volvo only mechanic.

 

I have a BMW and a Volvo. They are about equally expensive to repair/maintain. Definitely more expensive than a Honda...
Translation: Very expensive at the dealer, somewhat expensive at an indy, not very expensive if you DIY.


Nope, the most valuable thing you can do is to learn about your car and DIY.

 

What car isn't expensive at a dealer?

BTW, my experience with Japanese brands is very positive, but they aren't trouble-free either. My Subaru Outback blew a head gasket at around 120K miles (known problem but out of warranty), and my Toyota Highlander had an ABS issue a while back that resulted in a $900 repair. I'm also trying to be real good about oil changes in the Highlander to prevent running into the known sludge problems.

The one thing I'm hoping for with my S40 is that, since the car's been in production for several years, that at least a few of the known issues have been resolved.

 

nattyderek said:

Nope, the most valuable thing you can do is to learn about your car and DIY.



Fair enough and very true. I've done plenty myself, but its good to know a good independent for advice and when you know something is beyond what you can handle.

 

Ain't that the truth !


Totally agree. But an indy is only slightly better than a dealer. They are in it to make money. I have had some good and some poor experiences w/ my local indy Volvo shop. Maybe I need a new one.... Most things are easier then they look to DIY, especially with the help of the good people that belong to these auto forums...

Unfortunately, I am starting to get some rust due to all the nooks & crannies where mud & junk can collect around the wheel wells. And I cannot DIY this. Otherwise, my car has been a joy to own & drive for the last 8+ years.

 

Well, if you're in central New Jersey, you go to Nick at Highbloom Auto in Nutley.
Yeah, I'll give him a free shout-out. He was the service manager for 13 years at one of the larger Volvo dealers near here and was brought up on these cars.

He's ridiculously fair, a totally nice guy and a pleasure to deal with. Lets you watch what hes doing and tells you when there's something you DON'T need to do.

Just saying a top-notch indy is an invaluable thing to have.