I am currently considering buying a 2003 S40 or V40. Looking at Home - Car Reliability Index | Reliability Index | How reliable is your car?, the S40 is one of the most reliable used cars on the market while the V40 is rated much lower. Can anyone explain the reason for that? Should there be that much variance when the cars are based on the same platform? I'd rather have a V40 but the lower rating makes me nervous.


I never would have considered this model before the last few weeks because my sister had a 2000 S40 (in the U.S.) that was a lemon. Major engine/transmission problems and it seemed like one thing after another. However, they are highly rated online and I do see a lot of them on the roads here in South Africa.


Also, did the '03 come with the ISOFIX/LATCH system installed?


Many thanks.

 

The 2000 was a new model in North America and it was a lemon due to poor engineering. The 2001+ models have improved suspension and other tweaks to make them have better reliability. However, you are still looking at a 11+ year old car. For my money I would get something less than 10 years old if I could afford it. My 2005 is a completely different car than my 2001 and much preferred by me.

 

2003 Volvo S40 Reviews - Carsurvey.org

 

I went thru that website. I noticed the most favorable ratings come from owners of the 740 (88% would buy another Volvo)

 

Thanks for the responses. It's seeming a bit risky at this point.

 

Well. I bought mine 2nd hand 2 years ago as a Japanese Import into NZ which can be quite risky as the history is not known or obtainable.

Aside of front brake hoses and a few bulbs, thus far she has cost me nothing essential other than oil and filters as one would expect.
She has been very reliable and a pleasure to drive so given what I paid for her with 85,00kms I have no complaints about V40's and would recommend them as a smaller wagon at a lessor cost than other Euro' makes but with the nice comforts, whistles and bells etc.that Volvo's are renown for.
As for the long term future, who knows but you can say that for ALL makes and models of cars.

If you can find one with a good service history and maintain it adequately you should hopefully do okay with a V40.