I'm just posting b/c im friend is getting a 2001 turbo S40 and isnt very good w/ cars. It has about 70,000 miles and was wondering how much repairs are for a normal s40. I realise that some are worse than others but in a month do you normally have to go to the dealer and how much would you say. I loved the 850 turbos but ive heard bad things about the early s40s and wasnt sure if this was also true for the 2001. Should he get it or keep looking? Hes in college and would have to pay for repairs himself so that is the major thing im trying to get him to understand. Thanks Steven

 

The one thing to remember (correct me if I am wrong tech) but my experience with repairs are that they are quite difficult to accomplish. Even simple things like headlight bulb replacement are tricky. It can be done but you have to have a lot of patience. The only other thing I would mention is the cost of parts. (personnally I find then very expensive) Other than that I love my s40

 

Ok thanks i figured that parts would be very expensive but overall a good car.

 

Yes a good car overall
Some things are a pain and others are easy.

 

At first cars seem to be very advanced, and the dealer only appearance is a deterrant but i have other newer type cars and I've come to see them as not immune to age, and you'll notice that the older they get the more shiz you can do to them without the help of a reputable mechanic, so if the car is out warranty which probably is so i'd just look at her like as an aging beauty and maintain her azz in good shape, cuz 1st gen S40's will always be loved.

 

Spark plugs are easy. Brakes are easy. Oil change is easy. Air filter is easy and the in cabin air filter is easy. Headlights are easy. I have a 2001 with 60,000 miles and have not had any major problems. Just change the oil and plugs and it runs great. Tires were just changed and I got V-rated tires for $50 each.

 

I just wanted to ask if anyone has changed their own plugs and noticed the plastic wrap on plug leads has become so brittle that when i touched it it broke apart into a million little pieces and fell down the cylinder. I had to get a vaccum and suck it out before i could remove the plugs.

 

That is very common on these cars.

CAUSE=Poor design!!