Hey all,
I'm coming to you from the Mercedes diesel world and wondering about the 2001 v40 wagon.

I've been looking to replace my GF's 1999 C230K as its been a problem child, a gas hog, and now is becoming impractical for her line of work.

She need something a little bigger that she can haul her field gear around in. So as a wagon lover myself I have been looking around for a wagon of some sort for her thats both good on fuel and won't give us the myriad of issues that the c230 has.

So today as I was looking at craigslist I came across a 2001 v40 1.9T for sale for $2950. A quick google search shows that these seem to be good on fuel and fairly reliable cars. However I really know nothing about them.

My main concern is weather or not they suffer from the same transmission issues that the V70 wagons and other volvo vehicles did during the early 2000's. Are there any other concerns with these? I'm fine wrenching on my own cars but am not looking to spend every waking moment fixing something on it.

So please feel free to weigh in if you have one of these, I'm looking for all the info I can gather. Some real world fuel economy numbers for the 1.9T would be great to.

-thanks

 

no, the transmission issues from the V70s were more common to the AWDs and this is not a common issue with the S40/V40s. My short list of "common" problem areas: 1) VVT components. The variable valve timing system is driven by oil pressure and can get leaks or clogs. If the prior owner used synthetic or was diligent about oil changes goes a long way. 2) Rear brakes. these cars have those annoying screw back in calipers complicating changing pads. 3) suspension springs. the design uses a very long spring (too long from most DIY strut compressors) that tend to snap off a few inches from the end. I've already had 3 of 4 break on my 2000 S40. 4) exhaust flex pipes. the downpipe from the turbo to the cat has a flexpipe section that can tear. Easy fix but the part can cost a few hundred. 5) electrical gremlins - common to see issues with the CEM (central electronic module) and ABS controllers due to solder joints cracking or relays burning out. Easy repair if you get a used part from a yard. 6) timing belts - people don't realize you need to replace timing belts by age or mileage whichever comes first. So the first thing I'd ask is about the maintenance history - how often was the oil changed and when was the timing belt done (if its more than 10 yrs/100K, get it done if you buy the car). 7) shifter position sensor issues. Just like older Volvos, the PNP switches and shifter buttons can act up.

As to real world fuel economy, I'd expect you'd get 25 mpg mixed city/highway (what I get in the s40) 27-28 highway. Car runs just fine on regular 87 RON gas.

 

I bought my 2002 V40 with 95,000 on it, it runs like a top, but has had its gremlins. I have 210,000 miles on it now.
I love it, and am trying to get at least 300,000 out of it. I live in New England and it doesn't have a spec of rust on it....yet.
I have recently replaced brakes, rotors, shocks front and rear, timing belt, water pump, steering pump, transmission lights and vacuum hoses, flex pipe, rear wheel bearings, t-stat....lucky I do most of my own work.


In talking with other owners the shocks (struts) are a common replacement, and vacuum leaks will drive you crazy (but are usually an easy fix).


The car does not like regular unleaded...usually run plus or super. I get about 30 mpg on the highway. Lower than that is usually a sign to check for vacuum leaks.