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Volvo S40

1807 messages,  Last post on Jul 01, 2011 at 7:51 AM

You are in the Volvo S40 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volvo S40, Sedan



Messages Page 175 of 181

#1740 of 1807 Re: Volvo S40/V40 pros and cons [vwdawg] by snead_c

Oct 06, 2009 (3:20 pm)

Replying to: vwdawg (Oct 06, 2009 2:49 pm)
So much depends on how well a car was cared for during the previous 8 years ownership. Most new car dealers don't handle these on their used lots thus no waranty. Consumer Reports does not have enough data on 2000-2001 to give a rating. Later models have done OK...mine's a 2006 and no real problems..But parts and major service for Volvos are high and can be more complicated than Japanese.
A well cared for, mechanic inspected, and thoroughly evaluated..maybe.
I'd look into a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, or Toyota Prius for my daughter (I did) and do the same evaluations.
Continue to do your homework and good luck.

#1741 of 1807 Re: Volvo S40/V40 pros and cons [snead_c] by vwdawg

Oct 07, 2009 (8:15 am)

Replying to: snead_c (Oct 06, 2009 3:20 pm)
Hi snead_c: Thanks for your feedback...much appreciated. I certainly agree that the Hondas, Toyotas and Mazdas have a dependability factor that can't be ignored. They generally run like Swiss watches, but other than the higher-end vehicles (Acura, Infinity and Lexus), I find them to be pretty boring, not much more exciting than a Taurus. I own or have owned three Jettas, a Passat and an Audi A4 which have been generally good vehicles, but many annoying smaller problems (ridiculously bad window mechanisms, front suspension issues, wheel bearings, coil packs, and frequent CEL issues). So..when you say that Volvo parts and service costs are high, would you say that they are WORSE than VW/Audi? What attracts me most about Volvos is their reputation for safety. Thanks again, vwdawg

#1742 of 1807 Re: Volvo S40/V40 pros and cons [vwdawg] by snead_c

Oct 07, 2009 (1:24 pm)

Replying to: vwdawg (Oct 07, 2009 8:15 am)
I've also had 1 Acura,7 VWs,1 Volvo...lots of Subis,Hondas,Toyotas,and even a Ford LTD and Galaxy, 2 Pontiacs,a Dodge Diplomat, a Chevy Kamback,a Protege,and...I must have left something out...currently we have a 2006 S40 and 2009 Prius. I've never had a car I didn't like at the time and most were "solid"...in pricing parts for the Volvo I've watched waranty items and service costs. I'd say VW and the Volvo would be about the same with a little more parts availability for VWs.
I look at the highway admin data when available for safety concerns.
You seem very experienced and could probably handle typical repair issues for any purchase. Me...oil changes,etc only.
For my daughter I purchased a Honda Accord(used..and stolen) A new Civic (wrecked) a Toyota Camry(used and traded) for a Mazda Protege. After 100,000miles she purchased a new Civic and loves it.
I drive the Volvo for the awd aspect since we live in the mountains and it's a solid feeling comfortable car to drive (with 23MPG overall)...more so than our Prius.
I purchased the Prius for my wife last November...we have 19,000+ miles on it and love it. gas milage can run from 40 to 55 MPG and it has minimal service need and it's a Toyota. The hybrid battery should exceed 180,000 miles and about all I need to do is change the oil every 5000 miles and drop in an air filter now and then and it has very good safety ratings.
Seriously, if you haven't driven one check out the 2010. I 'll bet you'll be very surprised.
Nice chatting with another "car crazy" person.

#1743 of 1807 Re: Volvo S40/V40 pros and cons [snead_c] by vwdawg

Oct 08, 2009 (8:09 am)

Replying to: snead_c (Oct 07, 2009 1:24 pm)
Hi snead_c: Thanks for your thorough overview and commentary on all of these vehicles. It sounds like your experience with the '06 S40 has been reasonably good....I might explore the S40 or V40 in the near future, although with two recent college grads and my youngest daughter still in private high school, I'm probably going to have to restrict my options to 2002 or older, with lower mileage if I can find one. I bought an ancient (1995) Mazda 626 V6 for my oldest daughter three years ago, and it just keeps rolling along at 140,000 miles. I have also owned several other Mazdas along the way, and have concluded that they are just as dependable as the Hondas and Toyotas, but the prices aren't quite as overinflated. I am aware of the raves on the new Prius, and will probably purchase one in the future, but the budget won't support a $28-30,000 rig right now. Have an excellent day. vwdawg

#1744 of 1807 New vehicle purchase?????????? by djm2

Dec 10, 2009 (6:02 pm)

Hi All!
 
      I am considering purchasing a new Volvo 2010 - S40 with 2.5 / inline 5 cylinder engine and a 5 speed automatic transmission.
 
      The vehicle will have the following options:
 
       1.) Power Glass Moonroof.
       2.) Power Passenger Seat.
       3.) Keyless Drive Function.
       4.) Heated Front Seats.
 
        I am looking at the reviews on Volvo's, and I am seeing that there are some issues with the S40 vehicles. --- Some of these vehicles have electrical, A/C, brake and transmission issues.
 
         Are there any owners out there who could put some light on this issue! ----I do not want to purchase a vehicle that has a potential problem! ----- I do not want to purchase a "dog!"
 
         Some of the other vehicles that I am considering are:
 
         1.) Toyota Rav4
         2.) Honda CRV
         3.) Hyundai Sonata
         4.) Ford Fusion
         5.) Mercury Milan
         6.) Toyota Camry
         7.) Chevrolet Malibu
 
         Best regards! ------------ Dwayne

#1745 of 1807 Re: New vehicle purchase?????????? [djm2] by blumstein

Dec 10, 2009 (6:29 pm)

Replying to: djm2 (Dec 10, 2009 6:02 pm)
My wife has a similar vehicle, but 2007. After 35,000 miles the only problem encountered was that the battery died about 2 weeks ago. It was easily replaced, of course.
 
The Volvo has a refined feel to it: the other cars you list do not. By refined, I mean that all the controls (steering, brakes, etc) seem smoother, made to tighter tolerances. Test drive one and pay attention to that feeling and you'll feel the difference.
Paul

#1746 of 1807 Re: New vehicle purchase?????????? [blumstein] by djm2

Dec 10, 2009 (7:40 pm)

Replying to: blumstein (Dec 10, 2009 6:29 pm)
Paul:
 
       Thank you for the posting! ----- I want to be VERY careful about making this purchase!
 
        Best regards. ------------ Dwayne

#1747 of 1807 Re: New vehicle purchase?????????? [blumstein] by subearu

Dec 10, 2009 (8:26 pm)

Replying to: blumstein (Dec 10, 2009 6:29 pm)
I agree, my '07 T5 has been great, I'm only at 22k miles. The T5 motor can be thrifty on fuel if you want it to be, but it is fun to run it through its paces too. I have 8 months left on my lease and am considering another one, probably the AWD version though.
 
-Brian

#1748 of 1807 Re: New vehicle purchase?????????? [subearu] by djm2

Dec 11, 2009 (3:31 am)

Replying to: subearu (Dec 10, 2009 8:26 pm)
Good Morning Brian:
 
       Thank you for your posting on this subject. ------ How often does Volvo require you to change the engine oil? ----- I presently have a 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6 and Toyota recommends 5,000 mile oil and filter changes. ------ (I make it a point to do it every 2,500 miles, because my vehicle is my office, and engine sludge can be an issue on some vehicles!) ------ What does the dealer charge for an oil & filter service. ----- The Toyota dealer charges $30.000 + tax & EPA charges. ------- I use the dealer because I want all my maintenance records in one location should I need service work under the extended warranty. ------ Do you have an extended warranty on your vehicle? ---- If the answer to this question is "yes," ----what was the cost of that warranty? --------- Thank you in advance for your help.
 
               Best regards. ------------ Dwayne

#1749 of 1807 Re: New vehicle purchase?????????? [djm2] by blumstein

Dec 11, 2009 (4:24 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Dec 11, 2009 3:31 am)
I'm not Brian, but for one point of reference: y wife's S40 I4 is required to be changed every 7500 miles! As I know something about oil deterioration (which is really additive deterioration), it scared me. A technician told me that they get away with it because of the large sump. It takes 7 quarts. Though they don't call for it, I use synthetic as insurance.
Paul

Messages Page 175 of 181

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