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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 178 of 182

#1764 of 1807 Re: Buying Decision on 2005/06 S40 after reading SERVICE BULLETINS! [susan_spencer] by qbrozen

Jan 02, 2010 (10:40 am)

Replying to: susan_spencer (Jan 01, 2010 10:10 pm)
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are very different from Recalls. A TSB is merely a message to the dealers stating something like "if you hear of this problem, we have a solution and here it is." A recall, on the other hand, is when notices go to all owners to let them know something is wrong and it should be fixed.
 
You could have 100 TSBs for a particular model car, but the owner may only experience 5 of those or even none of those.
 
If I recall correctly, our Honda had something like 40 TSBs.
 
I don't own an S40, but I've owned a couple of volvos and love them.

#1765 of 1807 Mazda 3 by sandman_6472

Jan 02, 2010 (11:53 am)

This is essentially the same car...just more reliable. Wife tried both but hated the rear headrests...blocked vision, so she went with the 3s model. More economical 4 cylinder engine and a silky smooth tranny. I also looked to trade my Civic last July for an S40 and was very unimpressed. Having severe spinal issues figured the Volvo seats would be a better fit for me but the S40 seats were nothing special...as good as my Civic's. All the pre-owned cars had "issues" and the $ they wanted was just plain stupid.
Truly feel the Mazda 3 is a better application of this car with far less "issues" or recalls to worry about. The Hyundai Sonata power seats were far better than the S40's after driving both back to back. It's your $, but I for one want a drama free ride...and the S40 ain't it. Even my mechanic said "stay away" as parts are more expensive and the reliability factor just isn't there for this premium econo car.
 
The Sandman

#1766 of 1807 Re: Buying Decision on 2005/06 S40 after reading SERVICE BULLETINS! [susan_spencer] by snead_c

Jan 02, 2010 (11:57 am)

Replying to: susan_spencer (Jan 01, 2010 10:10 pm)
Mine is 2006 T5 awd
Likes : awd, solid feel, paint finish, 30+ highway mpg, safety reputation, seat comfort
Dislikes: high test gas requirement, expensive and limited available service, difficult and expensive cabin air filter replacement
I just read sandman's reply and I agree on the Mazda option

#1767 of 1807 BLOWN HEAD GASKET by bereal22

Feb 01, 2010 (10:16 pm)

I wanted to know if any one knows if the heads are alunminum on a 2000 Volvo s40?

#1768 of 1807 Seeking 2010 S40 Satisfaction Input- Esp. on Seats, Brakes by belle7478

Mar 16, 2010 (2:38 pm)

I own a 2000 S40 and am considering the new one (Standard, not T5). I understand it is totally different from mine. I find the seats on mine extermely uncomfortable on longer drives ( 1+ hours). And the brakes, while okay, seem a little less responsive than I'd like, but that may be because I've previously had manual transmissions.
 
I'd appreciate feedback from owners on these issues -- or any other likes and dislikes you have on the car. Also any thoughts on the T-Tec vs leather.
 
Thank you so much!!

#1769 of 1807 Re: Seeking 2010 S40 Satisfaction Input- Esp. on Seats, Brakes [belle7478] by snead_c

Mar 17, 2010 (8:17 am)

Replying to: belle7478 (Mar 16, 2010 2:38 pm)
I own a 2006 T5 that has leather seats. I believe they are similar to 2010 (not sure). Brakes are excellent and probably similar across the line. Seating is typically euro firm and is a very individual thing. I like mine especially since I have lots of possible adjustments. I've seen messagers not care for the feel which is very different from Japanese soft or US couch like.. Be sure to schedule a long test ride before your final decision to purchase. Good luck.

#1770 of 1807 Re: Seeking 2010 S40 Satisfaction Input- Esp. on Seats, Brakes [snead_c] by belle7478

Mar 17, 2010 (9:39 am)

Replying to: snead_c (Mar 17, 2010 8:17 am)
Thank you for taking the time, snead. Very helpful.

#1771 of 1807 Re: Seeking 2010 S40 Satisfaction Input- Esp. on Seats, Brakes [snead_c] by davidp158

Mar 23, 2010 (6:56 pm)

Replying to: snead_c (Mar 17, 2010 8:17 am)
I also have a 2006 S40 T5 with leather seats. Overall the car is very nice, but I absolutely loath the leather seats. The side bolsters are too narrow, very firm and extremely uncomfortable on long drives. The right leg bolster restricts my leg position, which interferes with comfortable access to the gas pedal. I'm not a big guy (5'7", 150 lbs.), and even though the S40 is a compact car, maybe I'm just not the "right size" for these seats. If you plan on taking long drives, I suggest that you rent a S40 for a few days to evaluate the seats.

#1772 of 1807 Re: Seeking 2010 S40 Satisfaction Input- Esp. on Seats, Brakes [davidp158] by belle7478

Mar 24, 2010 (5:56 am)

Replying to: davidp158 (Mar 23, 2010 6:56 pm)
Thank you, David. We are about the same height and it is my right leg - actually thigh - that starts to hurt first, And then my rear. I find myself lifting myself out of my seat at a toll booth for a break! I wonder if the t-tec seats would make a difference vs the harder leather. I have seen a couple of reviews that mention seat comfort as a plus on this car. Edmunds recommends the t-tec over the leather.

#1773 of 1807 Re: Seeking 2010 S40 Satisfaction Input- Esp. on Seats, Brakes [belle7478] by davidp158

Mar 24, 2010 (9:04 am)

Replying to: belle7478 (Mar 24, 2010 5:56 am)
belle7478 - I think the size and design of the S40 seats, combined with the gas pedal position are an ergonomic problem for me. If the bolsters on the fabric (t-tec?) seats are softer, that would probably help somewhat. When test driving Volvos, we did drive a few with the fabric seats, and thought they were fine. We probably went with leather thinking they were "better." BTW, the heated seat option is a wonderful option that I highly recommend. I complain about the seats, but I DO enjoy that they are heated.

Messages Page 178 of 182

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