1807 messages,
Last post on Jul 01, 2011 at 7:51 AM
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Volvo S40 Forum.
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Volvo S40, Sedan
#465 of 1807 S40 experience in cold, snowy weather?
by drblock
Jul 09, 2001 (3:59 pm)
I am considering buying or leasing a new 2001 S40 within the next few weeks. However, I am concerned about how the car will hold up in the climate I live in (Buffalo, NY). I know that there is a cold weather package offered on the S40, but, still--winters here can be rough.
Does anyone reading this board have experience with the S40 (or any other Volvos, for that matter) in rough, cold climates? Does the car hold up well, not just in maneuvering hazardous conditions, but also in resisting rust damage (both on the paint and in the undercarriage).
Your thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks!
#466 of 1807 Rattling after 2000 kms
by wwaipower
Jul 09, 2001 (7:38 pm)
Mine is a 2001 S40. Have got it for two months and so far so good. But I started to notice a rattling after 2000 kms and it seems to be coming from the rear shaft and the noise is heard from the trunk. It's noticeable when you turn off your radio. It's of course quiet when riding on perfect plain road. Has anyone had the same problem?
Thanks!
#468 of 1807 Re:S40 experience in cold, snowy weather?
by robertag
Jul 11, 2001 (7:23 am)
Very happy with handling. No DSA but excellent snow tires and had no problems at all. This was driving in Toronto & Montreal all winter. Haven't seen any rust, but then, I wouldn't expect it either after only 8 months.
Jul 11, 2001 (9:35 am)
Okay, I have read many posts here that the 2000 S40 made them unhappy. I am considering a 2001 S40 and have test driven it several times. Seems quiet, good pickup. Do not like the manual dial for the info on the car or the manual knob for climate control but both small issues. Seats are comfy and well it should be safe as it is a Volvo. The current deal is $2,000 down and $289 for 48 months for a lease. The car has the leatherette, cold weather package, sunroof. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated. I also looked at an Audi A4 (money factor not as good but loved the ride) and a Saab 9-3 (still drives like a....Saab) but really like the value, feel, and look of the Volvo. Thanks to all.
#470 of 1807 Volvo in winter climates
by shawn325i
Jul 13, 2001 (7:39 am)
My 98 S70 se has been a great car in all seasons. It has been a very solid safe performer in the snow, Volvo is actually known for this as the winters in Sweden are brutal.
No rust!! 4 years old
Jul 14, 2001 (4:57 pm)
Just because you had a lemon doesn't mean that every s40 is bad, it certainly says nothing about volvo, I grew up with my parents cars as on/off volvos, my brothers first car was a volvo, and my parents currently have one volvo, all of which had no problems, a lemon is a lemon but that doesn't make the company any worse.
#472 of 1807 Shawn325i, i have to argue with that....
by coolmatt44
Jul 14, 2001 (5:00 pm)
Up until recently Volvo's did terrible in the snow, they were all rear wheal drive, I remember once as a child our volvo actually slid off the road and all the way up someones lawn in only about 2 inches of snow. Now they do wonderful (especially the AWD) but people use to get brutely angry because volvo's should have done better than they did (because of the assumption that because Sweden had harsh winters they should have winter friendly cars)
#473 of 1807 Got rid of my S40
by dianeb773
Jul 14, 2001 (7:46 pm)
I had a 2000 S40 with 18,600 miles that I just traded for an Audi A6 2.8. I thought I was getting a good car but replaced the rear brake pads at 14,000 and the front pads just before I got rid of it. The problem that cinched me getting rid of the car was an annoying squeak in the right rear. I had it at the dealer twice (one week, then 3 days at a time) and they still couldn't find the problem. They replaced the right strut and that was actually a bent strut so they replaced it a second time and nothing helped. The service manager told me he actually had 2 other cars in for the same thing. As I was driving to pick up my Audi the squeak was actually louder than it had ever been. I knew I would have been frustrated and angry if I had kept that car so I'm glad that I got rid of it. I broke even and I have to say, I love my new Audi. I thought a Volvo would have been a dependable, long-lasting car. I will never recommend or purchase Volvo again.
#474 of 1807 Volvo S40 = Lemon?
by s40girl
Jul 19, 2001 (12:42 pm)
I can't believe that people are saying that the Volvo S40 is a lemon! I just signed on the dotted line two days ago and am picking it up in a month. Am I going to have to kick myself later? I assume people are talking about the 2000 model and not the 2001 one. Hopefully this year's model runs smoothly. I currently drive a 1999 Volvo S70 GLT and its had its share of problems, but not to the extent that was described above.