Buying A Second Volvo - S40 Or S70?

[Tatnic]

I've never once had to replace an evaporator in a 2001-2004 s40. As a matter o fact, I've seen s40 with 400 000km on them with still original working AC.

There's something terribly wrong with YOUR S40.

and when subarus break, they're more expensive to fix because it's a lot harder for the DIY scene. Maybe you got a good subaru and a bad s40?

Either way, if you can't afford the car new, you can't afford to fix it.

It's like buying older BMWs, Audis, Mercedez etc... if you want REAL luxury (Lexus isn't REAL luxury), you're going to pay in repairs unless you buy new.

I've only had the S40 for a week, the A/C seems fine, but a V40 2001 Iooked at prior had no cold air. I called the dealer and was told that the common problems with this vintage is the evaporator first ($1600 plus another $170 for dye testing), then the compressor which was a bargain for on $1400 (I would fix the compressor myself but not the evaporator). I was warning Tina about this issue for this particular year and model since she'll no doubt need A/C in CA.

You guys are not really objective when it comes to Volvos...and I don't think she is either. And if you've only had a hand full of cars then you really don't have much under your belt for comparison. I've suffered through a number of cars and trucks and the absolute least painful so far has been toyotas...I've had 3 and I still have a '91 4x4 with over 200k and rusting strong. I don't even change the oil anymore in that old bugger...its disposable at this point although it still runs great.

[PsychoWagon]

I've only had the S40 for a week, the A/C seems fine, but a V40 2001 Iooked at prior had no cold air. I called the dealer and was told that the common problems with this vintage is the evaporator first

lol, $1600 for the evap? USD? I think you should get a second opinion lol.

I've had bad luck with hondas, volkswagens, volvos, but it all depends on what USED car you inherit.

[scandalo]

lol, $1600 for the evap? USD? I think you should get a second opinion lol.

I've had bad luck with hondas, volkswagens, volvos, but it all depends on what USED car you inherit.

Very true. Dunno much about the S40 4 cyl but ~60k sounds like there may be some maintenance milestones coming up. I know that is the case for the S60s which are more popular here.

I would love to see a maintenance milestone list for this car and mine if anyone has a info on that. It would definitely help the OP out on this purchase.

[PsychoWagon]

milestones from what I can remember:

Rear springs - $150 - $400 (depends on whats seized) DIY price

Rear allignment arms/bushings $100 (seize so you cant allign the rear) DIY price

Flexpipe breaking - free? extended warranty from Volvo

Seat heaters not working - depends, $100 - $500 DIY

Climate Control Module - for the above

Antenna mast getting seized $20 DIY

bulbs bulbs and more bulbs $10000000000000000000000 DIY

turbo drain seals $20 DIY

turbo control valve $100 DIY

PCV $300 DIY

timing belt 168k $250 <- not DIY

fuel pressure regulator $100 DIY

map sensor $100 DIY

maf sensor $200 DIY

[Big Will]

I've only had the S40 for a week, the A/C seems fine, but a V40 2001 Iooked at prior had no cold air. I called the dealer and was told that the common problems with this vintage is the evaporator first ($1600 plus another $170 for dye testing), then the compressor which was a bargain for on $1400 (I would fix the compressor myself but not the evaporator). I was warning Tina about this issue for this particular year and model since she'll no doubt need A/C in CA.

You guys are not really objective when it comes to Volvos...and I don't think she is either. And if you've only had a hand full of cars then you really don't have much under your belt for comparison. I've suffered through a number of cars and trucks and the absolute least painful so far has been toyotas...I've had 3 and I still have a '91 4x4 with over 200k and rusting strong. I don't even change the oil anymore in that old bugger...its disposable at this point although it still runs great.

It doesn't sound like you have very much experience under your belt if you're shelling out $1770 for an evaporator.

In any event, obviously people here will defend Volvos because they are the cars we like. Overall, Volvos are pretty well-engineered cars. There are certain engineering snafus to be sure: the glovebox latches tend to break in the closed position instead of the open one which is a pain, and other repairs are difficult to access but show me another modern car that doesn't have a handful of hard-to-reach repairs.

The first generation Volvo AWD system was not thoughtfully engineered though it is wonderfully simple and works perfectly well, it's too delicate to be practical in the long run for people who don't take careful care of it.

Back to the topic - the S40s did come out in 1996 but not in the US. We have them in Sweden starting then and much of the rest of the world. The 2003-2004.5 got very nice updated headlights but that's cosmetic. The ones I've driven have been decent cars. The 5 cylinder engine is pretty proven in them so no surprises there. Different car, but I owned an '06 S40 for a couple of years and aside from needing a couple of software updates and a broken CD changer, that car was zero maintenance.

Why do you keep returning to this concept of the interference engine? What's the problem? There are service intervals for the timing belt based on mileage and time. If you follow them and occasionally inspect the belt to see that it's not fraying there's no problem. And most of the 99+ Volvos have a 105K mile interval so it's not like you're changing them every couple years.

Sorry you've had bad experiences with your Volvos. Maybe you should have done a more thorough job inspecting it before you bought them with so many problems.

Oh and if you're close to Topsham, ME - Goodwins is a terrific Volvo dealer in terms of their service.

[tina]

I've been looking at some very nice cars, it seems to be a buyer's market, thankfully. Of course the best ones sell quickly! BUt I am not in a big hurry.

What do you all think of buying a car with salvage title, supposedly due to damage to a rear quarter panel - repaired so it is not visible. I understand why someone would want to do this as opposed to letting the insurance take the car (insurance tends not to give you fair replacement value, and "totals" the car at the drop of a hat then auctions off to their profit) but it does make me a bit nervous. What is the best way to check for frame damage - take it to a shop for evaluation or is there a way I can check myself? Drive it on the highway of course, too.

[scandalo]

I would be worried about suspension and rear axle damage. Dunno why it would be a salvage for just panel damage.

Not a good way to check yourself without getting under the car. A drive at some speed would help you know.

What car is it?

[tina]

I would be worried about suspension and rear axle damage. Dunno why it would be a salvage for just panel damage.

Not a good way to check yourself without getting under the car. A drive at some speed would help you know.

What car is it?

It is a 2003 S40, low-ish miles. I don't know if they had it repaired by a "buddy" or took it to a shop - if the latter there could be some chance of a description or diagnosis of the damage if they have the records. I thought if there is no frame damage, the title problems could provide me some negotiation power to get a deal. But, of course I don't want to stick myself with a car that has hidden damage and that I can't sell again easily because of the salvage title.

[PsychoWagon]

resale would be bad for you...

plus if volvos arent painted properly they rust out.

[tina]

resale would be bad for you...

plus if volvos arent painted properly they rust out.

Rust is not generally a bit issue here - too hot and dry, no winters with salt on the road. I keep my cars until they die so resale is not a concern for me either, especially if I can get a better deal that what they are asking. Serious damage to frame, axle etc is what concerns me, I guess if I like the car I will arrange to have to looked at by the indie mechanic and see what they say.

[PsychoWagon]

your best option would be to spend 1 hour of the dealer door rate and they'll give you a list of what it needs, being a dealer they call EVERYTHING. You can also use that as leverage for negotiating.

Best thing is to get it checked by the dealer and tell them to check for bend components.

[Tatnic]

lol, $1600 for the evap? USD? I think you should get a second opinion lol.

I've had bad luck with hondas, volkswagens, volvos, but it all depends on what USED car you inherit.

I didn't buy that particular V40 with the warm A/C because of what the dealer told me were common problems with that vintage (based on their experience). My S40 so far seems fine in that department. But Tina asked about issues with this vintage so I told her what I found out. I'm guessing that since its a two day job to replace the evaporator that most DIY'ers wouldn't bother with that chore. We don't need A/C where we are but Tina probably will.

As I also suggested to her, you have to buy these at or below wholesale, even if you think you know all the problems with it. I got this one substantially below wholesale so I have a decent margin of error.....for now anyway.

I have to admit that the S40 looks very stunning....my neighbor thought it was new and couldn't believe what I paid for it. And I do have some respect for Volvos...my wife's 740 was pretty tough, she pounded the hell out of it but that little 2.2 kept on purring. We'd cruise down to NY at 75~80 mph and put it up wet...it could take some punishment and was pretty fuel efficient. It made it to around 230k before I finally junked it. Like I said, I don't hate volvos but they wouldn't be my first choice either all things equal. Good luck with your purchase Tina.

[PsychoWagon]

I didn't buy that particular V40 with the warm A/C because of what the dealer told me were common problems with that vintage (based on their experience). My S40 so far seems fine in that department. But Tina asked about issues with this vintage so I told her what I found out. I'm guessing that since its a two day job to replace the evaporator that most DIY'ers wouldn't bother with that chore. We don't need A/C where we are but Tina probably will.

As I also suggested to her, you have to buy these at or below wholesale, even if you think you know all the problems with it. I got this one substantially below wholesale so I have a decent margin of error.....for now anyway.

I have to admit that the S40 looks very stunning....my neighbor thought it was new and couldn't believe what I paid for it. And I do have some respect for Volvos...my wife's 740 was pretty tough, she pounded the hell out of it but that little 2.2 kept on purring. We'd cruise down to NY at 75~80 mph and put it up wet...it could take some punishment and was pretty fuel efficient. It made it to around 230k before I finally junked it. Like I said, I don't hate volvos but they wouldn't be my first choice either all things equal. Good luck with your purchase Tina.

lol, I think the X40s are the ugliest of the volvos

AC is not a common issue with S40s.

And it's DEFINATELY not a 2 day job. Take less than 5 hours.

if you want an acura/toyoto go for it, just dont get into an accident with a volvo

[tina]

Well I went and looked at the car with the salvage title, I did not get a good feeling from the seller - didn't even bother taking it for a test drive. He said the car's tires needed balancing because there was some vibration on the highway. Yeah right, it's the tires - when selling a car for over 5k you won't spend $35 to get the tires balanced first? Or could it be that the frame or axle is damaged from the accident? He was also unrealistically inflexible in the price for the car with 3 owners and a salvage title, so I didn't waste any more time. Lots of other fish in the sea with better histories!

[MrWinkey]

I would not buy a salvaged titled car unless your a mechanic and can get it dirt cheap....even then I think I would pass for a reliable family car. The 40 series are as stated quite reliable. The FPR actually tripled in price though and they do have some catalyst issues occasionally along with other things said. They really are decent little cars 2004 and 1/2 you have to watch as now your getting into the new style. As long as the car has a 1.9 motor you will be fine. However comparing to the 80's RWD cars (red block) in reliability and cost of up keep ...those days are gone as NO ONE builds cars like that any longer?

The 240 was a car you could sink to the bottom of the bay, pull it out a year later, let it dry and it would start!!!

;)