Educate me on a v40

[NEU]

So I'm in the market for a new daily hatch/coupe, but several folk on VS mentioned v40. I don't know much about them other than what I've read here since the merge...

Here's what I wrote for my criteria

"Need some advice for a used hatch/coupe for a commuter car. Looking to get a small 4 banger with good MPG and the ability to handle without much money being dropped into it. This is the main thing I want is a car to handle the turns. I want cheap, reliable and safe, doesn't have to be fast or have to be a hatch, but it does have to be AUTOMATIC!

I don't want something too old that it's going to be another project. I'm looking on spending between $3-6K, but would prefer the lower end of the spectrum so I have some cash left over to put some minimal upgrades or repairs if needed, like stereo, swaybars, brakes, wheels. Not looking to make this an uncomfortable car to drive and something to take the potholes and have the ability to park in a small space."

What do I need to look for and what is the best years (I'm assuming the last couple...)

So educate me.

[Ol' Dirty Noodle]

Go for an 03-04, issues to check,

last timing belt/water pump job 

last PCV replacement 

check for rough starts caused by a failing FPR 

rough idle from a dirty IACV

idk of stock height cars have an issue or the roads here but between being extremely low and the shitty roads I chew through front wheel bearings 

also look for oil around the timing covers as it could indicate a leaky VVT pulley 

[theForgottenone]

^^^ old dirty layout a pretty good plan.

Budget some money for the front strut bar, and rear sway bar. Those will improve your suspension feel and handling.  Also check for the transmission fluid and when it was last flush/change.  That will determine how long the transmission will last.

You can also spend money on some cheap coil-over and be done with it.

[TEEKAY]

^^^^ all good items. Def 03-04.

- Top radiator hose develops a crack where it splits for the thermostat housing and coolant reservoir (has caused many nedcar deaths)
- I've been seeing a higher frequency of posts about broken rear springs (I had one a few years ago on the originals and had no idea).
- Related to rough idle there is a hose on the IACV to the intercooler that can get a leak / be cracked if it's never been changed.
- The bushings on all the suspension components.

- From a coolkid perspective there is an elusive sports seat that is cloth and has leather accents. Most have biege or charcoal. Some have grey cloth or black cloth. US didn't seem to get true "black" leather, unless it was somehow super specialy acquired so those would be desirable things to find if you saw it. Same with the piano black trim bits. 

- Don't get the lower H brace if you get ultra racing bars. It will rub against the exhaust and the OE one which is a single bar works.
- There are ebay midpipes to replace the flex pipe and second cat that are super affordable so if when inspecting don't worry about it if it shows up.
- There are evo brake options.
- There are do88 silicone bits for coolant hoses, intercooler, intake, and charge pipe coming off of the turbo.
- There are no real players in town for afforable upgraded intercoolers that drop in.
- Megan Racing sells rear control links? for adjustable camber and toe.
 

 

 

 

 

[NEU]

Thanks guys. Took a couple cars for a test drive this weekend and wanted to keep it in the Volvo family but didn't want to buy another project.

Sooooo, I pulled the trigger on a '11 c30 R design. It's a blast!

[TEEKAY]

I think you chose wisely

[Phixion]

I'm jealous!!  I think you can get a Polestar upgrade and/or reprogram on that model/year??