thinking of buying s40

[silver141]

Hi guys. Im looking to change my car in the near future and was planning on getting a 3 series.Ive £10,000 to spend and have just noticed what good value the s40 seems to offer compared to a bmw.Also they are not as common which i like.I paticularly like the r design models.Can anyone give me advice on best model to buy also any other info would be great thanks.

[ucb]

I bought a V50 recently, partly out of it being better value than an E90 touring.
I have the D5 R Design SE which was an ex-dealer demo and certainly had plenty of options like iPod, Bluetooth (not really standard until the last round of revisions), luggage covers, upgraded amp and speakers etc. The basic RDesign was essentially an S model with bodykit and R design 1/2 leather interior. The R Design SE adds other trim, but I dont remember exactly what!

I have found it very comfortable, quick enough. It has been much better/easier to drive than the VW PD130 I had last. I did drive the old 2.0D engines, but found them a bit like the PD unit with a big wall of low-down torque and then nothing. The D5 does at least have power upto 4k rpm and doesnt mind being revved so much.
I havent driven the petrol engines so cant offer an opinion.

I'm pretty happy with mine. I'm sure it doesn't drive as well as a 3-series, but I wasn't looking for a driver's car. I wanted something to cover big miles in comfort, reasonable economy (average 47mpg on my D5 at moment), BT, good stereo, and the Volvo ticked those boxes.

[ucb]

I forgot to say that i have been a bit irritated with minor trim rattles which don't seem to be in keeping with the 'premium' feel of certain surfaces etc.
And the rear doors sound really hollow when you shut them!

[silver141]

Thanks ucb.Could you tell me if youve had any costly repair bills?Also an idea of servicing costs.

[ucb]

Not had any servicing done yet, only had it since September. No repairs. Only issues so far are an engine warning light as apparently the oil was overfilled by the main dealer (really? or is it the DPF?), and I have noticd that my coolant is a funky brown colour and very overfilled. The deale didnt really seem that bothered by it and left it.
I have a Volvo Selekt warranty which I will probably renew in view of the above

[silver141]

Thanks for the info.The S40 is certainly worth considering.

[Baryonyx]

There are three blokes on my shift (of 40 people!) with current generation S40's at the moment. They seem like nice cars, and I've had the benefit of seeing three different models (one diesel auto, one diesel manual and one petrol manual).

They are nice enough cars, and it certainly looks as though Volvo took a step away from their old 'box' designs to make them. However, I had my 2001 S60 at the time and I was surprised at how much more solid that car felt. The S60's doors felt like bank vault doors compared to the tinny S40 doors. The engine felt stronger and being 5 clyinder, provided a good bit of a torque for a petrol. Even the centre console and stereo just felt a lot higher quality.

I still think the S40 is a good car though, maybe that just goes to show good the old S60 really is! I know which one I'd have if I were buying again.

[silver141]

The S60 does seem like a really nice car but there is only three of us in my family so a car of such size isnt really justified.Also in my experience the bigger the car the higher the running costs.I guy up the road has a S60 D5 and I agree it does look a lot more robust both internally and externally.I suppose its the old saying you get what you pay for.I just dont think the S60 is the right car for me.Thanks for the info and advice mate.