Volvo S40 - reliability?

[anonymous-user]

Despite the S40 (2004-on) looking like a scaled-down S60/80 (which I like), it does seem to have a fair few problems reported with the 2.0 diesel and 1.6/1.8 petrol engines

These form the majority of engines offered, but I'm not sure if their reliability is up to scratch. Has anyone had experience of them - either in the S40 or other platform?

Externally, I think they look okay, but still not sure about the 'floating' centre console - looks a bit 'cheap'.

Would i be better off with a similar-spec Focus?

[loskie]

I had a 2009 V50 2.0d from new to 6 yrs and 130000m. Alternator failed around 105000m, some need the DPF renewed at 75000m. Air con condensor a common fail, so common Volvo replaced FOC out of warranty. Bushes need replaced about 100000m. Some need ad blu some dont!

I liked mine, was comfy, fast enough 45mpg. V50 not a big estate by any means, s40 boot id restrictive, wasnt an issue for me but rear seats legroom lacking.

blew headlight bulbs every 9m or so but easy to replace due to thoughtful design, dipped headlights poor.


Take a look at volvoforums.org.uk

[Ragsto]

These Volvo's are clones of the Focus, many parts of ours have"fomoco" stamped on them.

Ours is at 135k miles and has been ok. Front suspension has recently had new bushes, wheel bearings, which is reasonable. Not a car to love or hate, and imho not a patch on the S60 which I loved.

Hope that helps

[confused_buyer]

Reliability wise they are about the same as any European mid-range mass produced car. They share a lot with the Focus so are about the same level of reliability.

The 2008-on facelift models (spotted by different handbrake and headlights) seem a bit better sorted in general.

[driveaway]

anonymous-user said:

Despite the S40 (2004-on) looking like a scaled-down S60/80 (which I like), it does seem to have a fair few problems reported with the 2.0 diesel and 1.6/1.8 petrol engines

These form the majority of engines offered, but I'm not sure if their reliability is up to scratch. Has anyone had experience of them - either in the S40 or other platform?

Externally, I think they look okay, but still not sure about the 'floating' centre console - looks a bit 'cheap'.

Would i be better off with a similar-spec Focus?

NOOOOO.
Don't touch a focus.
I have both, in my Volvo S40 1.6l SE (2007), I did a drive from London to the alps, regularly do journeys up north and back 200+ miles, and the car flies like a bird.
I topped 120 mph in France, only because I wanted to test the limit of the car.
At 130 mph the car got rough, but at 120 it was still smooth sailing (and that is with a boot full and seats full with suitcases etc).
They are proper reliable Volvo's and got me kicking in regards to cars.

I also have a Ford Focus GHIA, around the same year, and yes I must say they weigh what fords weigh, and (my friend) doing 90 mph in the wind and rain middle lane M6, the car didn't jerk, skid nothing, but the comfort, add-ons possible, reliability, strength, safety etc is just a very rude belittling of the Volvo's!!

[rossub]

I’m sure he’ll be delighted with your advice…. 6 1/2 years later

[driveaway]

rossub said:

I’m sure he’ll be delighted with your advice…. 6 1/2 years later

I didn't notice the date until my comment was posted already, I found the thread in the search...