Volvo S40 Problems

There was a time when being a “bloody” Volvo driver was anything but cool, but the Swedish brand best known for its bland styling and boring safety message is enjoying a new image that pokes fun at its staid past. It all began with a new generation of models that were more pleasing to the eye. Gone were the boxy old shapes that resembled high rise dwellings on wheels, replaced by softer curves that better fitted modern times.Volvos began to blend in instead of standing out for the wrong reasons. Traditional Volvo owners, who appreciated the engineering, build quality, and, yes, even the styling may not have been so enthusiastic about letting the past go, but the company had to attract new buyers and the new models were clearly aimed at doing that.Among the new models was the 1997 40 series, made up of the S40 sedan and its V40 wagon variant.MODEL WATCH While Volvo claimed safety as its own realm in the 1970s when it relentlessly sold its safe and sound message, by the time the 1990s rolled around it had lost its gloss.Safety was no longer the strong selling point it had been, and car buyers were shopping for excitement. In any case Volvo’s rivals were at least equal in safety terms so there was no real competitive advantage either.By the time the new 40 series was launched in 1997 Volvo’s drab boxy shape wasn’t only dated, it so identified the Swedish cars that it was an impediment to sales. It was clearly time to move on.The 40 series effectively replaced the oddly styled 440, which had died in sales terms. Unlike the 440 the new 40 series was pleasantly styled, much in line with contemporary styling trends, with clean lines and softer edges that were in stark contrast to previous models form Gothenburg.While the shape might not have been recognisable as being traditional Volvo there was no mistaking the trademark grille with its diagonal slash and familiar Volvo badge. Even with the new styling direction there was no mistaking the new 40 series as a Volvo.The S40 and V40 were essentially the same, the S denoting the sedan model, the V standing for variant or wagon. The body differences were from the rear doors back, the front was the same.Mechanically both models were the same. Initially there was just the one engine available, and that was a smooth 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft 16-valve all alloy four-cylinder unit which boasted 103 kW of peak power generated at 6100 revs and 183 Nm of torque which arrived at 4500 revs.Not generally renowned as a performance car, the 40 series was something of a surprise packet if you were prepared to rev it hard and high to realise its performance potential.The performance was boosted by the introduction of a 1.9-litre turbocharged engine a few months after the initial launch. With the turbo under the bonnet the T-4 40 series boasted 147 kW of peak power.Early in 1998 Volvo also launched the T sedan and wagon with a 2.0-litre engine and 118 kW of peak power.A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, or for an extra $2000 there was a four-speed auto available, and the drive was through the front wheels.On the road the auto was smooth in its operation but tended to hunt between gears, and soaked up some of the four-cylinder’s power to dull the performance which was more evident with the manual ’box.The ride was a little solid for what was a family sedan, but the handling was safe and secure, although it exhibited the usual front-wheel drive tendency to push wide at the front when pressed.There was no lack of features in the 40 series. Standard equipment included air-conditioning, power windows, central locking, power mirrors, cloth trim, and four-speaker sound.The better equipped SE, priced at a $4000 premium, included leather trim, woodgrain highlights, CD sound, climate control air-con, sports steering wheel, and alloy wheels.When you selected the T-4 you also got 16-inch alloy wheels, traction control, sports suspension and sports seats.IN THE SHOP Generally the 40 series is living up to Volvo’s reputation for reliability, so look for a service record that can be verified. It should either be from a Volvo dealer or acknowledged service specialist.Major services are due every 45,000 km and it’s important to replace the cam belt every 125,000 km. Failure to do so risks severe internal damage if the belt breaks.Look carefully for signs of dodgy crash repairs, mismatching paint on adjacent panels, overspray in door openings, boot or bonnet openings, variable panel gaps, and doors or tail gates that don’t open and close smoothly.IN A CRASH The 40 series was packed with safety features that makes it a worthy buy on the used market.Front airbags for the driver and passenger provided protection in frontal crashes, while Volvo’s side impact protection system afforded protection in side impacts.Add to that front seat belt pretensioners, and built-in baby seats that match toddlers to the adult seat belts, and you have an impressive secondary safety package.Primary safety package includes ABS and dynamic stability assistance to help avoid crashes in the first instance.OWNERS SAY Joe Perillo has owned two V40s, the latest a 2.0T. He says the turbo provides more than adequate performance, the compact size is good for city driving, while open road driving is nicely European and very enjoyable. He sums up by saying the V40 is a lot of fun for such a practical car.Glenys Allender is very satisfied with the 1997 Volvo S40 T4 she has owned for two years. On the positive side she says it has excellent fuel economy, smooth power, superb handling, powerful brakes, its good sized boot, and solid build quality. Negatives include the hard ride, faulty fuel gauge, and poor headlights.LOOK FOR • safe and secure handling• bumpy ride• solid build quality• good safety• attractive stylingTHE BOTTOM LINE Solid compact family sedan with good performance and handling without the traditional boxy styling.RATING 70/100

Volvo claimed safety as its own realm in the '70s when it relentlessly sold its "safe and solid" message, but by the time the '90s rolled around it had lost its gloss.  By the time the new 40 series was launched in 1997 Volvo's drab, boxy shape was dated and was an impediment to sales.Model watchThe 40 series replaced the oddly styled 440, which had died in sales terms. Unlike the 440, the new 40 series was pleasantly styled, in line with contemporary trends. But there was no mistaking the trademark grille with its diagonal slash and familiar Volvo badge.The S40 and V40 were essentially the same, the S denoting the sedan model, the V standing for variant or wagon. The body differences were from the rear doors back.Mechanically both models were the same. Initially there was the one engine available, and that was a smooth 2.0-litre, double overhead camshaft, 16-valve, all-alloy, four-cylinder unit that gave 103kW of peak power generated at 6100 revs and 183Nm of torque, which arrived at 4500 revs.The 40 series was something of a surprise if you were prepared to rev it hard and high to realise its performance potential. That was boosted by the introduction of a 1.9-litre turbocharged engine. The T-4 40 series gave 147kW of peak power with the turbo under the bonnet. Early in 1998 Volvo also launched the T sedan and wagon.A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, or for an extra $2000 there was a four-speed auto with the drive through the front wheels.  On the road the auto was smooth in its operation. Yet it tended to hunt between gears, and soaked up some of the four-cylinder's power to dull the performance, which was more evident with the manual box.Ride was a little solid for what was a family sedan, but the handling was safe and secure. It exhibited the front-wheel-drive tendency to push wide at the front when pressed.  Equipment included airconditioning, power windows, central locking, power mirrors, cloth trim and four-speaker sound.The better equipped SE, priced at a $4000 premium, included leather trim, woodgrain highlights, CD sound, climate-control aircon, sports steering wheel and alloy wheels.  The T-4 had 16-inch alloy wheels, traction control, sports suspension and sports seats.In the shopThe 40 series is living up to Volvo's reputation for reliability, so look for a service record that can be verified. It should be from a Volvo dealer or acknowledged service specialist.Major services are due every 45,000km and it's important to replace the cam belt every 125,000km. Failure to do so risks severe internal damage if the belt breaks.Look for signs of bodgy crash repairs, mismatching paint on adjacent panels, overspray in door, boot or bonnet openings, variable panel gaps and doors or tailgates that don't open and close smoothly.  Front airbags for driver and passenger provided protection in head-ons, with the side impact protection system for side-on crashes.Add to that front seatbelt pre-tensioners, and built-in baby seats that match toddlers to the adult seat belts, and you have an impressive secondary safety package.  The primary safety package includes ABS and dynamic stability assistance.Owner's viewGlenys Allender says her 1997 Volvo S40 T4 has excellent fuel economy, smooth power, superb handling, powerful brakes, a good-sized boot and build quality. Negatives are the ride, faulty fuel gauge and poor headlights.Rating 14/20 Solid compact family sedan with good performance and handling without the traditional but rather boxy-looking styling

Graham Smith reviews the second generation, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Volvo S40 as a used buy.

After years of safe, sensible, but somewhat stodgy cars Volvo reinvigorated its offering with a series of smart, stylish and more appealing models. The popular S40 compact sedan was a major part of that transformation after replacing the 440 in the late 1990s.NEWAn all-new S40 appeared in 2004 and it was a big step forward in both style and substance, with an updated range of models, a responsive chassis, and a diesel engine option. Four models made up the range, starting with the entry level S, following came the luxury LE, the D5 diesel and the sporty T5.They were smartly laid-out inside, with practical controls, comfortable seats and ample cabin space, although those in the back seats might have felt a little cramped. Three engine options were offered, starting with the 2.4-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, with a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine and a sporty turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine as attractive alternatives.The base petrol engine delivered decent performance, while the diesel stretched the distance between fuel stops nicely and still offered good performance, but the sparkling performer of the range was the turbocharged petrol engine in the sporty T5. There was a choice of manual and automatic transmissions available, depending on the model.Most of the range was front-wheel drive, but the T5 boasted all-wheel drive. If the engines delivered the zip, it was the chassis that delivered the real enjoyment with its nimble, surefooted handling that was light years ahead of the lumbering old Volvo of the past.NOWLike all modern cars the S40 bristles with technology and as we see every day here at Carsguide that can mean trouble. That's not to suggest that every car will breakdown, but it's a fact of today's motoring life that the cars we drive are often struck down with maladies that are unexplainable and frustrating.It's important to approach the buying process with that in mind and thoroughly check any used car you might be thinking of buying. Even the most thorough check might not identify an underlying issue, but it's vital that a check is conducted.That might be a road test, and we don't mean a quick thrash around the block, but an extended road evaluation taking in as many varied road and driving conditions as possible. It should include highway speed as well as normal suburban speed, you should go to a car park and test it at walking speed, manoeuvre it as you would if parking it, drive it over speed humps, around roundabouts, over smooth, rough, even gravel roads.While you're doing this you should be listening for odd noises, clunks, rattles, vibrations, anything that seems out of the ordinary. But don't rest there, take it to a Volvo specialist and have them cast their expert eye over it. While you're at it check for a service record, one that's credible, and preferably from a mechanic who is familiar with the Volvo brand.Regular oil changes are critical to engine life, so it's important that the recommended service routine is maintained. Many S40s will have passed or fast approaching the time when the cam timing belt needs to be changed. The change on earlier models was scheduled at 120,000km or eight years, later ones went out to 150,000km or 10 years.SMITHY SAYSAn attractive mid-sized car that offers safety, features and good on-road performance at an affordable used price.Volvo S40 - 2006-2009Price new: $39,950 to $54,950Engine: 2.4-litre, 5-cylinder, 125 kW/230 Nm; 2.4-litre, 5-cylinder, turbo-diesel, 132 kW, 350 Nm; 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo, 162 kW/320 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, 5-speed man, FWD, 6-speed man (T5), AWD (T5)Economy: 7.0L/100 km (TD), 8.7L/100 km (2.4), 10.1L/100 km (T5)Body: 4-door sedanVariants: S, LE, D5, T5Safety: 5-star ANCAP.

Try as it might Volvo can't seem to shake its reputation for being boring and stodgy, even though the company is now part of the Ford empire and its cars are closely related to models carrying the blue oval.NEWUnder the Ford banner the cars carrying the Volvo slash are a far cry from the old Volvos, but still it seems the Volvo badge is enough to deter possible buyers from stopping off at its dealerships when out shopping for a prestige car.Take, for instance, the mid-sized S60 sedan, which is a well equipped, decent driving, attractive car by any measure, and yet it struggles for traction against rivals from BMW and Audi and the like that are the new aspirational makes.With the choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive the S60 chassis is capable of handling any type of road that comes its way with impressive aplomb. Equipped with ABS brakes and stability control there are no situations it can't deal with safely. Show it a flowing road and it comes up trumps.Not only does it handle impressively it also rides well, soaking up all sorts of road surfaces without fuss. If it drives nicely it also looks good with its distinctively Volvo front, smooth flowing lines and athletic profile.There's a good choice of petrol and diesel engines to give you the performance or economy you want, starting with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four through to a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, with a couple of five-cylinder turbo-diesels in the midst of the range. Some criticised the auto transmission, which was said to be slow reacting and was often found wanting in its gear selection.NOWThe S60 released in 2010 is still relatively new to the market having been on the road for only a couple of years or so, so it's to be expected that there will be few reports of problems and our research with Volvo service specialists suggest that there is little to report at this stage of the car's life.Even though it's early days for the S60 it's still important that any car under consideration for purchase be checked for condition. It would be unusual for a car so new to be neglected when it comes to servicing, but it's still better to check its service record rather than assuming it has been done. Check inside and out for any signs of wear and tear that might bring the value down.It's also worth mentioning at this stage that with the Volvo brand on the nose with many people, rightly or wrongly, the resale value can be adversely affected. That applies equally when you're buying and when you are selling.It also needs to be noted that the S60 doesn't have a spare wheel, and there's no provision for carrying one. The only option is to carry a can of puncture repair foam.SMITHY SAYSLook beyond the brand and you'll find a decent car in the S60. Take a look.Volvo S60Price new: $51,990 to $69,990Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 132 kW/240 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 177 kW/320 Nm; 3.0-litre V6 turbo, 224 kW/440 Nm; 2.0-litre 5-cyl turbo-diesel, 120 kW/400 Nm; 2.4-litre 5-cyl turbo-diesel, 151 kW/420 NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWD, AWDEconomy: 7.4 L/100 km (T4), 8.6 L/100 km (T5), 10.2 L/100 km (T6), 5.9 L/100 km (D3), 7.1 L/100 km (D5)Body: 4-door sedanVariants: T4, T5, T6, D3, D5Safety: 5-star ANCAPCOMING UPHave you bought a Great Wall ute? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.

There's no question that Volvo has a massive badge disadvantage to overcome with any new model it brings out.Years of flogging the safety horse to death have had their impact, such that the brand has lost its lustre in the eyes of anyone wanting something more than just a safe ride.Many buyers simply bypass Volvo dealers and don't bother to take a look at what the company has to offer and they miss out on some good cars as a result. The S40 was one of those cars. It was often dismissed as just another safe and sound box on wheels when it was a vast improvement on some of the bland models the company had produced before it. It had a distinctive look, a roomy cabin, was well built, and drove impressively.The S40 was a close family relative of the Ford Focus, which was a good start, but Volvo was given sufficient independence by Ford to produce its own car with its own distinctive character. That character starts with the looks, which reflect the family style of other models in the range with a distinctive grille and well defined shoulders. There's nothing offensive about it, it's clean and tidy from all angles. Inside, it has roomy accommodation for five adults, with plenty of head and legroom and lots of standard equipment.Beyond the cabin the boot is deep, if shallow, but is easy to load with a low loading lip. The base model and the SE have a 2.4-litre five-cylinder engine that delivers smooth performance with enough zip to satisfy most owners.The T5 is the one with the most performance. Its turbocharged 2.5-litre five-banger isn't a fire-breather as is sometimes the case with turbocharged engines; this one's got a low-pressure turbo that gives a sensible power boost that's useable. The result is plenty of low-down punch, but still with lots left for the top-end to power it along very nicely.IN THE SHOPThe S40 is well designed and built and that means a reliable run for the most part. There are no serious flaws that afflict it; the things that tend to go wrong are fairly minor and individual. Volvos tend to be well looked after by caring owners, which can make them a good used buy. Even so, it's important to check for a service record, cars that have been neglected are more prone to problems than ones that have had routine maintenance. Also check for evidence of crash damage that hasn't been properly repaired.IN A CRASHFive ANCAP stars are as good as you can get and the S40 gets the top tick from the crash tester. Front, side and head airbags head a long list of safety features that also includes ABS brakes, optimum brakeforce distribution and traction control.UNDER THE PUMPVolvo puts the fuel consumption of the S40 at 8.7 to 9.2 L/100 km depending on the transmission for the 2.4-litre. The turbo 2.5-litre used a little more on average at 9.2 L/100 km, which was in line with what road testers found at the time.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $47,950 to $59,950 Engine: 2.4-litre 5-cylinder petrol; 125 kW/230 Nm 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged; 162 kW/320 Nm Transmission: 5-speed auto, 5-speed manual (SE), 6-speed manual (T5); front-wheel drive Economy: 8.7 L/100 km to 9.2 L/100 km Body: 4-door sedan Variants: Base, SE, T5 Safety: 5-star ANCAP