Volvo S40 2006 Problems

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.

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