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Volvo V40 - Information & Experiences
Saw an S40 and V40 yesterday at the Philadelphia auto show. According to the dealer, they will be on sale in August or september.
I really loved this car (I think we bonded). Maybe I'm swedish, since the other car I really liked was the new SAAB 9-5. Actually, I kind of liked the BMW Z3 roadster also (maybe because it looks like an old Volvo P1800ES?
Anyway, the Volvo (sat in the wagon) had a great interior. Super comfortable, very rich looking, seemed plenty roomy. And it had a stick shift! No third seat, don't think there was enough room. The cargo area seemed a bit smaller than a V70, but still seemed pretty large (at least as big as a Passat). Can't wait to see how it drives, and if you can get a wagon with a 5spd and moonroof for less than 25K with the rest of the expected goodies.
I really loved this car (I think we bonded). Maybe I'm swedish, since the other car I really liked was the new SAAB 9-5. Actually, I kind of liked the BMW Z3 roadster also (maybe because it looks like an old Volvo P1800ES?
Anyway, the Volvo (sat in the wagon) had a great interior. Super comfortable, very rich looking, seemed plenty roomy. And it had a stick shift! No third seat, don't think there was enough room. The cargo area seemed a bit smaller than a V70, but still seemed pretty large (at least as big as a Passat). Can't wait to see how it drives, and if you can get a wagon with a 5spd and moonroof for less than 25K with the rest of the expected goodies.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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If the V40 became available as a 2000 model with a manual for $35K (Cdn) then things might get interesting! Will we switchover from Subaru to Volvo? Maybe...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
160 hp turbocharged 4 cyl engine.
I'm frankly tired of seeing the SUV influence in wagons, afterall they are cars not trucks. To me the V70 XC is not desirable, an R AWD would suit me better. However, I'm still not too keen on the traditional boxy styling. The V40 should be a major improvement in this regard.
Miro.
out? I would like a new Volvo in the $25k price
range!
The sales manger @ our dealership said that he thought the sedan was nicer than the wagon, which he described as a little too toy like. Im not sure what he meant by that but you should be able to see them at your dealership near you later this summer.
I liked the wagon better - stacks up pretty nicely to an A4 Avant, but no AWD yet. Great interior and exterior, about the same size as an Avant with maybe a touch more rear seat room. Definately marketing an outdoor lifestyle audience.
Official S/V40 prices as of June 30, 1999:
These are MSRPs:
S40A $22,900
S40AS $24,100 (S=sunroof)
V40A $23,900
V40AS $25,100
Destination Charge: $575
Metallic paint: $400
Leather: $1,200
Sport Package: $550
Touring Package: $1,500
Sport Plus Package: $1,200
Weather Package: $850
Most dealers will get ONE S40 and ONE V40 around the 3rd week of July for DEMO purposes only...these cars will be the property of VCNA until September 1st.
The dealer only let me take a short 10 minute drive, but I liked it. The car has good acceleration with no noticable turbo lag. The engine revs responsively and the transmission shifts smoothly. The brakes modulate well and stop the car quickly. The car handles well and provides good road feel, but isolates much of the bumps in the road. The car is generally quiet, but you hear the engine when accelerating quickly.
Overall I like the car, and I will seriously consider the Volvo as an alternative to the 2000 Subaru Legacy/Outback. I need to spend more time driving the Volvo, as well as driving the Legacy to decide. The dealer would only quote me the list prices on the Volvo and I do not know what the invoice is, but I would expect there is room to negotiate. The Subaru dealer has given me a good price on the 2000's (I think about 2-3% over invoice) without even negotiating yet. Also, I have read that the s/V40 has not compiled a great reliability record in Europe, so that is another factor I will try to get more insight into before making a decision.
Engine: 4 cylinder, 16 valve, DOHC, low pressure turbo, 1948cc, 160hp@5100 rpm, 170lb ft torque @ 1800-4800 rpm
Transmission: 4 speed auto from S70/V70 program
Drivetrain: front wheel drive. ABS with vented front / solid rear discs
Measurements S40 (V40):
Length 176.6"
Width 67.6"
Height 55.6" (55.7")
Wheelbase 100.5"
Turning Radius 34.8 feet
Curb weight 2865 lbs (2910 lbs)
Fuel tank 15.8 gallons
Luggage capacity 14.8 cu ft (33.5 cu ft)
Not Necessarily Married--Volvo Goes for a Younger Crowd, by Brent Romans?
Bonnie Rick
Town Hall Community Manager, Edmunds.com
As it happens, the following day (2 days ago) I was on my way home when my normal commuting vehicle was broadsided & destroyed by a 1997 Nissan--totaled. No one was hurt, but I find myself in need of a new car. Strange coincidence.
I'm getting a V40 in the next week. A couple of points though, 1) it seems the dealers have sparse supply unless you're in a high volume Volvo area. Some dealers were supposedly only alloted 2 or 3 total for the year. 2) After the initial shipment hits the states, I was told the vast majority of the V40s would be fully loaded out (sunroof package and either the sport-plus package or the touring package--MSRP about 28k). However, our local dealer (a large dealer in this region SE, had 2 base models and a base with leather coming in the next 3 weeks so base models can be had if you look. 3)If you put a deposit down on a V40 before the dealership receives the car, Volvo will throw in a $500 goodies package (I'll opt for the load bars and the cargo carrier package)--they have 5 to choose from, but only two seem worthwhile to me.
Enjoy.
Could you tell me how the cargo area is in the V40? I have a 65lb. yellow lab that I want to keep gated in the back of whatever I drive so I am no longer blinded by a flailing toungue as she presently rides "shotgun" with me! The idea of buying an SUV (waayyyy to much vehicle for me) just to lug her around doesn't make sense to me.
The V40 just seems so much sportier than the V70 in pictures (haven't seen one for real yet).
I agree with you..never know when you might actually get something you ask for. In my opinion, the V40 is sportier than the V70. The look and feel of the car is quite athletic. Performance matches with the turbo also. GLT and T versions of the V70 are quick too, but the V40 is quick and has quite a different look...more European to me.
As for Cujo, you should have enough room if you take out the cargo shelf (should you get a goody package with one as per my earlier post). The dealer tells me (and it looks to be the case upon inspection) that there is a 7% space difference between the 40 and the 70. The cargo area is a bit shorter, but it seems the "biggest" difference in space comes from the rounded and sloped roof-line near the rear hatch on the 40 versus the higher, squared roof-line on the 70.
I thought the 40 had plenty of space for the athletic equipment, the dog, or the occasional haul of camping equipment or groceries.
Speaking of sporty, I haven't seen the V40 decked out with the sports package (rear spoiler and fog lights) yet, or the sport-plus package, but I suspect that would add to the sporty look of the car.
Also, for those of you interested in price, I saw a quote from Ohio for $800 above invoice, but that was on a base with no package or option ad-ons. I suspect (and will find out shortly how much)that a more loaded version currently commands a higher margin. I heard also that some people are paying MSRP in markets where the supply is virtually non-existent as of yet.
I would get one, but I need a new job (if padgett get get what he asked for, why can't I
I am curious about the 7% difference in space in the the V70 vs the V40 because I have read many references on this site that compare the V40 to the Audi 4 Avant...and most comparisons between the Audi A4 and the V70 are like David & Goliath!
I agree the real difference is in the slope of the roof and the curve of the back hatch. the closest dealer to me (Los Angeles area) has only one S40 on disply and none to drive. The salesman has already taken a deposit for one coming in and expects some wagons in next week. I am getting serious about giving up the Grand Cherokee for a wagon but worry about the V40's "Audi like size" and only 4 cylinders. Whats your car like loaded down trudging up a steep hill? And do you have the optional traction control?
I plan to test drive the V40 this afternoon.
Thanks
I haven't actually taken delivery of my V40 yet, it's on the way. However, given your situation (currently with the Grand Cherokee), I have these comments.
First, I wouldn't worry about the 4. It's a turbo and has a great deal more pickup and given the torque difference a better chance of making quick work of the hill than our base V70 5 cyl fully loaded. However, we don't have a hill around here (Mississippi delta coutry) to test this on so you're on your own on that one. Hence, no need of the traction control since if it snows here it means a really hot place has frozen over and we have bigger concerns if you catch my meaning.
However, that said, if you have a Grand Cherokee because you haul a bunch of adults on long trips in the back (I have no idea of the rear space for a Cherokee), the V40 may be smaller in the rear seating than you want. I have kids who would normally occupy the back seat if we went on a long trip so the 3 inches shorter leg room between the V40 and the V70 isn't an issue for me. Same thing with the head room difference from the sloped roofline.
Cargo Space:
One problem you'll have comparing "cargo space" is that some reports spec cargo space as the total area floor to roof in the wagon, while other reports include only the useful space below site line (only the area below the hatch window and seat). Still others, especially for the SUVs use a maximum cargo space spec that measures basically the entire area behind the front seats. Here are the V70 and V40 Specs for "cargo capacity" from the Volvo brochures:
V70 33.9 cubic feet (seat up)
V70 69.0 cubic feet (seat down)
V40 30.2 cubic feet (seat up)
Sitting our V70 next to the V40 I can say there is a difference in width and length for the seating areas and the cargo area. However, while this does make a difference for the occasional piece of plywood, it really doesn't hamper the weekend trip or the trip to the grocery store. You can pile a good bit of "stuff" in the back of the V40. My suggestion is for anyone interested in "cargo space" to take a "normal" load of luggage or your bike or whatever with you when you go test drive the V40 (& competition). Then you can see exactly what the real difference is for you for cargo space and for hauling with a load.
Finally, I can't say much about driving a V40 vs. a Cherokee since I've never had a Cherokee. Why were you considering the V40 instead of a Cherokee (i.e. what did you want from a wagon that you feel is missing in the Cherokee)?
Excellent info provided above. As for me I have been looking at sport utes for the last year. Had my hopes on the Nissan Exterra, just the right size and price. Well the price wasn't right ( in my opinion) and I think it is underpowered.
I am leaning toward a Dodge Durango but gas mileage and reliability scare me. I drove it and liked it and it does have the cargo capacity and towing.
A wagon still provides plenty of cargo space, not in Durango league but almost in Grand Cherokee league. The wagon will be more fun to drive ( I'm stuck getting an automatic, daughter won't learn how to drive a stick!) Gas mileage will be much better. I'l give up the towing capabilities.
But driving a Volvo says a little more than driving a Durango.
Did you drive the V40 as planned? What did you think? Also, why a sport-ute?
I also need a vehicle with an automatic. I have a teen age daughter who is just learning to drive and wants no part of a manual tranny. Both of our vehicles are currently 5-speeds and I struggle with the thought of going back to an automatic.
The ute gives both (towing and cargo) but poor gas mileage and overall size are the disadvantages. Daughter may find this thing difficult to drive. But a V8 will give it some pep. The Nissan Xterra was going to be my savior but IMO it is overpriced and underpowed, with the auto anyway.
A wagon will give me some cargo room and perhaps some light towing with the advantage of good gas mileage and better handling. The powerplant will determine the performance.
Yes, the VW Passat my be the ideal solution but they seem to be very rare and I will not pay sticker for a VW. I owned a VW Jetta GLI (1986)and loved it but reliability and resale value still seem to be an issue with the VW's.
I didn't drive the V40. Both the V40 and S40 looked wonderful to me. I would pay sticker for the Volvo's at this point in the game.
I don't now if I would call the V40 a glorified hatchback.
Somebody please stop me, but I have actually looked at a few used mini-vans!
Still debating....
At the same time I do have a concern. I am afraid an 3 adults and a child may not be comfortable on a long trip. I also drove a Passat and liked its automatic better. Next time I plan on test driving the V40 with the automatic in sport mode.
The bad news is that dealers in Mass/Nh seem to be from the few I've spoken to charging MSRP. The few on the lot I've seen are also loaded with the leather/sunroofs/sport packg, etc to come in at $28-$29K. According to the sales rep, come Dec/Jan when the supply is constant and some of the early pent up demand is over, then he would be selling for more like $500 over invoice (or about $1000 under sticker). I guess I can wait 3 more months...but it's going to be tough.
I have a Driver Edge credit card with some "Ford" credits. Can I use those credits to purchase a Volvo? (Volvo is now owned by Ford...)
value -- this car had more standard features on the base model than any other car for the same price. Surprising how we only had to add the $850 weather package as our options (we live in Buffalo, NY). On the Passat and Forester, we would have been adding more options (making it more difficult to find, and a long wait)
performance -- the turbo in this thing was unnoticeable. Our other car is a Prelude so we have high expectations for performance, especially from a wagon. Well this car met them. The Passat with a turbo definitely has a lag, but the V40 had great acceleration off the line. The sport mode makes lots of fun to drive, but adds a little bit of additional noise in low gears. In economy mode, the noise was gone and the car still accelerated better than the Passat turbo. The car handled wonderfully, had a solid road feel, but with a comfortable ride over the rough roads where I drove it.
The car looks pretty sharp too, classy but not boxy like the V70s, and definitely not trucklike (I like the looks of the Forester, but I think in 10 years the SUVs are going to look dated)
Room and comfort: I am 6'4 and find it hard to get enough leg and head room. Sadly the headroom reqmt often rules out moonroofs -- as it did on this car, but the moonroof comes with the leather seats as a package, and we preferred the feel of the cloth seats. Volvo seats are just heaven. Legroom in the Forester S was not good enough to spend $24k to $25k for me. It would've been too annoying for any length of trip. Passat had much better leg room, and the V40 was about equal to it. Cargo room is the same in the Forester and V40, Passat has more, but is a much heavier car--slower with a 4 cyl -- too expensive with a 6. Safety features on Volvos and the peace of mind of knowing how long Volvos last were also major factors in the decision.
Availability -- Forester and VW were both impossible to find -- dealers quoted long waits and no guarantees of getting exactly what you wanted. With the Volvo dealer we may have just lucked out -- we looked in the showroom at the loaded V40, then described the options we probably wanted and that we'd like to drive one. When the salesperson brought out one to drive, it happened to be the perfect one for us -- options, the blackberry color, interior. We drove it then started dealing. Only thing we didn't get was the CD player but it comes with the touring package and we didn't want to pay for that. We paid about $800 under MSRP after some haggling. We enjoyed the experience with the dealer: they treated us intelligently and honestly.
Overall this car just was a great value for the money. Compared to other cars that come in with prices $24 to $25k, it just had more stuff, more comfort, fun, and security, and a great reputation. Sorry this is so long... Hope this info can help others the way others have helped me.
2000 Subaru Legacy is a strong contender because more economically priced, has AWD, cheaper to service. However, ride isn't as smooth, found manual tranny to be awkward and automatic zigzag layout just plain strange. Would serve the purpose and be reliable, but doesn't have the look or the pizazz of the other entries. Ruled out OB, as it's looking too big, but the price comparison to the Volvo is similar.
Saturn 2000 LW2 was a surprise. The engine supplies lots of power(v6 auto should!)with good pick up. Have to confess pushing it to try to get some hesitation, which I did, but that did not consistently happen. Nice handling with good turning and cornering. Smoother ride than the Subaru. Not the Volvo but close, and from an American car! ABS and traction control would be add-ons, as would leather and heated seats. But all the other stuff from keyless entry, alarm, heated side mirrors, fog lamps, AM/FM stereo/cassette and CD with 8 speakers, etc.etc, are standard. That's a lot of car for a no haggle price of $21,900 - and that includes conveyance! It's a big one though at 190.4 inches long! Also first year of model so unknown on service. Heard mixed reviews regarding the cars overall. Anything to share on this?
My heart probably wants the Volvo, but my head and my wallet may dictate one of the others, especially with interest rates on loans creeping up there!
The dealship in Fort Collins Colorado was the best, even got a free diner out of them!!
The car is Volvo through and through. The wagon is loaded, all options installed, was able to get them at $300 below MSRP.
Found the road and wind noise on the freeway mimimal at best.
Pluses:
Huge glove compartment
Engine power
Volvo safety
Comfortable seating
Mileage is decent, seems it could be more since it's only a 4 cyl.
Negative:
Not a LOT of storage for stuff
Shallow door pockets
Steering wheel seems too close to dash
Stereo is upgraded but still seems to be lacking in punch
Just my .02. Love the car overall!!
Greg
Nice, quick and very responsive car. But ... a little bit to small for me. I'm 6'4" and can't fit in the V40 with sunroof. Headroom without sunroof is OK, but it will be hard to put even a child at the back seat after me. And steering wheel to close to my knees. It's look like a toy
I'm not sure at $30k loaded, the V40 is such a great deal. I'd rather have a loaded VW Passat with a nice 24 valve V-6 and plenty of room for that price.
Comparable cars would be Audi A4 and BMW 323i. BMW is releasing a 300-series station wagon this year I think (model name is Touring).
If you are looking only at how much of a car you get for the money, I think there are better options. Same thing with wines, you can get a pretty good wine for ten bucks. Some people buy wines that cost 20 dollars, or a 100 dollars. Are they insane? No, different tastes. Undoubtedly the marginal gain of paying a buck more decreases quite a bit when you get up there. A Mercedes isn't twice as good as, say, a Toyota, but some people still find it is worth the money.
I don't mean to sound patronizing, just pointing out that you have to compare apples with apples.
Comparable cars would be Audi A4 and BMW 323i. BMW is releasing a 300-series station wagon this year I think (model name is Touring).
If you are looking only at how much of a car you get for the money, I think there are better options. Same thing with wines, you can get a pretty good wine for ten bucks. Some people buy wines that cost 20 dollars, or a 100 dollars. Are they insane? No, different tastes. Undoubtedly the marginal gain of paying a buck more decreases quite a bit when you get up there. A Mercedes isn't twice as good as, say, a Toyota, but some people still find it is worth the money.
I don't mean to sound patronizing, just pointing out that you have to compare apples with apples.
I probably am going to file a lawsuit against them.
I request readers to please refrain from buying an S40 or a V40 if they dont want to bear the frustration of paying about $30,000 for a piece of junk.
FOr more details. write to shanknar@bigfoot.com
I have a brother who is with Ford so I would qualify for a Ford A plan So I know that I can get the car below MSRP plus any incentives. Would like to keep next car longer and possibly buy out the lease. Not excited about Sable/Taurus.
Drove a Pasatt GLX sedan and loved it, somewhat pricey and not sure if dealer would negotiate as they are selling fast. Owned a 85 Jetta and put 200K on it.
Drove the Volvo V40 wagon loved it. My concerns are room, reliability, and cost of maintenance. Want leather,sunroof & CD. No kids but in sales and spend time driving and also need room for the various sporting goods and weekend trips.
Also considered Explorer, not quite sure I want a sport ute.
Please help I want to get rid of the Countour later this Summer. Also Would a V70 make sense? There will be a replacement this fall, I am sure there will be lots of incentives on remaining V70's in stock.
Need more responses from current s-40 and v-40 owners. Thanks!
A squeak had developed in the passanger door and three visits later still squeaking. I have now removed the squeak by spraying lithium grease through the panel opening. Why was I resorted to this because the dealer can not find or fix the squeak. The cold probably created the squeek I was informed on the second visit for said item. I did not know that Sweden was a tropical country without a winter, I replied.
Now the headlights are blowing out. Replaced bulbs are going at the rate of one per week. The dealer can get me in (with a loaner) not for two weeks. Here I have bought a pretty expensive car that cannot be used after twilight!
Would I buy another? What do you think?
By the way, a slightly used Volvo v40 is going to be on the market this September
But, I think these are two minor complaints for such an awesome car!!! I'm very happy so far.