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Volvo S40
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phyloptrx, assuming your brake fluid level is correct and the fluid looks good I can't think of any obvious causes except for possibly the pump. The single rear-fog light is not an idiosyncrasy. All current Volvos (as well as a few other European marques) with this system have a single light. If you had two, it wouldn't stand out as much to an observer behind your car because it would be passed off as bright tail lights.
-rdo
russell.ollie@usa.net
Your brake problem almost sounds like a vacuum leak. Most brake booster run off of vacuum and if this is bleeding off it would explain the mushy feel and poor performance. However, I would expect that the vacuum would be restored pretty quickly once the engine was started.
I'd check out one of the other cars that's been sitting on the lot to see if it does the same thing. I'd be surprised if it did. This doesn't sound normal to me.
Few S40s:
When you realize that worldwide Volvo only sells about 200,000 cars per year (and that includes all of their models), you can begin to appreciate why you won't see very many of them. Compare that to the Accord/Camry/Taurus which sell around 500,000 each.
The S40 and V40 are selling very well here in the states, but it'll take a long time before they even approach being common (and I'd argue that they never will be common, they're Volvos after all).
BTW, has anyone else heard of this occurring in S40s? I hope it's not a real, recurring theme.
1. Would like more lateral support in seats, but really love the amount of thigh support. Would like to combine the lateral support of the seats in the '95 Contour SE I previously owned wiht the S40's thigh support. Excellent quality leather though!
2. I too have had the problem with radio reception. It's good to know that I'm not the only one. It sounds like a waste of time to have the radio replaced at this point, but if someone finds out about a fix I'd like to know.
3. The power is definitely more than adequate. It takes a few minutes of driving on a cold morning to get that turbo spinning. But once it's going, watch out!
4. Only repair issue has been with clicking noise coming from steering column at all speeds when wheel turned slightly off center to the left. Dealer is now replacing the steering column. It has taken me a while to get used to the sensitivity of the steering after my last vehicle being an SUV.
5. Being an automotive climate control engineer I was fascinated by the knob in the center of the dash to allow fresh air in from the cowl. I also like the fact that the automatic climate control uses rotary knobs instead of push buttons.
6. Generally, I'm impressed with the overall fit and finish of the interior. The tactile feel is pretty consistent from control to control. Would prefer to have cruise control buttons on steering wheel.
Overall I love the car and look forward to reading more about the experiences of others.
2. The radio might be fixed by consulting with your dealer for a better radio (perhaps the one installed in an S80 (if they are different - I don't know for sure). Car manufacturers are notorious for using sub-par stereos, even on their "premium" systems to save costs. Most consumers don't care. After-market equipment will always give you better sound (if you can afford the money) and let you tailor the system to meet your needs.
I am considering a Saab 9-3 (not the best stereo in the world), a BMW 323 (even with the "premium stereo" I have read many complaints on other BMW threads in the Town Hall). Many car audio places worth their salt can install a basic system that replaces your OEM system without too much fuss.
3. I was impressed with the scoot of the S40 as well. I will note the cold weather lack of power.
4. Aren't you glad to be rid of the SUV? I am as anti-SUV as one can get...big, inefficient, unsafe (for anyone not in the SUV), and prone to rollovers. Now that gas is getting so expensive, I hope we may see fewer of these Suburban Disasters on the road...I can dream, can't I?
5. My old Saab had a fresh air pass-through on the center column as well...it was great, and I miss it in my Honda. Plenty of days when the weather is just so, the sun just so, and the temperature in the car is just so that having some fresh air blowing through the car without turning on the climate control system and running the fans was perfect. I even used it in the winter once in a while to just, um, freshen the air flow.
I don't have any comments for your other two points.
Questions:
OK people, you know who you are, the Volvo Zealots. Rumor mill spits out that Volvo may be sending the S40 with a manual tranny for '01. Is it true? Anyone go to an AutoShow and ask them? I don't like spending extra money for a transmission that zaps fuel economy and fun from most cars. Just think how this willing engine might run with a 5-speed. They have them in Europe, so they just needed to have them cleared through the channels for US sale. I was hoping against hope that they might do it for a mid-year model adjustment, but it doesn't look like it.
With the VW Jetta now offering the A4's 1.8L Turbo engine in a nice looking sedan with a solid manual shifter and all the similar options available on an S40...it makes the VW look that much more enticing for a manual shifting guy like myself.
Come on Volvo...loosen the purse strings, and send us a 5-speed for $1200 less than the auto, you will blow the VW right out of the running if you do for many consumers.
Another complaint I have read is about the suspension, which I have taken with a grain of salt. But I am wondering if any current owners have had any problems with hard driving at speeds in excess of 40 mph? I really liked the S40, and I have always liked Volvos, but I am leaning toward a Saab or BMW right now because of the transmission, suspensions, and the engines. Volvo has put a good product out, but I am not yet convinced that it is a "GREAT" product. I know the BMW is great (but costly), and the Saab is very close to great (and also a little more than the Volvo). When I sign my name for this new car, I want three years of great driving, and a car that will be tempting me to buy out the lease and keep it all to myself. My Honda is doing its best, but it just doesn't have the souls my old VW Rabbit and Saab 900 had. Each car is very close in price when I set them up with similar options, so the choices come down to preference and monthly payments...and if it stays that way...Saab is unbeatable with the deals they have been putting out on the 9-3.
Eager to read your comments...
M the H
Test drove the Volvo. Completely familiar to me, after my wife's 3 other Volvos. Solid, very comfortable, surprisingly good acceleration, nice looking. And, compared to the 323i, it's an incredibly good value. A fully-loaded S40 costs about the same as a 323i with nothing but an automatic transmission and CD player.
But after driving the Volvo, my first thought was (literally, at the risk of sounding like a flake), that the car has absolutely no soul. Dependable, comfortable, practical, and logical, but no thrill built into it whatsoever.
Now, mind you, I'm still probably going to get it. I need a very comfortable daily driver for 2 or 3 hours of New York traffic a day. Small, decent mileage, and just prestigious enough to keep me from feeling like a cheapskate. And, with two little kids, I absolutely love those pop-up booster seats you can get. The vast majority of my driving time provides no opportunity for thrills.
But that Bimmer is sure a hell of a lot more fun to drive. And I can get into one for only, oh, maybe $30 or $40 more a month on a lease. It won't have real leather or a fake wood dash, and it won't have those little wipers on the headlights, but those tight cloverleaf onramps a the George Washington Bridge....woo-hoo! And it's gorgeous.
I should just quit stressing out and get a honda.
From what I've been reading around here, there's supposed to be a new, redesigned S40 out this summer or fall at the latest. Maybe you'll want to wait and see?
1. When I said the cold weather performance was slow I meant just the first few minutes after start up. After a couple minutes at moderate speeds it's fine.
2. It's difficult for me to comment on the ride or handling too much since the roads hear in SE Michigan are such [non-permissible content removed]. I do think in general that Volvos are undertired. Some say the chassis can't handle more aggressive tires.
3. I believe the comment about a new S40 coming this year is completely inaccurate. The latest word in Automotive News this week is that the next S40 will likely come in 2003 on a platform shared with the Focus and Mazda. Not as scary as it sounds though since I think it's basically going to be the same small car platform that Volvo designed themselves before being bought out.
4. I haven't heard any definite word about a manual for 2001. I would think Volvo would try to keep this somewhat secret in order to prevent potential buyers from waiting for next year.
5. I believe there is at least load bars available to use with the S40. The dealer should be able to show you Volvo's large catalog full of accessories.
6. I basically dumped my SUV by virtue of totalling it in an accident. Lost control on the freeway, went across the median, and hit traffic that was stopped on the other side. Liked the fact that I had a lot of steel protecting me, but didn't like the feeling of being afraid to brake hard for fear of rolling while going across the median.
Unfortunately, there have been a number of times when I needed to resort to using those service departments. :?
Well, to be fair, my wife's current car is a V70, and that model is pretty well known at this point for unreliability. Mostly electrical problems. From what I understand, it's a phenomenon that's limited to the V70. That would be consistent with my experience. My other two Volvos had a few problems here or there, but no more than any other car I've owned.
The one thing about the service I've received at the dealerships is that, although they have exactly the right attitude, the actual quality of their repairs is sometimes off. I get the feeling that a few of their mechanics are ninnies. Like the first electrical problem we had with the V70 was that the ignition switch failed. Not the starter, I mean the actual switch you stick the key into. Dealership replaced it right away, but they installed it wrong, and in order to start the car you had to twist the key so hard that we broke the replacement switch! (Sigh.) They replaced that one too, in no time.
Stuff like that. I love Volvos, their dealerships (3 for 3 at this point) are wonderful, but I'd stay away from the V70. I hear the S40 has great reliability in Europe, so you shouldn't have a problem.
Hey, as a matter of fact, I'm getting ready to buy, and the two contenders left on my list are the S40 and the 3-Series. What are your reactions to the differences, being in a 3-Series now and having (presumably) test-driven an S40 and liked it?
The BMW had superior feel in the steering, braking and acceleration (I drove the 5sp only). I don't care for the dash layout, it seemed cheap and outdated on a car so beautifully built. The car I drove had the Harmon Kardon upgraded stereo and it played my test CD very nicely, nice bass, good treble and overall sound. The seat was firm and comfortable. I wasn't crazy about the seat position however (always difficult to get the seating position dialed in on a test drive) and thought the shifter was a bit high for a comfortable reach.
The Volvo felt like a solid car, and maybe even a bit too solid (read heavy). The seats were difficult to adjust into a comfortable seating position (once again) but once that was accomplished, I did enjoy the drive. The auto is a decent tranny, after the first 2 miles of city driving, I had the tranny dialed in to respond with power at will. It is a bit tricky to feel when you should apply the power or let off the gas. The stereo seemed fine, not amazing, but not as bad as my little Honda Civic standard radio was (my litmus test needs to improve, I know). The fit and finish was fine and I liked the dash better in the Volvo. The leather seats were comfortable and firm.
Overall, I liked the Volvo, but have read a few negative reviews here at the Town Hall. I liked the BMW more, but it takes a few thousand more to get the keys to the BMW. In a lease, it may add up to only a $50-70 difference in monthly payments, but you would still have to pony up more money at the end to buy it.
I am going this weekend to drive the 323 again, and a 318ti from last year's line-up. I also intend to drive past Volvo and revisit the S40 for the third time. Monday I am scheduled to drive the Saab and may drive a Subaru Legacy one more time (they are on the same lot). My biggest hesitancy on the Saab is reliability. My old 900S was a real pain, with large repair bills that crushed my love for the car. I really did love that car too. The dash, the seats, the stereo (my after-market stereo), the engine, the extremely useful hatchback. I could load my bike inside the car and not think about it. I want to believe in Saab...but I am just not sure. Volvo might be the better choice for reliability and resale.
Good luck with whatever you buy.
So, I think there will be some changes. It's just that now that the S40's been brought into the States, we'll get the freshened design at the same time as Europe does.
Regarding price, I recommend checking out carOrder.com. My car, which has Sunroof & Touring pkgs, Metallic paint & CD prewiring, is listed under $26k at this time.
Regarding "negatives", I'm 6'1", 265 and while I would not call the interior spacious, I do find the car extremely comfortable. Also, my wife, who is 5'1", does not find it too big for her. I did have the "paint blemish" problem with the driver's door, but the dealer repainted it so looks great now. Yes, you will have to shell out for premium which does hurt right now. But the amount of enjoyment I get driving it makes it worthwhile. The more I drive this car, the more I like it.
Robert
Per postings in various forums, the car will work with lower octane (others have tried it), but will have reduced performance.
Robert
"Your car, like most modern cars, has knock sensor(s). If knock (ping) is detected, the ignition timing is retarded until the knock goes away (probably also the turbo boost is reduced). When this happens your power and (maybe) fuel economy is reduced. Most likely the ignition timing on your car is optimized for 91 octane gas without knocking; if you use less octane, then under certain load conditions knocking will occur and the sensor will tell the computer to retard ignition/lower boost.
So you have a choice: cheap gas and reduced power/economy, or 91+ octane gas and full rated power."
"91 Octane is recommended due to the High Compression ratio 10.3:1 and the amount a boost 8.7psi. Normal cars without turbos might run 10:1 compression but its odd to have that high of compression with a turbo. Normal compression should be 8:1 with turbos to run higher boost."
Robert
Thanks,
Alex.
akaplan1, it is very possible. The T4 variant of the S40 has been out for a few years in Europe. It had serious ECU problems for a couple of years that Volvo has been waiting to conquer before importing to the US. I haven't heard any reports of ECU problems with the T4 in the better part of a year so I wouldn't be surprised to see the T4 next year (possibly with some refreshed skin for the 40s).
-rdo
russell.ollie@usa.net
Does anyone know if the Volvo has the same problem, or could, as the Audi since they're both European engineered/built cars?
An Audi should operate the same in an arid climate as any Honda or Volvo. It is quite possible that the people you were talking to were referring to Audi's all-wheel-drive system, which would be particularly helpful in handling icy roadways in colder climates. Audi also produces front-wheel drive models that you may wish to consider.
Another car that you might find attractive is the VW Passat. The GLX version comes with standard leather seating and other amenities. The Passat is equipped with many of the same mechanicals as the more expensive Audi, but at a price between the Accord EX and the S-40. It is also quite safe considering that it did as well if not slightly better than the Volvo S-70 in various crash tests.
The cars that you had mentioned are all very good. It's just a matter of finding out for yourself which one best serves your needs. Good luck.
The S60 is suppose to replace to S70.
Get all the latest information at:
http://www.Volvospy.com
I plan on having the car for a long time, and feel confident that I have researched completely. I am very excited, and would love to hear from other s40 (or v40) owners.
Could you talk down the dealer? Is the car living up to your expectations? What do others think about your new car? Any information will help
Thank you in advance for any help!!
Porsche-Breather box intake ducts cracking 928 series ($1200)
BMW-Door panel delaminations. mainly on the 3 series 92-98. 5 series 88-95
SAAB- Cracked Dashes and worthless A/C systems. 83-94
These are the foremost that come to mind. However, most of the Europeans now do their Desert testing in AZ-NV. On any given day you can see the Mercedes and Volvo engineers running up and down I-10 from Tucson to Phx, to parts unknown. I passed a 5 car convoy of V70's coming out of Laughlin NV.
This has been a problem, as in one of the posts, European cars are built to run in a milder climate. That's a fact. They have not spent a ton of finacial resources on things like A/C. In europe it is just not that necessary of an issue. The Japanese have done the R&D, so many companies simply opt to use Asian built compressors. Problem solved.
The fact that they are desert testing is a result of the cars historical failings in some areas due to extreme climates.
Is it a problem still? Not really. They have made great strides in producing systems that will hold up under very hot thermal conditions. We as consumers can help extend the life of our interiors by using window tints, venting our sunroofs while parked to allow built up heat to escape. Of course this probably only applies to those that live in Nevada, Arizona, or rare parts of California.
All 4 cars you listed are very good. They were my finalists. I choose the S40 and have no regrets to this point (2000 miles). The more I drive the car, the more I like it. I purchased through carOrder.com and got $1268 off of MSRP, which at the time was about $1000 better than any dealer was offering. That might be changing. I picked up the car at Marin Volvo. The whole buying process was the easiest I've ever experienced.
wdgravel:
The only problem was with a paint blemish (others have reported the same with their silver S40's) on the driver's door which the dealer took care of. Also, I do have a problem keeping it under 70mph on the freeway.
Robert
You might want to hop over to
www.brickboard.com
They have a discussion area for the S40.
Photos?
-------
The Volvo web site is at least a year behind the sites of other manufacturers, its a brochure site.
What, I cant make my own Volvo? Where's the photo gallery? The 360 degree zoom IPIX interior and exterior views? OMG --- no Flash presentation!
I won't hold this as a grudge against Volvo, but, in lieu of the above features, can someone share links to Volvo S40 photos (interior/exterior/different colors) ?
Audio Options?
--------------
In earlier posts, someone also asked about this but there wasn't a response. Maybe other newbies have signed on?
First, with CD changer pre-wiring, where does the
CD changer go? (I hope not the trunk -- pain to change those CDs while driving)
Second, what are the options for replacing the factory cassette stereo in the dash (SC-813 AM/FM cassette stereo) with a brand name CD player (Clarion,Nakamichi,etc)? What fits/is compatible? Does audio improve?
BTW, why can't I get the weather package without heated sites? I'm in Texas. How about instead making "frozen seats" standard?
Thanks
http://new.volvocars.com/
But, I'd still appreciate a view of various S40 photos
Generally speaking, Volvo has been out ahead of all manufacturers when it comes to web usage. They were the first auto manufacturer on the web and learned some hard but valuable lessons as a result (read the book 'CyberRules' for more information).
Thanks.
-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net
rktcyntst, I read this as well but I recall reading that it will be based on the platform for the next generation Focus, not the current iteration (which is a very good platform for what it's worth - just don't know if it lends itself to the traditional Volvo experience). Of course there are those who feel the current 40 series is not Volvo-like so who knows...
-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net
I'm considering an S 40, and I'm wondering does the sports plus package add anything more to the exterior body detail other than front fog lights and a spoiler. Do current owners have any opinions about Touring vs Sports Plus packages?
BGK
http://www.volvocars.volvo.co.uk/
Great movie, why not on US site? Good gallery.
A 2.0 option! choose wheels! 13 colors!! 3 shades of blue (Azure Blue is great IMO) !!! These are options for all of Europe.
Hey Volvo, I'd buy a 2.0T4 S40 Manual Azure Blue or Pacific Blue Metallic fully loaded in a heart-beat. Win this stinking American over Acura!
By the way, I do love my S40. The engine is wonderful! I would like to see however an upgraded tire/wheel package, as well as a manual tranny.
To those who may be put off by the apparent lack of interior storage, I would say that I intially had the same concern. But after 4 months I've found that there actually is a quite a bit of useful storage space inside (seat pockets, under the steering column, door map pockets, the CD slots in the back of the glove box).
I too would like to hear any experiences with hooking up aftermarket CD changers to the factory-installed "pre-wiring".
BGK