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Volvo S40
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Comments
1. I haven't experienced the a/c problem here in Michigan, but it's been a mild summer so far. As an engineer for an automotive climate control company (not the producer of the S40's system) it sounds to me like the evaporator core may be freezing up. This can happen if the a/c controls are not properly modulating refrigerant flow or if the moisture is not able to shed off of the evaporator fast enough. I would first recommend checking to make sure the evaporator's drain tube is not clogged up.
Meanwhile, if the problem occurs while driving down the road try turning to the heater for a few minutes to "thaw out" the evaporator.
2. Had a flat on my S40 yesterday. Found that owner's manual is missing diagrams to show how to remove wheel after untorquing lug nuts. Also, found that tool provided for wedging between wheel and hub will not work for front wheels. This didn't matter anyway since the wheel was corroded to the hub. Dealer told me this is normal and that I just needed to bang on the backside of the wheel with a mallet (which of course is not part of the Volvo toolkit). So, I feel either Volvo owes us a mallet with the tire change toolkit or needs to design their wheels so they don't corrode to the hub. Anybody know to whom I can complain?
By the way, a new tire cost me $192.00 from the dealership!
in addition my horn did not function on one side, and they are replacing the steering wheel on my next visit as well as doing a further check on the odor.
Warning lights going on, rear defroster not turning off automatically and things like that. How bad is it if your rear defroster is staying on longer than it should? Even though some will argue that nothing should go wrong w/a new car, that seems like minor stuff to me. The outstanding question is, will it plague me forever?
I've mastered the poorly planned cup holder situation and now understand that the fader on the upgraded stereo needs to be tweeked into position every once in awhile. Probably not worth a recall.
The free "weekender" roof carrier that I received fit fine on my Toyota Sienna for my vacation. However,it did need to be tweeked as well. But it saved me from borrowing a relatives Sears hook-up.
I also appreciate the trunk mat that I recieved as part of that same promotion.
What don't I like? The only thing I can't deny is that there is not a lot of rear leg room. Personally, I don't need it because this is a commuter car that I expect to get hundreds of thousands of miles out of. The driver's seat is great, that's all I need! However, even with that, when I take it for business reasons w/people who need to sit in the back its clear that there isn't alot of room. Oh well, I guess if you need that you have to move up and you shouldn't be in this car.
Would I buy it again? Time will tell. I new what it was when I bought it and now I just need a couple hundrend thousand miles under my belt to answer that question.
I have a long successful history with low maintanence Toyota's and Mazda's and at this 19M mile point I can't say that this Volvo has required any more attention than those great cars I've had in the past.
In addition, I think that Volvo has a great opportunity to improve on future versions of this model by improving on the ergonomics overall. Good Luck w/your decision.
Posting #312 (wdr)said that if the a/c's evaporator core freezes up the a/c problem may be fixable by turning the heater on for "a few minutes to thaw out the evaporator."
COMMENT: I thank wdr for his skill and experience in recognizing this as a potential issue. And, I can't help but notice the irony in using the heater to make the air conditioner work. I'd actually be amused if I didn't want to buy an S40 with a trouble-free a/c system.
I live in Atlanta, GA and I need reliable a/c. Perhaps the Dutch and Swedes who build/design the S40's are more interested in heating than cooling given their geographical heritage.
Posting #313 (johng59)alerts us potential S40 buyers and current S40 owners to yet another a/c related problem when he states that he "recently began getting a gas smell while using the air conditioning...".
ATTENTION VOLVO! There appears to be a potential SAFETY ISSUE here. Gas fumes are combustable and therefore a risk when sparks from electronics and/or smoking materials are present.
PLEASE IDENTIFY AND FIX ALL A/C SAFETY AND RELIABILITY ISSUES. I want to buy a 2001 Volvo S40 and be assured I will be both safe and comfortable, but am hesitant to buy given the a/c issues stated above.
2. I haven't experienced a gas-like odor from my a/c, but I have experienced a different kind of odor.......not quite sure how to describe it. I would definitely be concerned if I smelled fuel!!
A/C odor is a common problem for all manufacturers. I'm not sure anyone has really solved it, but the odor is usually not that of fuel.
3. As far as Volvo adequately designing the a/c system I can say that Volvo does having a proving grounds in Arizona for hot weather testing. I don't know if the S40/V40 were tested here or if Volvo did any testing in high humidity climates such as Florida, Lousiana, Galveston, TX.
Secondly, the reason I'm lurking here is I'm thinking about leasing an S40. What would a fair lease rate be?
Any thoughts??
http://vcc.volvocars.se/index.asp?mainurl=/pp/news40
and
http://newcar.volvocars.se/vcc/x40/
and
http://www.volvospy.com/spy/s402.php3
Keep in mind, fellow Americans, that most of the above information is for Europeans. Some colors, engines and manual transmission probably will not be available in the US.
Why does the S40 only come in automatic in the US? I don't buy the "EPA inspection is too expensive." Kias and lawnmowers have no problem affording such inspections. However, I would ask Ford because they may "feel that they better know the US market." In the US, many manufacturers only offer automatic on their models, i.e.: Acura. It saves costs, only have to produce automatic models and 'market analyst determine that Americans prefer automatic.' (they didnt ask me) But, Volvo does make manual transmission models - just not sold in US.
If I have to take automatic, I'd absolutely take a 2001 MY instead of 2000 MY because it will provide a 5 speed automatic vs. 4 speed. See above links for more information and comparisons.
Does anyone know if there will be a bump in price for the 2001 model?
Also, I thought I read that the saleperson gets a special added bonus for selling the loaner cars. There is one about to be available, with a few decent options and I want to get the right price.
Thanks...
The front tires on my 2000 S40 with 9,000 miles are experiencing excessive wear. About half the tread is worn. Pressures and alignment are right on mfr's spec. The tires are original Continental brand.
Any thoughts??
Same thing happened on my boss's V70 XC, same tires, same, horrible wear. Dealer said everything was all in spec. He replaced them with some sort of Goodyears.
One complaint so far - I took it home to show it off to the parental units this weekend. I have some kind of rattle in the front end when I let off the accelerator at speeds above 40 mph. Sounds like a CV-type problem, but I can't imagine that since there is less than 600 miles on it. Having the dealer check it out tomorrow.
Anybody ever hear of this??
Gary
I've had my S40 for 7 months (6000 miles). The only "problem" I've had was losing the 2 front plastic wheel inserts, which I'll have the dealer replace when I go in for my first servicing. I looked at the same group of cars that you're looking at. I've been very pleased with my selection. Very comfortable, lots of punch, and like all Volvo's, very safe.
Robert
the VOLVO company is recalling my car siting that the car has a bad body frame. Acording to dealer there were about 100 cars with this defect, and iam the only one who actually got the car, the rest of them were detected at the port. Iam not
totaly satisfied the way Volvo is inspecting the cars. So if anyone is planning to buy one please
make sure the caris checked for any defects so that you people can avoid the ordeal i am going through. After all i am regreting that i have traded in my wonderful ACURA for this relatively unproved product.
Good luck folks.
srikandi, while it certainly bites having any sort of recall, I don't think it is so bad to have the company voluntarily admit and fix a problem before you discover it the hard way (and there are manufacturers who don't do that).
Also, the S40 is pretty proven at this point. Don't forget this car has been out in the rest of the world for years now.
Could you supply more details on the body frame issue for your car? This is the first I've heard of it and would like to learn more even if it only affects a narrow VIN range.
Thanks.
-rdo
rdollie@home.com
I will never ever buy another Volvo and I kick myself for buying this one. I am locked into a lease that Volvo will not let me out of. I even contacted an lawyer regarding CA's lemon law. It doesn't apply to poor build quality, just safety issues.
If you are considering a Volvo S40, don't. Save yourself the money and buy something else. The car is junk.
j.
I will never ever buy another Volvo and I kick myself for buying this one. I am locked into a lease that Volvo will not let me out of. I even contacted an lawyer regarding CA's lemon law. It doesn't apply to poor build quality, just safety issues.
If you are considering a Volvo S40, don't. Save yourself the money and buy something else. The car is junk.
j.
In addition, my wheels are routinely spoiled by brake dust. My dealership's service dept. suggested that it was due to Volvo's brake pads being "soft". I'm uncertain if that means non-Volvo pads would be harder and eliminate the dust.
I'll keep you posted. Other than that, after they fixed the minor electrical issues, I think its a good car
No offense to you Civic-lovers out there, but I'm past the time in my life where a Civic-style car fits me. But when you're getting ready to plop down $26,000 for a car, it should NOT remind you of a Civic.
Main complaints on the S40 - cramped inside, limited visibility (especially with the mirrors), and a cupholder that virtually guarantees that your coffee will end up in your stereo and AC controls.
So it came down to a decision to go with the Maxima. I know, I know - very different cars. But very similar price. So instead of an entry level Volvo, I'll have a fully loaded Maxima.
Anyway, after much thought, I too went with the Maxima, and must say I LOVE every mile in my car. For $25K, I got a loaded GLE, with sunrf, Bose, leather, heated seats, etc...a wise choice, IMO. Loving the 222 hp...
Good luck with your search...
It seem that for the same money the advantages of the G20 are:
lower maintenance -- just change the oil and a few filters for the first 100,000 miles,
more comfortable -- better stereo, sunroof, and about 2 extra inches of leg room in the back seat.
better handling -- it just feels more comfortable on the road.
The advantages for the S40 seem to be
Much more powerful engine -- 160 vs 145 HP; 170 vs 136 ft-lbs tourque.
Safer -- but I can't find test results to confirm this. The 2001 S40 has a side curtain while the G20 has side air bags.
Does anyone else see it differently?
im a single guy "realtor" new in the business and afraid of long term auto commitment because of wear and tear of my job. i currently own a bmw 318is(a true piece of crap workmanship wise) im looking to buy a car 25-28k. i like and had decided on the s40 as i have never drove the a4 but realizing now that the a4 is priced similar makes me think. the a4 is german and i love, its stylin. My only major option would be a sunroof. The s40 seems safer and its automatic which are pluses to me as i drive like a cab driver. so durabilty is important too. i'm not sure if the a4 can handle a rough driver(will i have to baby it like i did my bmw? in addition the s40s appearance from the side looks like a honda and this bothers me somewhat.
as you can see im confused and all of your notes have made my decision worse so mabey someone out there can help me sort it all out. basicaly say 26k whats the beter long term deal.
thanks
cardigan
dianeb2, your check engine light will come not only if your gas cap is loose but also if the tank is topped off when it is refueled or if it is fueled with the engine running. Have any of these things occurred to your car? Also, if it is just a fault from the gas vapor removal system (which is common to all OBDII compliant cars which why all the European makes are having this same complaint) it will reset itself after a certain number of miles and restarts (I think it is somewhere between 3 - 5) without encountering an additional fault. There should be no need to return to the dealership - the light will reset itself after a couple of days and will stay away unless one of the items I mentioned above occurs again.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
-rdo
rdollie@home.com
cardigan, the A4 is a very nice car and if you are looking at loading up a S40 with options then the price does overlap with the A4. Neither car is perfect and both have their nits from time to time. If your ultimate concern is reliability you should stick to a Japanese car (if you really drive like a taxi driver I would highly recommend the Lexus IS300 which is like a street version of a rally car in my opinion - but I think it will cost you $30k or so at least). If your ultimate concern is safety stick with the Volvo (yes it did much better than all of its competition in European NCAP crash tests). If you want style go with the Audi. However, this is the last year for the current body style for the A4 so it will be dated quickly (for what it's worth I think Audi's A4 held its looks longer than anything out there).
It's tough. There are so many good choices these days and the price range you are looking at is VERY competitive. Also, the new Volvo S60 which is a stunner starts at $27k from what I've read and will be available next month I believe.
Good luck!
-rdo
rdollie@home.com
So far I had similar experiences as have been reported on this board:
lost wheel inserts - replaced by dealer. no problems since.
horrible radio sound - only for music stations. no problem for me since I listen to CDs or NPR talk radio
headlight replacements - 4 bulbs. Had to pay for one.
initially had engine light problem - found it occurred when I turned gas cap too far. Possibly trapping air in tank.
no AC problem at all - I live in Northern California and travel over 100 miles a day. I have not experienced any problem with the AC.
did not have to replace brake pads - rmember having to replace pads at 15K miles on my old Honda.
what I like - comfortable leather seats, hands-free phone, smooth ride, safety features (front/side air bags, and whiplash protection).
what I dislike - walnut trim and radio fading problem
would I purchase another Volvo - Absolutely....
Vicki
However, I will also say this about the headlights. Those damn things are bright. If you look closely, you can actually see bright thin light rays projecting fro the car onto the road at night. I've been trying to notice the intensity of the lights on other cars I've driven at night. I haven't found one as bright yet.
Volvo S 40 (sorry, posts about S 70 were horrible, and I couldn't wait for S 60)
Audi A 4
Infinit I 30
Lexus ES 300
Acura 3.2 TL
Lincoln LS
With deadline approaching to return rental and State Farm paying off GMC, narrowed down to Volvo and Lincoln. With two small kids and me on the road 20 days per month, back seat room was not a primary concern. It finally came down to dollars and cents, as wife liked certain aspects of both cars. Volvo in Miami offered me a loaded 2001 S 40 with everything, metallic paint, sunroof, etc, etc. for $1500 at delivery, 15k miles per year and $430 per month for 36 months. I was sold, but gave Lincoln another chance, as wife liked looks of LS and bigger back seat. I setteled for a 2000 LS with the V8, equipped with everything but moonroof. $1000 up front, 15k per year, $415 per month for 36 months. These payments include taxes, great incentives on 2000 LS if you can find one equipped like you want. Thanks for all the info, in 36 months I will definitely look at S 60.
My friend got a S40. It's more like a Japanese car than an European car. I would rather buy a Japanese car if I want Japanese feel.
Go and test drive the A4 too. I test drove it and liked it better than the S40. You'll feel a little
bit upper class with the A4. The S40 seems to be much cheaper.
I think the 2001 A4 is much better too. The +/- steering wheel buttons, 4 years warranty and free scheduled maintaince, and other unique STANDARD features (automatic stereo volume control, heated windshield washers, headlight washers, cassette & CD player, 6 airbags, etc)
Took a real hard hit from a Buick.I walked out of it without a scratch.I need to get a new car for myself asap.I was attracted to the S40 and am inclined on getting a European car as I've been using Civics & Accords for the last 10 years,not a complaint though.Still feel the Accord saved me.
Any advice folks.A4 or S40 or VW Jetta?
hope this helps..... "Ciao"
Hey, i live over seas. and its U.S. specs. good deal heh
Can anyone tell me, for sure, what the deal is with the car? Also - she does NOT want leather or a sunroof (crazy I know), but I thought the cloth was horrendous in the S40. Is it at least durable. She drives about 20k miles a year. Since that is the case, will this Volvo last as long as the old 240DL did? Or will the "turbo" thing cause trouble?
Thanks for any input.
I looked at the car. It's nice. However, I have heard of the air conditioning problems and a recall involving the wheels. I am hesitant about turbos too as they require expensive fixes when they go. So, I bought something else.