Thinking of buying a Volvo S40 (08)

Bigmac1euro · 06-01-2017 03:33PM #1

Thinking of Buying a Volvo S40 (08)
They seem to be reasonably priced 2008 model,

Any advice on this motor would be much appreciated
There's a 1.8 petrol model and a 2.0 diesel model.
I don't really mind which one i go for.

If anyone knows what one is better or more reliable please fill me in.

I would like to hear from people who've had one or currently drive a Volvo S40

Carpentry · 06-01-2017 07:54PM

I had 2 S40. Both petrol, 1.8 and 2.4. Great cars, honestly you cant go wrong with this Volvo model. Quite, comfortable, quick enough and efficient. I would look for R-Design model, they are nicely spec'd and usually have nicely coloured interiors.

MayoForSam · 06-01-2017 08:15PM

I have 2.0 R-Design S40, UK import, 177 BHP, great car, driving 100 miles per day in it for the last 3 years, regular oil changes and tyres, up to 125K miles now, no problems to report, MPG not far off 50, great car.

Get a 2.0 rather than the 1.6 which is underpowered, although the 5-cylinder model that I have (newer engine) are rare in Ireland.

road_high · 07-01-2017 01:34AM

Avoid the 1.6d at all costs.
I think the 2.0d is better in every way.

bazz26 · 07-01-2017 02:50AM

If you're doing short stop/start journeys or mostly city driving then a diesel will be of no benefit to you from a fuel saving or long term reliability point. Most of the 1.8 petrols sold in around 2008 where flexifuel models which could run on both unleaded or bi-ethanol which is no longer available to buy here. This engine is pretty heavy on fuel and needs to be serviced every 10k km.

I had a 2006 S40 for two years and it was far from a reliable car. They are well built, well specced and solid on the road but they can have a lot of niggly problems with electrics, etc. While the S40 shares a platform with the Ford Focus Volvo parts can be pretty expensive especially if you have to source them from a Volvo dealer. For example a replacement key costs around €250 and is a main dealer job as it has to come from Sweden afaik.

road_high · 07-01-2017 03:30AM

Was yours the 1.6 d?
I found everything bar the engine to be spot on myself. And as you say the prices were expensive for parts. I had numerous faults with oil leaks, egrs, seals etc but as we all know that engine is notoriously soft

ECO_Mental · 07-01-2017 08:28AM

Jumping on this thread but I am just looking at buying a 2010 V50 1.6d. Low mileage great spec but it's the engine I'm worried about. Currently I have a 2005 focus with a1.6d and I have had the egr go injectors fail etc etc. I said I would never get a 1.6d again but I can get this V50 for €9500 which i think is a great price.

Am I mad to go with the 1.6d again, I think I am answering my own question here:)

bazz26 · 07-01-2017 03:05PM

road_high wrote: »

Was yours the 1.6 d?
I found everything bar the engine to be spot on myself. And as you say the prices were expensive for parts. I had numerous faults with oil leaks, egrs, seals etc but as we all know that engine is notoriously soft

Yes it was a 1.6d. I had to replace the DPF on it too but the other stuff I listed earlier were not specifically engine related.

Carpentry · 08-01-2017 12:58PM

I dont think I ever had a problem with petrol engine. Car is very well build except for leather seats which wear pretty quickly, but I have seen this problem in every Volvo. I suppose is also due to how the car is being treated by the owner.

montec · 08-01-2017 01:02PM

I have a 2010 2.0d R-Design and I think it's a great car, with a great spec and very good fuel economy.
Having said that, I had a couple of issues: battery ran out which took out the immobiliser. I replaced the battery and it still didn't run right (lumpy and noisy).
Turns out it was the alternator (Denso version) and this is a not uncommon issue with them. Runs great without issue since, but its just something to look out for.
I also had the dpf removed and had it through the NCT without issue.
Overall, good car and one that I'd recommend but go for the 2.0d if you can.

Bigmac1euro · 08-01-2017 03:58PM

Guys,

Really appreciate all the feedback.

I would be driving roughly 160km+ per week,
Do you's think this would justify getting a diesel?

It seems you can pick up a decent enough Volvo s40 for between 4-5k
With from 60-90k miles

They are beautiful cars, does anyone think it would be worth buying from up north ?

2500-3500 pound will get you something similar but usually better spec.

Carpentry · 08-01-2017 04:15PM

I would go petrol.

Bigmac1euro · 08-01-2017 10:54PM

I'm considering going for the 1.8 petrol model.
The diesel models seem to have more mileage more wear and tear and are more expensive.

Tax will be a little expensive on petrol though.
But I'm not doing mental motor way miles so maybe the petrol is the better option for me.

As I said above I wonder would it be worth buying from north ....

Thinking of buying a Volvo S40 (08)

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