Tell me about the Volvo S40

Modern Volvos are not as solid as "Proper" Volvos but still pretty tough. My mechanical concern with this model would be the Renault diesel engine, would be worth looking around and seeing if they cause issues.

I don't think these are especially big inside so if it's a family lugger i think you'd be better off with the slightly larger S60 or S80. The 60 is the best of the bunch IMO.

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Is it one of the first of the new ones? If so forget the comment on the engine as they all use volvo ones. Size comment stands.
 
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Thanks for the reply. The car in question is a 54 plate, I'm not sure if this is an early model or not. I've been offered a deal with my Clio 182. We are expecting our first child so I am after something bigger.
 
Before you jump in, check out the S60 D5 2.4, around the same money maybe only a little more but as already said its bigger and it doesnt sound like a diesel ;)
 
I know people who had these from new (company car) and they had loads of problems with the engine.
The engine isn't the best diesel around, but you could do worse.

The car itself is fine. Quite boring, solid, but ultimately a rather nice place to be.
The pedals are too small for my liking, but that's hardly a massive flaw.
 
i have the 1.8 petrol variant, 2005, have had to have the alternator refurbed once due to it dieing slowly lol apart from that ive had 3years trouble free motoring :) as said its a boring car , but its an ok place to be :)
 
The earlier models use Renault diesel engines, these have caused quite a number of Lagunas to be hard shoulder ornaments.

The new shape ones are very differant, they use a Volvo engine (Quite possibly based around the TDCi) and look much nicer. If it's a 54 it's probably this generation that you're looking at.

However if you want a Volvo diesel, you really want the D5. Newer S40s do have them as do S60s and S80s. The S80s have a number of common issues, mostly based around the rear suspension. Nothing earth shattering, but worthy of mention. The S60 is slightly smaller than the S80, doesn't have these issues and is probably the best all rounder. I think you'll find the S40 too small.
 
Thanks for all the above information, most helpful. The problem I have is my girlfriend has to drive it as well so has to stay 'smallish'. Do you think it's a fair-trade for my Clio?
 
Not sure what your budget is, but you could check out the C30 while you're at it.
Do you really need a diesel though? These units are more trouble than they're worth.
The only problem with petrol Volvos is that petrol fuel efficiency is not their strong point..
 
The Edge said:
Modern Volvos are not as solid as "Proper" Volvos
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...but they're safer in a accident due to their crumple zones and all the safety measures that Volvo have engineered into the car. A Land Rover is 'solid' for example, but you wouldn't want to have a crash in it.
 
mjt said:
These units are more trouble than they're worth.
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The Volvo and VAG diesel engines are fine :confused:

You certainly don't hear about turbos exploding on them like you do on a lot of common rail diesels. Injectors were a problem on earlier D5 units but this was sorted and is now quite rare.

...but they're safer in a accident due to their crumple zones and all the safety measures that Volvo have engineered into the car
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So are the "Proper" ones, especially for their time. Doesn't make what you said untrue though, new ones are a good place to be if you have a crash.
 
The Edge said:
The Volvo and VAG diesel engines are fine :confused:

You certainly don't hear about turbos exploding on them like you do on a lot of common rail diesels. Injectors were a problem on earlier D5 units but this was sorted and is now quite rare.
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what about DMFs? good or no good?
 
I know something dosent seem right, TBH im really not looking forward to letting the clio go any way such a cracking car. I think im best off selling for cash and finding something more suitable. I'd really like a 3 series touring but I think the girlfriend will struggle driving it.
 
mjt said:
I know this is OT, but the dealers have been telling me that they're having lots of problems with the new 1.6D, and I know that when the 2.0D was released there were quite a few issues.
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The 1.6D engine is reliable, but only to a point. It is the same Ford / PSA engine that is used in the Focus / S40 / V50 / Cooper D and some Renaults / Citreons / Peugeots.

It has a huge design flaw, which causes oil to carbonise and block the pipes for the turbo. Ford had to issue a TSB, and redesign the oil feed and return pipes, benjo bolts etc to try and rectify this issue, but it remains to be seen if it actually does work as a long term fix. a lot of people have had turbo failures because of this. Some people have even had repeat turbo failures as the repair hadnt been done according to the ford TSB.

If your going down the diesel route i'd go for the 1.8 or the D5.
 
nichorob said:
The 1.6D engine is reliable, but only to a point. It is the same Ford / PSA engine that is used in the Focus / S40 / V50 / Cooper D and some Renaults / Citreons / Peugeots.

It has a huge design flaw, which causes oil to carbonise and block the pipes for the turbo. Ford had to issue a TSB, and redesign the oil feed and return pipes, benjo bolts etc to try and rectify this issue, but it remains to be seen if it actually does work as a long term fix. a lot of people have had turbo failures because of this. Some people have even had repeat turbo failures as the repair hadnt been done according to the ford TSB.

If your going down the diesel route i'd go for the 1.8 or the D5.
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Interesting.. 1.6d Volvo/Ford/Renault/Citreon/Pug ... one to avoid!
 
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