2000 Volvo S40 1.8T from North America

Summary:

The S40 is a car I would not recomend, unreliable and Volvo does not stand behind the car.

Faults:

I have replaced turn light, brake lights and head lights multiple times.

I have replaced brake pads 3 times in 68,000 miles and its due again, the brake pads and rotors wear out faster than any car I have owned.

The red paint job shows oxidation and has for the past two years. I can remove the oxidation and its back within a month.

The cabin air filter clogs far to often, and I do not live in a dusty area.

General Comments:

This car has been a problem since day one. The brakes went out after less than 20,00 miles and were not covered under warranty. I have replaced bulbs constantly since buying the car at my own cost. The pain job is my biggest complaint, after 4 years, it looks like a 2o year old car. I do like the performance; it's fast and gets decent gas mileage. The bad things far outweigh the good, this car has been in the shop so many times it's amazing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th August, 2004

29th Nov 2004, 14:50

I completely agree with your dissatisfaction! I own a 2001, replaced the pads and rotors in January of 2003 and now cannot get my car inspected because once again they are both gone in a little over 15,000 miles. Cannot wait to get rid of and that's the other thing - RESALE what RESALE they have no damn value.

2000 Volvo S40 Sedan 1.9 turbo from North America

Summary:

Not the Volvo quality I was hoping for

Faults:

Computer had to be reprogrammed 5 times in two years.

Brakes have had to be replaced twice in 40k miles. Rotors replaced once.

While writing this summary my S40 will jerk and hesitate while applying mid to full throttle. First diagnosis indicated that the boost pressure sensor needed to be replaced. Three hundred and eighty dollars later still not fixed. My S40 is still under warranty, but of course this issue is not covered!

Lights blow prematurely.

Resell value will make you sick.

General Comments:

What can I say, the 2000 S40 is a beautiful and fun to drive car. The S40 has all the power you need. However the S40 will drain your wallet in costly repair bills! All the comments you read about premature break wear is so true.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st July, 2004

21st Mar 2005, 11:29

It seems Volvo's history is pretty consistent... they always have a few odd "bad" years. The 2000 S40, 83-84 240, 85 760, 94 850 etc.

Do some research and stay away from the "bad" years when buying your used Volvo. Buy the right year and model and you will have a friend for life!

24th Jan 2006, 14:33

In my family we have two Volvo S40s, however I have never had any problems with break wear. 1999 model, and a 2000 model, both return good mileage before changing the brakes pads or rotors. I drive the 1999 model at excessive speed and very hard. If I was ever caught on film or seen by a cop, I could wave goodbye to my licence. So this leave me a little interested in why people are complaining about break wear. The 1999 model has done 85,000 on the 2000 is over 110,000 mile. Just remember after buying new breaks you can't use them properly for about 500miles and warm them up, before going nut. It's a bit like the car engine, warm it up a little before a hard run and then let it cool down before switching it off. It's a Volvo look after it and it will be with you for life. You should get atleast 10,000 mile out of your breaks or maybe even 20,000. Or if your really amazing 35,000 or more.

13th Mar 2006, 20:55

I have a 2000 Volvo S40 and I love it except for the failure to turn on occasionally. I am trying to figure out why this happens. I get different stories when I take it in for repairs. The only thing that sometimes helps is ensuring the gas tank cover is screwed on correctly and pushing in all the fuse box switches.