I'm about to take delivery on a 2003 v40. Has volvo fixed a lot of the issues that plagued the earlier model years? It's taken the dealer about a week to get the car from another dealer, and in that time I've had almost buyer's remorse. I'm leaving behind an awesome performing, but unreliable VW GTI vr6 in hopes of a more reliable car but am I walking into a minefield? I love VW's but chose to not buy again because of how VW deals with issues and long-term reliability. Now I wonder if Volvo is any better? Things like motor mounts and all the electrical issues are stuff i wanted to say goodbye to with my vr6.

We've had a '02 V40 since Feb. '02. It's my wife's daily driver, and runs between 500 to 600 miles/week.

No problems, if you don't count almost having it totaled at 4 days old.

Found the right shop to fix it. No rattles. No problems of any kind.

It now has 32,4XX miles and hasn't even needed brakes, although the rears will probably have to be replaced within 10K or so.

We got the 100,000 mile (Toyota) warrantee, but I've handled most of the minor maintenance issues (oil changes, fluid checks/adjustments, etc.) myself.

It's probably the nicest looking wagon we've owned, but I still prefer to drive my Subaru SVX (at 140,000 miles). My wife however, raves over her Volvo. That's what really counts!
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Steve

I think you'll be safe with a 2003 model. Most of the problems were with the 2000 models.

But apart from what has already been said, make sure the dealer's service department performs well. Ask around! See how customers feel about the service at your Volvo shop. I almost sold my '00 V40 before switching to a different dealer for normal maintenence and service. What a huge difference.
Free loaner cars (by reservation), repair thouroughness, intelligent diagnostics, and constant updates by phone, have made taking in the car much more pleasant.

Don M

My V40 00 has been a great vehicle. I now have 44K miles.
Main problems:
thermostat failed (Check Engine light)
fuel regulator on rail (Check Engine light)
Rear brake pads at 25K,
Front brake pads at 42K
Drivers window motor
All dealt with under warranty.
Its a great driving vehicle, great in the snow. Fun to drive on Vermont roads.

My statement that all was covered on warranty, is true less the brake work.
Thanks,
Craig

I've had my 2002 S40 for almost eighteen months now with zero problems/issues/complaints.

Been back to the dealer twice only for the scheduled maintenance. I'd do the maintenance myself but I would rather pay them to stamp the book so there are no warranty issues should problems arise.

mormit
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85 245DL, 02 S40

I must say that earlier model years had a lot of problems. From Phase II (2000) the quality is up alot. The -03 is near the quality of Volvos swe-built cars as s60. Of course it depends of the choice of engine/transmission, the smaller are mostly mitsu/renault, larger ones Volvos own-developed. I would say the quality is better than VW and ALOT better than most american-produced cars.

Good luck with your new car!

/akke77

1.) April 2003 Consumer Reports has the '00 SV40 on it's "Used Cars to Avoid" list.
2.) April 2003 Consumer Reports does NOT recommend it as a new car.
3.) April 2003 Consumer Reports has it near the bottom of the stack for problems in new sedans. It's better than a Saturn.
4.) It's manufactured in Holland on the same line as something called the Mitsubishi Carisma. Mitsu is affiliated with Daimler-Chrysler, Volvo is owned by Ford. Reportedly set for a major redesign for 2004 from a different assembly plant.
5.) I've heard really great prices can be had right now, but it's not my kind of car since it's only been available with an automatic transmission in the US.
6.) IMO the same reliability-durability issues are seen in every European nameplate (it's not the Mexican build of your VW that's the problem) as well as on US nameplates.

If you go for it, I'd suggest you also look into the Volvo 100k extended warranty, and ask for a discount on that!

-Punxsutawney Phil

Consumer Reports? That is the only magazine to stuff my subscription into the ether, and then tell me to go stuff my complaints when I didn't get the issues. I wouldn't believe a damn thing they report.
Doc