I'm your average Brickboard idiot. As I look out my window, my stately 1992 740 wagon stands proudly in my driveway with 180K on it, and it runs just fine and I get around 27mpg with the old gal. Previously, I had 240s and one 960.

Hang in there.

Now, a close friend wants to buy a 2000 S40 for her daughter. The car has 58K on it, and is as clean as a whistle. Being the Brick Idiot that I am, I went along to view the vehicle from the current owner, a 20-something college student who wants out of the car payments. We drove it and it's fine, though the dealer she bought it from is replacing one window switch.

Now, I'm an old timer with the old 240's, 740's, etc. This new car had me bolloxed. The owner, though sincere and quite sweet said she had no problems, and she had the brakes replaced. I've visited other sites and there are some common themes with the 2000 S40:
Brakes-they seem to go quick
Motor Mounts - replaces at 50K (give me a break!)
Engine Light-on and off due to bad O2 sensors.
Paint.

Now.....I trust the Brickboard folks. I don't think paint's a problem with the car we saw. I drove the car hard and braked hard and she came to a nice straight stop. It ran smooth with no shaking.....

I think that most posts to the Internet are from folks who are pissed about their cars, and they think that somehow the Volvo badge equals no problems. In the final analysis, Bricks are metal and steel and break down like other cars. But in general, any thoughts on the overall reliability and potential problems with the 2000 S40 would be appeciated. Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance.

Tim
86 240 wagon, 177K, 94 960, 150K, 89 240 112K, 92 740 185K