2003 Volvo V40 Reviews

I bought this car initially for my wife to drive our kids around. However, with the price of gas hitting all time highs, it quickly replaced my SUV and became my daily commuter. I bought it used (a lease return), it had 70,000 km on it. I paid $16,000.00 CDN.

I love the fact that this car goes like the wind. It is agile, and superb in the winter (especially with a good set of snow tires). I am very thankful that I chose to purchase the extended warranty from Volvo. Not something I usually do, but I had heard the repair costs may be high and it was my first Volvo, so I had nothing to go on. 3 months after buying it the timing belt suddenly snapped. This cost over $3000.00 (no cost to me personally) to repair as it also bent other internal engine components. Other than that it has been very reliable, only minor wear and tear issues (light bulbs, oil/lube/filter, etc.). The build quality is pretty good, although the paint seems to chip easier than I'm used to and there's a rattle on certain pavement types that Volvo has been unable to replicate. Another irritating thing is the 'check engine' light seems to come on constantly. The culprit has been everything from the gas cap not sealing properly, to "over-filling the gas tank (who knew you could even do that), to a fuel sensor. Today it's on again. I don't like the radio controls. There are no dedicated preset radio buttons, so you have to take your eyes off the road while you scroll the dial for your presets channels. Dumb.  

Don't get me wrong I love this car. The front seats are super comfortable, it's fun to drive (I know, it's a wagon, but it's true) and it's not too hard on the wallet at the pumps. I would say buy one if you have small kids (leg room/car seat room cramped in the back if driver is taller)or a need for an economical wagon, with a great safety record.  

This car is a good alternative between sporty and also a big trunk. It drives very nice and the swedish steel is build for ever. I have the diesel which makes 37 Miles per Gallon.

good car, comments see S40 2003 also in my garage.  It was my first company car so it's still something special.