2003 Volvo S40 Leather, Winter Package 1.9 turbo from North America

Summary:

Great little comfortable and powerful sleeper

Faults:

Check engine light for thermostat error appears every two weeks. I had the dealer replace my thermostat twice, my ECU (computer) once, upgrade to my ecu twice, and a thermostat sensor once. After a year of headaches (the light does not affect performance) I just bought an reader and read and erase the Check Engine Light when it appears.

Took the car for an oil change at the dealer, the dealer "forgot" to drain the old oil and simply added new one, which resulted in my engine being overfilled with oil. After a few hours of driving like that and the car heavily smoking, I brought it back to the dealer, who initially was reluctant do to so, but after I showed him how dark the oil was after a few hours of driving, he agreed to do it again and gave me a free oil change. The customer service will be notified.

The paint begins to have "cancer" spots - those little cracks that are grouped. I have four of them - the dealer will not do anything about it.

I hit a curb and bent my control arm. I replaced it myself, and after a proper realignment the car was as good as new.

New brakes squeal, even though grease was used.

My wheel stud broke off.

I bent my three different alloys 3 times (very soft material)

Cylinder misfire due to Iridium plugs (could be my fault)

General Comments:

Overall the car is very comfortable with a lot of potential. The leather seats are nice, the position behind the wheel is superb. The only thing that bothers me are those little things that keep happening. Whether it's the constant Check Engine Light or broken pieces or bad paint - it all adds up.

The car is very fast, although the turbo lag is noticeable. An Electronic Control Unit tune is recommended to eliminate that and to provide better shifts. I also installed a performance intake which made the car feel more responsive. I will also be upgrading the turbo, which seems to be too weak for this model sometimes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2007

3rd Feb 2009, 13:35

I bought a 2001 V70 XC CrossCountry wagon last year which did not come with a manual. I want to know what exactly the winter package is and the "W" on the console means and/or what it does. I love the car!

Thanks..Kim.

2003 Volvo S40 SE 1.9 turbo from North America

Summary:

Awsome yet costly

Faults:

New Transmission at 81,000 km not covered under warranty.

New gas tank and fuel lines replaced at 76,000 km not covered under warranty - car almost blew up.

New coolant sensor replaced at 85,000 km not covered under warranty.

New steering wheel replaced at 83,000 km not covered under warranty.

2 New batteries 1 at 50,000 km 2 at 80,000 km.

New light bulbs it seems every 10,000km.

E-Brake has failed at 75,000km not covered under warranty.

New turbo replacement at 90,000km not under warranty.

New radiator at 89,000km engine began overheating steadily not covered under warranty.

New catalytic converter replaced at 94,000 km once again not covered under warranty.

Trunk began to rust at 14,000 km covered under warranty (thank god)

Approximately 17 sets of brakes, I admit I drive the car hard, but that’s still ridiculous.

I love the car to death though so don’t mind paying the repair bills.

Approximately invested over $60,000 USD in repairs alone.

General Comments:

Fun car to drive.

Handles very well.

Extremely comfortable.

Although in the garage constantly it's worth it.

As good as my M3? Certainly not! But a hell of a car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th March, 2006

3rd Apr 2006, 13:42

WOW! How can anybody invest that much in repairs? Why didn't you purchase another car if you continued to have that many problems? I'm not sure WHAT exactly you love in this car so much, but anyway, that's just me.

30th Aug 2007, 23:41

$60,000 in repair bills? You are joking, right? Nobody is stupid enough to put that much money into a car worth about 1/5th of that.

1st Sep 2007, 05:54

17 sets of brakes? You have got to be kidding. $60,000 worth of repairs? No way man, for that kind of money you can get same new car. Twice (almost).