2003 Volvo S40

Sporty and quiet, but high maintenance

By Sporty40 (KS) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 115,000

Pros: "Sporty, quiet, attractive"

Cons: "high maintenance costs"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"We purchased a 2003 Volvo S40 with 75,000 miles. Four years later there are 115,000 miles. We have had to repair the ABS - cracked gear, purchase a spare key ($400). Replace shift knob ($125) twice, antenna, coil pack, wires & plugs, temperature sensor. The check engine light is now on - catalytic converter (quote $500), The service soon light is on - timing belt, water pump, seals (quote $750). Time to sell this high maintenance vehicle."

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Reliable Car

By Tom (NJ) on Saturday, March 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 92,200

Pros: "Snappy car, good acceleration"

Cons: "Small gas tank, always filling up"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car new and have 92 K on it. It runs well and looks good. There aren't a lot of them, and the S40 body style changed recently. Looks contemporary"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Never again & and loved Volvo's before i bought it

By seattleformervolvoowner (WA) on Monday, January 28, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: multiple reasons - My approximate mileage is 155,000

Pros: "looks good"

Cons: "unrelieable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Sold this car to a Volvo mechanic that in his everyday life is fixing these cars. His shop was always full of volvos to fix and in the 2 years i was there every 6 months at more than $1,000 a visit and that on the low end. The bus is much better because if i was ever given one of these cars (Volvo) i would sell it ASAP!"

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Owned My '00 S40 for 9 Years

By Onoc (OH) on Sunday, January 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 126,000

Pros: "Fund to Drive, Fast, Leather with Amenities, Sleek"

Cons: "1 small cup holder"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Owned this vehicle for almost 9 years exactly. I purchased it as a second owner from a Volvo dealership in Columbus, OH under the certified, used program. I think I paid $16K OTD. This unit picks up quick and drives sporty. Even now, with 126K miles, it still gets up and dances! The vehicle has had issues beyond normal wear and tear from time to time. However, this is to be expected. For example, I had problems with the immobilizer about 2 years ago. This was the only "major" problem that I encountered. I maintained the unit to a tee by keeping up with the scheduled maint., which included replacing the timing belt about 2 years ago. The car has been a champ, but I plan on selling it in the next month or so. Sadly, it is built by humans, and the scheduled maint. on a 13 year old unit is tough to justify. Too, the age of the unit has begun to linger when 30mi away from home in Feb. and in 2 deg weather... Overall, this unit was worth well more than I paid for it in 02/2004!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Don't do it

By Dontdoit (NC) on Wednesday, November 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 83,000

Pros: "Fun to drive when it works"

Cons: "Money. Pit."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Do not buy this car unless you have plenty of money to keep it up. The thing has turned into nothing but a money pit. Was in great shape when I purchased it with only 75000 miles on it. After 3 months the car began misfiring, the driver window stopped working, and the headliner began falling. A couple weeks later and now the thing won't even start. Already put over $1000 in the car, now have to put another $1000 in just to be able to sell it. Steeeeeeer cleeeeear."

12 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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