2009 Volvo S40
Location: California
Price: $4200
Mileage: 79,000
Use: Drive to school around 6-8k a year
Question: How reliable? Will it last 150k miles trouble free if mechanic says it is fine? I heard 60% of parts are shared with Ford so are parts a problem?
I considered a Camry and they are expensive here in California but I also considered a
2003-2006 Camry found one 144k miles for $6200 and w/135k for $7000, w/183k miles for $6500
The Camry is ok but I like the Volvo a little better but if you say the Volvo is a huge money pit hunk of junk then I will pay premium for a Camry.
If you can I would recommend the Camry, I you can swing it, but the S40 from the little I know sounds reasonably reliable. It probably is a nicer car from a luxury standpoint. My mom has an 2004 Camry and it has almost 440k miles on it now and is still chugging along, it is having to be worked on occasionally but nothing too serious. The S40 is not a hunk of junk or money pit at all just not as reliable as the Camry, but with half the miles of the Camrys you for for 50% less, I would consider it. You will probably get more money back for the Camry that is something to consider also. Good luck if you can get $6k I would negotiate the person down to $5.5K. Just a thought, Good Luck!
I’d go with the Camry for piece of mind and minimal fuss. The Volvo S40 is not going to be as reliable as the Camry and when it does need repairs they will usually cost more. There’s a reason the Camry’s are selling for higher! It’s one of those scenarios where you may pay less for the less reliable car but over time end up paying more, esp. if you don’t do any of the car work yourself. Go with the Camry; have a mechanic check them out before you get it.
Camry would be more reliable but of course the Volvo would be decent as well especially for that price just realize that.
