Scotty or guys or everybody. Thinking about buying a Volvo s40 2008 105k miles automatic transmission. 4500$.
what are your thoughts ?
it is the AWD version, 2.4 engine. {black}:scared: Thanks.
I’m not sure on the price, it might be too high.
(I don’t live in the US so I don’t know pricing but where I live that would be unheard of for an ‘08 Volvo!)
The Volvo S40 is a good car, probably the best European car you can buy! I have the coupe version (2010 C30) - look in my profile pic.
reliability is usually good on those expect for ones with the 6 speed Ford made dual clutch (MPS6) that transmission is not cheap to maintain.
it handles and accelerates well and the safety is good for it’s time.
Take it to a mechanic, If the AWD is functioning correctly, the transmission doesn’t shake or rattle, and the engine is running smoothly this car can probably go for a very long time.
(Scotty has some videos on how to check a used car, watch them.)
Transmission here in the United States is 5 speed Aisin AW55-50 automatic, opinion on those?
@Dan. It probably is a bit high. Because of the pandemic, used car prices here in the US have gone nuts.
I mean yeah I feel the price is a little bit up. But if is really 105k miles 5 speed automatic I did my little research and yeah is an Aisin transmission. Thanks by the way.
The 5 speed AISIN is amazing compared the the 6 speed one.
The AW-55-50 is one of the best transmissions AISIN made. This 5 speed was used in SAAB, Opel, many Volvo models and even the legendary Renault Avantime ( - it’s a dream car for many, and it’s sad that they didn’t end up making that many of these French 3-door shooting-brake minivans powered by a V6)
This transmission could easily last 180,000 miles if you don’t constantly drive it too hard and do all of the basic maintenance, usually they age reasonably well and don’t cause many issues if you replace the oil every 50,000 miles although I’d personally replace it every 35-40 thousands.
when they eventually do breakdown, it’s usually not only the value body, its also typically internal bushings…
But the “next generation” 6 speed AISIN (TF-80SC used in the 2010-up S40) by that kind of mileage would long turn all of it’s internals into just a pile of metallic dust 🤣.
@toytoagirl
That’s interesting, where I live the prices of Mazda , Toyota and Honda cars skyrocketed (including the unreliable ones like the manual motorized Corollas, the early CVT avensis and the powershift mazda3)
But during this time the prices of European and amaercian cars collapsed.
I managed to get a 2014 Focus (with the tranny under the extended manufacturer warranty) and a 2010 Volvo C30 each for under 6.5k and each with under 70-80k miles…
They are good cars compared to their European competitors. If a mechanic says its in good shape haggle on the price and it could be a decent car. Just don't expect superior reliability for more than another few years.
Actually if I can use it for a year or 2. Maybe 30 to 40 thousand miles. I’ll be god planing on getting a newer Honda or Toyota later on.
Then it could be a good purchase. Make sure all needed maintenance is done. Test drive it, have a mechanic check it out. Volvos tend to have oil leaks as they age, what sure there isn't any. If it has a timing belt, make sure its been changed, if not, take if off the price and get it changed. Make sure transmission is good... If all checks out, offer 3500 and it could be an alright car for the couple year period as long as you take care of it.
I also want to add 60% of the parts of the S40 are shared with Ford so many mechanical parts would be cheaper than Euro luxury car standards. As always, they are nice looking, comfortable, safe cars. IMO much MUCH better than a BMW or Mercedes in terms of quality for the age. This gen S40 also had more rear legroom than the S60. Definitely a well engineered cheap luxury sedan, but mainteance would be expensive after a while as its a niche car brand in the states.
@Dafresh25
I think the Volvo can go for more the 30k-40k miles. Usually they don’t fall apart until 165k-170k+
As far as the engine and gearbox they’re better built then what Toyota has been making for the last couple of years.