[jupiter22]

Hi All,

Goodmorning to all of you.I always follow many forum.This is first time I write in just after register.As human nature we need some advise as free advise is the best.
I'm early 40 with 2 kids and one lovely wife.Now only driving 1996 satria 1.3 M- red faded colour.(very short distance only occasionally vacation trip long drive).

Again the desire to own better car is always there.And Volvo (S40 -2005-2007)is the my pick as the reason below-
1) Good built quality.
2)cheap compare other make.(I'm looking for second-hand only).

But will or can I afford it.I can't afford to spend more than RM3000 permonth on the car.I'm earning about RM10000/month(senior enginner) but as i come from a poor family I really appreciate money and prefer to do more donation and other human charity activity.I don't want to spend to much on car.This might be my last car as I prefer public transport for single use.(now using public transport about 80%).

I also hate to visit the workshp frequently.

Hope advise me as honest as possible.May god bless your all.

[V406198]

Hi All,

Goodmorning to all of you.I always follow many forum.This is first time I write in just after register.As human nature we need some advise as free advise is the best.
I'm early 40 with 2 kids and one lovely wife.Now only driving 1996 satria 1.3 M- red faded colour.(very short distance only occasionally vacation trip long drive).

Again the desire to own better car is always there.And Volvo (S40 -2005-2007)is the my pick as the reason below-
1) Good built quality.
2)cheap compare other make.(I'm looking for second-hand only).

But will or can I afford it.I can't afford to spend more than RM3000 permonth on the car.I'm earning about RM10000/month(senior enginner) but as i come from a poor family I really appreciate money and prefer to do more donation and other human charity activity.I don't want to spend to much on car.This might be my last car as I prefer public transport for single use.(now using public transport about 80%).

I also hate to visit the workshp frequently.
Hope advise me as honest as possible.May god bless your all.

Welcome to Volvo for life...why ppl buy Volvo ? mainly of the safety features, otherwise you should consider jap/local car for cheap maintenance & good resale value, korea car for fullpack of new feature & design with affortable price tag or others contil car makers for trendy & up market status.. so if safety is your main concern then please continual the reading...

from your point of consideration to own the next car..

1) Good built quality.
answer : Volvo car are not the best built quality in among all the car selling in local market, some even complain it's worse than jap car quality..but if you satisfy with the Volvo built quality then please continual reading.

2)cheap compare other make.
answer : You might wonder why Volvo resale value are lower if compare with other premium contil brands, that because of the branding of Volvo are not well support by the local Volvo dealership interms of poor after sale service as well non friendly/non trendy marketing package..so this had cause the poor branding on Volvo and catagorised as high maintenance and old man car .. if all this is still not going to change your mind to own one of it...then keep on reading

Current market price of used unit of 2005-2007 S40 2.4 (manufactury code name P11) are ard rm5xK to rm7xK that are the first batches of P11 design until 2008 onward with the facelift improvement and also optional engine capacity of 2.0..so with your current income shouldn't be any problem to own one but unless you have other heavy financial commiment.. normally to buy a 5 years old & above Volvo, you need to allow rm 5-10K upfront to do the major repair & service as most Volvo are owned by company and after warranty service are very badly done. unless you can get an enthusiast owned unit. and after all major repair are done, you basically just need to do normal interval service t every 7500km ( dont follow the manufacturer recommandation of 10000km that will eventually kill your engine with local wheather & driving condition) with average of cost of rm5xx to rm1xxx...but be ready to pay rm2k-4k when that is major parts need to replace like a/c compressor, a/c blower, radiator, absorbers, altenator, brake servo pump, fuel pump...

And since this car are runing with non turbo engine (why i mentioned this is because many ppl still thought all Volvo car came with turbo ) that are much easy in maintenance & your pocket if compare with turbo model. but this P11 will facing some common problems like...

- Engine over heating..this due to the engine oil circulation line are very tinny that will cause extrame hot engine temp, and evetually cause PCV system blockage & engine over heating if used thicken visclocity engine oil.

- Engine stall over flood water.. due early batch design of the the engine air intake duct are designed to position at lower side of front grille that will cause engine stall and evetually water entering to engine compaments..

- Fast wear & tear on suspension parts like absorber & lower arm that can't handle well with local road condition..

- Others like many sensor in built in the engine comapment can't take the extrame heat from the compact engine layout that had shorten their life spend..

so in short, own a used unit Volvo might cost you alots with lots of $ & nightmare if you dont carefully pick a right condition unit.. and also you need to maintaince it with care & love as any short cut measurement will cause you more $ & nightmare.. but if you believe the safety features in the Volvo will one day safe you & your family life when bad accident happen then you should own one regardless it's used or brand new.

[jupiter22]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback.It will nice to have a figure RM.My uncle use a Mercedes Benz.he show me the bill RM 5003.80 for servicing the car.(Major).But he did mention there is no other car like Benz.This comment is bias as he never drive Satria 1.3m.The cost of maintainance is almost RM70,only.(can do by ur self).The car never let me down(reliable).So for me there is no car like Satria 1.3m.

Forget about that.Still looking one good unit.As I buy due my kids always prefer my other family members car.This include my wife.The other are using Civic,Benz,Audi,Camry.All driving like hell on the highway leaving me far behind.Sometimes worry for my kids.

Anyway thank for the comment.Looking for more....thnks.

[Newkelisa]

Anyway thank for the comment.Looking for more....thnks.

I have a 2006 S80, not exactly the same car but much of what's said is similar as they share the same basic engine minus the turbo on the S80.

The volvos are front heavy and front suspension wears out by 100k or so. Some of the suspension parts up front need to be replaced as a set. Easier for the assembly line and maybe the workshop but not easy on the wallet.

Last year I spent around RM3k for maintenance and repairs.

This month only I've already spent close to RM5k for

- worn CVVT pulley (did not know these engines came with dual CVVT) $$$$
- front suspension work
- timing belt service $$$
- failure of PCV system - hoses stiff and cracked, blocked tubes - whole thing needed to be replaced $$$$

Mechanic told me that 2005/2006 above all engines came with dual CVVT and they can fail expensively

[jupiter22]

Thanks for the input.As I work line purely technical line.I've always work with high tech-German tech---turbine machinery and Europe--standard.Many times their price seem very expensive but they already prove they are the best solution around.Many times the management of my company with the best talent they have try to replace the spare-parts from the most reputable Japan/Korea firm to cut cost but finally the parts fail to perform and even cost more at the end.We always complain the german parts are expensive but the manage to fulfill the requirement and they perform as what they promise.

That's from the industry I work for so now the same do apply for the car's.I do notice that the conti cars--Benz,Audi.Scoda....are well design in term of engineering,fuel efficientcy.... because they really spend on R&D.Other just try their level best to copy.Might looks like they succeed but not for long.Currently working with one project in Singapore i can really see that we will not get close to Western in term of technology.

Why I feel to use Volvo it because I like the S40 design.(personal view only)I also feel it is worth to spend abit more and get value for money things.I have a rolex and titoni watch past down from my father.Still working great.The number of watch i change due to fail the cost might be more that my father spend only once to buy this rolex.(get the point).

My personel view only that we should look into long run for the total cost of the ownership.I feel better buy quality product.

As I really thanks those real cost share which will benefit others as well.I'm quite busy with the work right now but soon or later will buy one Volvo hopefully S40.




Also Happy Chinese New Year, Snake year I don't know my luck as I'm born in Pig year.Hope that the snake would not swallow the pig.

Regards,
Jupiter22

[V406198]

Thanks for the input.As I work line purely technical line.I've always work with high tech-German tech---turbine machinery and Europe--standard.Many times their price seem very expensive but they already prove they are the best solution around.Many times the management of my company with the best talent they have try to replace the spare-parts from the most reputable Japan/Korea firm to cut cost but finally the parts fail to perform and even cost more at the end.We always complain the german parts are expensive but the manage to fulfill the requirement and they perform as what they promise.

That's from the industry I work for so now the same do apply for the car's.I do notice that the conti cars--Benz,Audi.Scoda....are well design in term of engineering,fuel efficientcy.... because they really spend on R&D.Other just try their level best to copy.Might looks like they succeed but not for long.Currently working with one project in Singapore i can really see that we will not get close to Western in term of technology.

Why I feel to use Volvo it because I like the S40 design.(personal view only)I also feel it is worth to spend abit more and get value for money things.I have a rolex and titoni watch past down from my father.Still working great.The number of watch i change due to fail the cost might be more that my father spend only once to buy this rolex.(get the point).

My personel view only that we should look into long run for the total cost of the ownership.I feel better buy quality product.

As I really thanks those real cost share which will benefit others as well.I'm quite busy with the work right now but soon or later will buy one Volvo hopefully S40.




Also Happy Chinese New Year, Snake year I don't know my luck as I'm born in Pig year.Hope that the snake would not swallow the pig.

Regards,
Jupiter22

actually is kind hard to give you real life ownership cost as it all depend on the Volvo parts reseller profit margin and as well workshops labour charge.. as malaysia don't pratice standartised parts & labour cost...so ball parts figure are the best reference.

but one thing for sure...the newer Volvo will not last long as your father Rolex or Titoni as newer Volvo models are designed with concept of enviroment friendly with up to 80-90% of parts/body are able to recycle, and the life spend of these parts are only able to take up to 10 over years....therefore it will not longer last forever like those old "tanker"modesl of 240, 740, 940...that's why alots of second hand owners of newer Volvo are complain about the parts quality.

[fadli15]

Hi Jupiter22,
I am not really new in the forum, but I rarely enter the forum unless some free time allows in the office
I used to own Waja, Altis 1.8, S40 (2008) and S60 (2012). It is true through the evolution of the car ownership, only a volvo guy will dare to upgrade to another volvo. A newbie will be very afraid of the car due to the scary experience from some users and also the weak Volvo brand pull.

My share of ownership of S40 2.4i (2008 model). The car was superb!! Quiet cabin, silent engine, but yet the power is there if you want to make it in 2 hours to Singapore at midnite (done many times with no speed trap... thank God!!). Maintenance is low as compared to Waja (duh!!!!). I spent about RM1100 for every service, which is 20,000km. Don't listen to Federal Auto asking you to do service every 10k, they just want to make more money there. Every lubricant nowadays (Grade API SM above) have to test their lube to stand 80,000km or more under high stress usage (engine RPM of 4000 or more) before they can get SM certification. Ask the people in the Petronas Lube research centre in Turin if you don't believe. Back to servicing, well... basically, the service will be about RM500 for 10,000km service (at par with the service cost for Altis), just that you save more time not to visit service centre twice. The above service is at Federal Auto mind you and I did this one a year, together with settling the annual road tax & insurance (kill 2 birds with one stone ya?... hehehe). If you go to the specialist Volvo workshop in Shah Alam (Batu 3 and Glenmarie), I think the service cost will be about 30% cheaper (which I think you should after the warranty is over).

Then now the parts. Yes, the part are expensive only if you buy from Federal Auto. Wiper for example will cost RM380 per pair from federal auto. You go and buy from the outside workshop you only pay RM180 (volvo can only use volvo original wipers, in blue volvo box. the connectors are not the same with Bosch etc, so you will not compromise on the quality). Frankly it took me 4 years before changing my first wiper.... yeah... they really last that long.. worth the cost of the wiper.

Battery: Federal Auto want to charge me RM700 for Volvo Original. But you can get a similar quality from Bosch at RM280. I tried to use GP last time but it only lasted less than a year. My S40 used to have this problem whereby the aircond will not be cold when the battery is almost kong. At first I was panicking thinking that my aircond kong, and $$$$ will be gone. But after reading some forum, apparently it is an early sign that the battery will kaput. Changed the battery and everything solved. Many people mistaken this for being the aircond rosak and went to spend thousands for unnecessary aircon work. FYI, i never have to service my aircon at all during the almost 5 years of ownership - very reliable.

Aside from the above, I have used the S40 nearly 5 years with NO problem at all. It was still under few more months warranty when I parted with it. Many people said about the high repair cost, but frankly you ask me, my ex Waja swallowed my money much much more than my S40 (the absorber, the frequent chamber rosak crap, aircond, the alignment, the every 5k service, the super frequent air filter change etc.. etc...). But I parted with the my beloved S40 to upgrade for S60 this year. Sort of loyal to the brand for the time being (loyal to Volvo not to Federal Auto... they really like to charge Hydrogen Bomb... seriously).

Jupiter, I think you make a good choice going for S40. It is a superb car, and if you do not hentam that car too much (well... any car if one hantam like crazy will also kaput la)... will save you money in terms of maintenance and repair as compared to a Japanese car. My view is that volvo parts last longer than the Japanese ones. Japs car is superb for the first maybe 6-7 years. After that many things will fall apart. Try for a test drive if you want to get convinced. But my 2 sen of advice though, avoid the 2.0 S40, go for the 2.4i. I had the 2.0 loaned from Federal Auto while waiting for my S60, and the 2.4i is waaaaaaayyyyyy better, smoother, more powerful and more comfortable than the 2.0. Yup you pay bit RM500 more roadtax, but you are not going to regret it.

[vios2000]

Hi Jupiter22,
I am not really new in the forum, but I rarely enter the forum unless some free time allows in the office
I used to own Waja, Altis 1.8, S40 (2008) and S60 (2012). It is true through the evolution of the car ownership, only a volvo guy will dare to upgrade to another volvo. A newbie will be very afraid of the car due to the scary experience from some users and also the weak Volvo brand pull.

My share of ownership of S40 2.4i (2008 model). The car was superb!! Quiet cabin, silent engine, but yet the power is there if you want to make it in 2 hours to Singapore at midnite (done many times with no speed trap... thank God!!). Maintenance is low as compared to Waja (duh!!!!). I spent about RM1100 for every service, which is 20,000km. Don't listen to Federal Auto asking you to do service every 10k, they just want to make more money there. Every lubricant nowadays (Grade API SM above) have to test their lube to stand 80,000km or more under high stress usage (engine RPM of 4000 or more) before they can get SM certification. Ask the people in the Petronas Lube research centre in Turin if you don't believe. Back to servicing, well... basically, the service will be about RM500 for 10,000km service (at par with the service cost for Altis), just that you save more time not to visit service centre twice. The above service is at Federal Auto mind you and I did this one a year, together with settling the annual road tax & insurance (kill 2 birds with one stone ya?... hehehe). If you go to the specialist Volvo workshop in Shah Alam (Batu 3 and Glenmarie), I think the service cost will be about 30% cheaper (which I think you should after the warranty is over).

Then now the parts. Yes, the part are expensive only if you buy from Federal Auto. Wiper for example will cost RM380 per pair from federal auto. You go and buy from the outside workshop you only pay RM180 (volvo can only use volvo original wipers, in blue volvo box. the connectors are not the same with Bosch etc, so you will not compromise on the quality). Frankly it took me 4 years before changing my first wiper.... yeah... they really last that long.. worth the cost of the wiper.

Battery: Federal Auto want to charge me RM700 for Volvo Original. But you can get a similar quality from Bosch at RM280. I tried to use GP last time but it only lasted less than a year. My S40 used to have this problem whereby the aircond will not be cold when the battery is almost kong. At first I was panicking thinking that my aircond kong, and $$$$ will be gone. But after reading some forum, apparently it is an early sign that the battery will kaput. Changed the battery and everything solved. Many people mistaken this for being the aircond rosak and went to spend thousands for unnecessary aircon work. FYI, i never have to service my aircon at all during the almost 5 years of ownership - very reliable.

Aside from the above, I have used the S40 nearly 5 years with NO problem at all. It was still under few more months warranty when I parted with it. Many people said about the high repair cost, but frankly you ask me, my ex Waja swallowed my money much much more than my S40 (the absorber, the frequent chamber rosak crap, aircond, the alignment, the every 5k service, the super frequent air filter change etc.. etc...). But I parted with the my beloved S40 to upgrade for S60 this year. Sort of loyal to the brand for the time being (loyal to Volvo not to Federal Auto... they really like to charge Hydrogen Bomb... seriously).

Jupiter, I think you make a good choice going for S40. It is a superb car, and if you do not hentam that car too much (well... any car if one hantam like crazy will also kaput la)... will save you money in terms of maintenance and repair as compared to a Japanese car. My view is that volvo parts last longer than the Japanese ones. Japs car is superb for the first maybe 6-7 years. After that many things will fall apart. Try for a test drive if you want to get convinced. But my 2 sen of advice though, avoid the 2.0 S40, go for the 2.4i. I had the 2.0 loaned from Federal Auto while waiting for my S60, and the 2.4i is waaaaaaayyyyyy better, smoother, more powerful and more comfortable than the 2.0. Yup you pay bit RM500 more roadtax, but you are not going to regret it.

Thank you fadli. Well said and informative.

[Newkelisa]

Thank you fadli. Well said and informative.

To be the devils advocate he he and to put things into perspective ...

You are looking for a second hand car whereas Fadli's experience is with a brand new Volvo bought in 2008, used up to recently ie 5 years.

You're looking for at latest 2007 MY which will be going on to 7 years. You'll be looking for a car that has been used for around 7 years with most likely > 100k km mileage.

From my experience buying used volvos at the 4-5 years old benchmark, parts will need to be replaced after 5-6 years / 120k km above. And I mean major expensive parts.

I'd advise you ask around for someone who has a 7 years old S40 and see what are the common issues of that age. Then you'll get a better picture of the upkeep. At 7 years you're looking at least a front suspension overhaul, new discs perhaps, frail vacuum hoses, absorbers, radiator fan, to name a few. Plus at that age you may experience issues with the long service intervals it had ..