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Buying S40, Need Advice


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#1
jOnAs

Posted 23 March 2009 - 12:02 PM

jOnAs

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Hi,

My wife plans to buy a 2004-2005 S40 which i think is a good buy at 95k-100k.. but since we both are driving nissan and honda therefore i need advice on conti cars.. FC is not a concern for her.

1) Can we send the car to other workshop instead of volvo
2) Any compatible spare sparts rather than ori
3) Any specific prob with the car ( i noticed few prob eg. aircond,gearbox prob fr other threads. Since we r buying 2nd hand, how to rectify the prob if it's not rectified by the previous owner/ and what's the cost?
4) When is the new S40 launching?

Thanks all sifu
J.Y

#2
fadli15

Posted 23 March 2009 - 12:27 PM

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Hi,

I have just received my brand new S40 about 2 weeks ago from Federal Auto. Like you I was previously a Toyota user, and was very satisfied with it, until decision came last month to change the car (considering the old car needs new tyres, road tax, insurance and major service in abaout 1 month's time smile.gif

My experience in 2 weeks driving the car... EXCELLENT!! The quality is top notch, and the ride is very very good. Though it is a brand new car, I supposed it doesn't really answer the question of owning a 2nd hand car. But I think in terms of ride and satisfaction is still the same considering they are the same car.

FYI, S40 has just received facelift in 2008 (some minor cosmetics upgrade like the headlights and backlights, and some equipment upgarde like memory seat for driver, and electric seat for co-pilot). Aside from that I think it is almost the same as 2005 model. What I heard from SA is that the car was launched in 2004, upgraded in 2006, and again facelifted 2008. The model is expected to be phased off in 2013/14. So still some way to go. I think you might be confused with S60, which is at the end of lifecycle and due to be replaced in 2010 (quite a stunning new model replace you can find in websites).

As for the 2nd hand workshop, I do not have experience on this yet. And for my new car I took extended warranty 5 years. So it will be a long way to go before warranty expires. But the matter is being discussed extensively in www.vocm.com.my. All the Volvo fans shared their experience and suggestions with each other. I suggest you can join the Forum there as well.

Hope you enjoy the ride should you decide to go ahead with the purchase. I really enjoy mine and hope you do too.

Rgds,
Fadli

#3
V406198

Posted 23 March 2009 - 12:30 PM

V406198

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QUOTE (jOnAs @ Mar 23 2009, 12:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

My wife plans to buy a 2004-2005 S40 which i think is a good buy at 95k-100k.. but since we both are driving nissan and honda therefore i need advice on conti cars.. FC is not a concern for her.

1) Can we send the car to other workshop instead of volvo
2) Any compatible spare sparts rather than ori
3) Any specific prob with the car ( i noticed few prob eg. aircond,gearbox prob fr other threads. Since we r buying 2nd hand, how to rectify the prob if it's not rectified by the previous owner/ and what's the cost?
4) When is the new S40 launching?

Thanks all sifu


1) Can we send the car to other workshop instead of volvo, A : Yes, there are few outside capable WS that specialize in volvo around in Klang valley

2) Any compatible spare sparts rather than ori A: Advise to stick with original or OEM at least

3) Any specific prob with the car ( i noticed few prob eg. aircond,gearbox prob fr other threads. Since we r buying 2nd hand, how to rectify the prob if it's not rectified by the previous owner/ and what's the cost?
A: before decide to buy & pay the car that you like, you can ask the seller to send the car to FA or SM ( both authorized dealer ) for 21 points inspection and get the report to show any defects need to rectify and ask the seller to pay for the bill.


4) When is the new S40 launching? A : the facelife version of S40 2.4I are just launched last year and normally contil car will take another few of 2-3 years to re launch the new model...

2004 S60R. AT. Tit Grey. Nordkap. 18" Pegs. TME SportCat Exhaust DP & Cat Back System. TME Lower Spring. Garrett GT3071R. RC 750cc Injectors. FMIC. K&N Filter. Pegasus 3" CAI. IPD HD TCV. IPD HD Ignition Coil, IPD 25mm Front Sway Bar. UR Custom 23mm Rear Sway Bar. UR Front & Rear Strut Bars. Stainless Steel Brake Hoses. Audi TT DV, Saab 900 ATF Cooler. TkiMotorSportRacing & IPD HD Link Rod. H&R 5mm Front Wheel Spacer. Endless Sport 0-400 Front Brake Pad. ScangaugeII Diagnostic Gauge. Stages 2 Snow Performance methanol Injection.

#4
razibar

Posted 25 March 2009 - 02:42 AM

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Fadli

Congratulations on your new ride. Hope you enjoy it for many years to come. I bougth mine back in Sept 2005 and still enjoying it. never regret the decison i made to switch from Altis to Continental car. To-date has clocked ~90,000 km and the engine is still doing fine. I only send for service at FA, Jalan Klang once a year or every 20 000 km. I never bother to change engine oil like some do every 10,000 km. Synthetic oil is good for the extended km. Like you, I owned Toyota Altis before and the ride is lot different. Frankly, I feel the maintenance is much cheaper than Altis. i also find the ermergency support, Volvo-on-Call, quite efficient especially if you're staying around KL.
2004 Volvo S40 2.4i Safari Green
2013 BMW 328i M Sport, Alphine White/Black

#5
jOnAs

Posted 25 March 2009 - 12:28 PM

jOnAs

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HI,

Thanks for all the replies.. I suppose there's no doubt about the diff between conti and japanese cars. If it'll be face off then it's definately worth buying.

Ok, i'll definately send for point check before buying.. Btw razibar, u mean Altis maintenance is more expensive than S40? But i thought volvo's parts are more expensive than jap's car..


J.Y

#6
fadli15

Posted 25 March 2009 - 02:17 PM

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Thank you Razibar for the encouragement. It is true as what you said. Conti and Japs cars are quite a different animal altogether. Frankly I am enjoying the car more and more after the break-in period (if there is such thing - but seriously the car is only more responsive after 1500km).

I do not have experience in servicing the car yet. I am thinking of doing like Razibar also, send the car every 20K instead of some people at FA asking to send every 10K. Good thing to note, my next 3 services will be FOC since it comes as a package in the car price. So I will only worry about the cost in 2013 smile.gif. From the charges, seems like the published cost is only about RM100 difference from Altis service (I used to spend about RM500-RM1000) every 6 months for Altis.

Additionally, one plus note is that FA does have a service to pick up your car for service once a year. A guy will come and pick the car from the office and return it the same day after service. Very convenient. I used to send my car to Toyota SC at 10pm for early bird service the next day. Took taxi home, and took taxi back to the SC in the afternoon to collect the car. Still quite convenient, but dealing with taxis in Klang Valley is a nightmare, and I was cheated for RM40 for a taxi ride from KLCC to Pandan Perdana (normal cost was RM6). But now I do not have to worry about that anymore.

However one word of warning for those new users, the car is so quiet that I am now more sensitive to any moving parts in the car when its going up a bump or driving on uneven road. Kinda psyco already since its soo quiet.... hehehhe....

2 weeks with the car.... EXCELLENT!

#7
powwee1

Posted 25 March 2009 - 04:44 PM

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fadli15, I am also considering the new S40 but I am still undecisive between S40 and Mazda6 2.5L. Very encouringing to hear that you have good experience with S40. Would very much like to hear more from you as you drive the car for a couple more months to see if you encounter any issues.

If you prefer to take this off-line, we can communicate by email. My email address is powwee@gmail.com.



#8
razibar

Posted 25 March 2009 - 10:35 PM

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jonas

Sorry for the late reply.
The service cost is standard for Volvo and you can get it from the FA website. Initially i had the same thought about the costs since it's continental but when compared ( twice a year for Alti dan once a year for S40), it's actually less. I think Fadli mentioned that earlier.

Several things to share:
1. remember this car is not a performance car but more for comfort ride and cruising even though it has the power to accelerate. Pick-up is a little bit late initially due to its heavier weight. If you can live with that, then you're okay. To-date my average FC is ~10km/liter.
2. the maintenance free (MF) battery can last from 1.5 to 2.5 years. Unlike normal car battery, it doesnt give you that many tell-tale signs of dying so it's hard to know despite the green light shown on that batttery indicating that it's still good. My first MF battery lasted ~1.5 years and before it died i had to crank a few times to start the car. I guess that was the clue but i didnt know. Luckily, Volvo-on-call to the rescue. Since I change it at FA, it's doing fine and during my last service, the service guy told me the MF is still good and doe not need to be replaced yet..
3. when you get low battery mesage on the trip meter, it's actually the small lithium battery on your remote. new battery can last for a few years.
4. As for the wipers, eventhough it's still too early for you Fadli to worry about, the cost charged by FA includes both the rubber and the metal brackets and hence sounds expensive. Actually it costs like USD10.00 for the rubber only and that's what you actually need. I took the opportunity during my recent trips to USA and bought several of them online and shipped to my hotel. now, my supply will last me for another 10 years smile_approve.gif . For some reasons, all online parts in USA that i've visited do not provide shipping to Malaysia. The steps to replace the wiper is easy. just request through my email. No sure if the sapes are sold outside FA

Cheers


2004 Volvo S40 2.4i Safari Green
2013 BMW 328i M Sport, Alphine White/Black

#9
V406198

Posted 26 March 2009 - 10:14 AM

V406198

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QUOTE (razibar @ Mar 25 2009, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
jonas

Sorry for the late reply.
The service cost is standard for Volvo and you can get it from the FA website. Initially i had the same thought about the costs since it's continental but when compared ( twice a year for Alti dan once a year for S40), it's actually less. I think Fadli mentioned that earlier.

Several things to share:
1. remember this car is not a performance car but more for comfort ride and cruising even though it has the power to accelerate. Pick-up is a little bit late initially due to its heavier weight. If you can live with that, then you're okay. To-date my average FC is ~10km/liter.
2. the maintenance free (MF) battery can last from 1.5 to 2.5 years. Unlike normal car battery, it doesnt give you that many tell-tale signs of dying so it's hard to know despite the green light shown on that batttery indicating that it's still good. My first MF battery lasted ~1.5 years and before it died i had to crank a few times to start the car. I guess that was the clue but i didnt know. Luckily, Volvo-on-call to the rescue. Since I change it at FA, it's doing fine and during my last service, the service guy told me the MF is still good and doe not need to be replaced yet..
3. when you get low battery mesage on the trip meter, it's actually the small lithium battery on your remote. new battery can last for a few years.
4. As for the wipers, eventhough it's still too early for you Fadli to worry about, the cost charged by FA includes both the rubber and the metal brackets and hence sounds expensive. Actually it costs like USD10.00 for the rubber only and that's what you actually need. I took the opportunity during my recent trips to USA and bought several of them online and shipped to my hotel. now, my supply will last me for another 10 years smile_approve.gif . For some reasons, all online parts in USA that i've visited do not provide shipping to Malaysia. The steps to replace the wiper is easy. just request through my email. No sure if the sapes are sold outside FA

Cheers


there are many Volvo spare parts shops (beside SM & FA ) around and normaly their price are cheaper by 30-40% compare to authorized dealers quotation..

2004 S60R. AT. Tit Grey. Nordkap. 18" Pegs. TME SportCat Exhaust DP & Cat Back System. TME Lower Spring. Garrett GT3071R. RC 750cc Injectors. FMIC. K&N Filter. Pegasus 3" CAI. IPD HD TCV. IPD HD Ignition Coil, IPD 25mm Front Sway Bar. UR Custom 23mm Rear Sway Bar. UR Front & Rear Strut Bars. Stainless Steel Brake Hoses. Audi TT DV, Saab 900 ATF Cooler. TkiMotorSportRacing & IPD HD Link Rod. H&R 5mm Front Wheel Spacer. Endless Sport 0-400 Front Brake Pad. ScangaugeII Diagnostic Gauge. Stages 2 Snow Performance methanol Injection.

#10
fadli15

Posted 26 March 2009 - 10:20 PM

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Thank you very much for the info Razibar. Really appreciate it. Actually I heard about the wiper was something like RM300 per pair from FA. I checked over the e-bay and most of the shops selling it are from UK or Germany. And its not really cheap, about RM150 (half the price from FA). Anyhow, since now you said there are some onlien stores in the US are selling it for $10, I will search for this refill. Still have plenty of time. I think I will need it next 6 months smile.gif

Razibar, don't you think the rubber of the wiper will harden if you keep it long?

Powee, I will update you over the e-mail if there is anything. My car is doing 2000KM already, and its getting more responsive. Like it better by day. I supposed it will fully reconditioned by 5000KM (maybe). As Razibar said, if you are used to the Japs cars, the pickup is kinda late, and it takes sometimes to get used to it. But its a solid ride, feel isolated from the road. With Japs cars, you feel you are on the road. (Of cos I test drove S80 that was eeeeeven more isolated from the road - loved it!!!).