2003 Volvo S40 - Initial 6k Miles and impressions

Discussion in 'Volvo S40' started by Stan, Aug 27, 2003.

  1. Stan

    Stan Guest

    Recently, we purchased a 2003 Volvo S4 (Premium package, Galactica Alloy
    wheel) My wife test drove it and said it was the most comfortable car
    she had driven. She's rather petite and finding a car that fits her
    comfortably is important. I talked to the Volvo sales person and we were
    able to come to agreement on price. As people have posted here, they are
    being sold at deep discounts.

    The break in consisted of local/city driving only for the 1st 1500 miles
    followed with an oil change at the local dealership. gas mileage during
    that time was about 22-24 MPG which included short drives back and forth
    to the store and work. We then took the car on an extended 4000 mile
    journey to the adirondacks. We loaded the car up to the hilt with 3
    passengers and gear. This car was more than adequate, plenty of Pep and
    we actually got about 35MPG on the highway (loaded up and with AC on
    constantly). Even loaded up, the drive was comfortable and it easily
    traversed the mountain roads where we would stop and do some hiking.
    It performed smooth and predictably on the highway, a quiet and
    pleasurable experience.

    One Con I would like to mention of the car is the quality of the Paint.
    We purchased the Black Sapphire Metallic option, within a week or so, A
    bird crapped on the car, I gently soaked it and when removing it noticed
    that it had actually eaten through and into the paint. When I talked to
    Volvo (local dealer) about the experience they explained that the
    Acidity of the Bird dropping in our area is very high and that was the
    cause. When I pursued it further with the service manager, I got the
    same remark.. My reply was "I have heard enough B.S about the Acidity of
    the Bird Shit. I did a complete cleaning and wax, and plan to follow up
    with another wax with the next month or so.

    Other cons:
    -Visibility from driver Position to left rear of the Car
    -Brake Dust (A battle to keep it clean, I will get different pads when
    they are replaced)


    Other than that, with an initial 6000 miles or so on it, My wife loves
    her car and We are happy that we made the purchase. This car looks good,
    feels solid, is safe, and is pretty quick. Also, A Spoiler and Mud Flaps
    added to the looks of the car.

    Regards,
    Stan
     
    Stan, Aug 27, 2003
    #1
  2. Same problems with all newer Volvos.

    Thanks, Stan. This car is underrated by Volvo traditionalists. From 2001
    to the present the s40/v40 is a solid, good handling, well built car
    with many happy and satisfied owners. In some ways I think it is better
    looking than the next generation.

    Ben
     
    Benjamin Smith, Aug 27, 2003
    #2
  3. Stan

    Rob Guenther Guest

    It's possible, my fathers 93 960 has paint that appears to be adhered
    directly to the steel. Only tiny chips from stones, nice lustre, LOVES wax,
    it gets showroom shinny with only one light coat.
     
    Rob Guenther, Aug 29, 2003
    #3
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