Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.
Well, I just took the Volvo plunge. I dove into a 2000 V40. It only has 25-thousand miles on it. It's in great shape. It's still under warranty for a couple of more months. The cruise control isn't working and the key less entry seems to have a bug or two. Any words of wisdom from the Volvo pros out there? I hope I made a smart choice. I tried to research the car the best I could before buying.
Anything from anybody would be helpful.
After you get your current issues corrected by the dealership:
1) Find a repeatable mechanic to use and follow the service recommendations of the FM and your mechanic. (Develop a good relationship with the mechanic).
2.) Use quality parts and fluids.
3.) Enjoy
You may also want to get a Chilton's or other repair manual if you are apt to do any work on your car. It will provide basic steps to remove and replace parts and answer many "how-to" questions.
On finding a mechanic; Ask owners of older Volvo's in your area who they use for general servicing and repair work. Dealer's tend to be more expensive and are motivated to sell you a new car after a few years. An INDY (Independant repair and service center) wants you to keep your car as long as possible because they want to build a long lasting relationship.
'11 C30 T5
'96 854 - died an early death with 184K miles. Killed by the front end of an LTD on a suicide mission (T-boned and both cars totaled).
My mom has a V40, and it's a NEAT car. She got a silver 40 with winter package, and it's a looker. She has some initial bugs like dead battery and cat. converter going bad, but the dealer fixed everything up quickly. She's got 20 or so k miles on it now and I haven't heard of anything being a problem.
If it were my car I'd get a chip -- there's no low end grunt at all. My only complaint.
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