s60 VS. v40, which one is better for me

LUINGOR · Post by **LUINGOR** » 19 Nov 2006, 09:58

Hi all,
I am new here and plan to buy a volvo as my student car (driving with my wife usually) in 2 days. But because of our budget, I am not sure whether it's a smart idea to purchase the car (descriptioin as following):

2000 VOLVO V40 1.9 T Wagon
Price $8,999
Body Style Wagon
Mileage 51,073
Engine 4 Cylinder Gasoline
Transmission Automatic
Sunroof, Leather, Heated Seats, Loaded, All Power.
Additionally, I can pay around $1200 for 3 year extended warranty which almost includes everything in three years.
I don't want to put a lot of money on a car and thereafter for some problems because I have to concern the expensive MBA investment.
And also another dealer can offer me a 2001 volvo S60 (with 65 k miles) at the price of $10,200, including 3 years extended warranty. I looks the s60 weird just because of the price, am I right?
Freinds, give me your suggestions which I really need.
I will make it tomorrow
Thanks
martin

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 19 Nov 2006, 10:51

Just my opinion, but you'll be happier with the S60. Price isn't bad for the mileage but you can do better. There are tons of S60's out there now....as many of them have come off lease. Just check around and make sure ALL maitenance has been done. Search private sellers too...much better deals.

Post by **JRL** » 19 Nov 2006, 13:54

That's all the S60 is worth.
Nothing hinky about that deal.
S60, more fun to drive so if you don't need a wagon go for the S60.
As with ALL Volvos, check for service records and also have the car checked out (either one) by a mechanic of YOUR choice before you buy as there are many items not covered by warranties

LUINGOR · Post by **LUINGOR** » 19 Nov 2006, 14:18

Besides normal ETM issue with S60, any bad for this car?
I am wondering if the warranty is worth becasue most of my friends with the extended warranty told me it's kind of "car insurance" and they never use the warranty which usually jsut cover the mechnical problems.
Do you think $8500 will be a fair price for a 2001 volvo s60 with 65000 miles on.(there are also some plastic things which need to be replaced, like glove box, cover of the storage box, and some buttons,etc.)
I appreciate your tips and sharing!
good weekend

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 19 Nov 2006, 20:56

Not a bad price. ETM's are covered for 10 years or 200K miles so really no problem there. Haven't heard any other really bad issues with these...just pesky things breaking (like plastic bits, which you've already discovered). Just don't get any AWD S60 in that model year. Early AWD's are problematic, especially if you're getting it 2nd hand and didn't maitain it yourself and rotate the tires, etc. yourself from day 1.

LUINGOR · Post by **LUINGOR** » 21 Nov 2006, 08:45

Thanks guys.
I decide to buy the s60.
Does it mean that since the volvo provide the 10 years/200,000 warranty for ETM, so it's not neccessary for me to buy 3 year warranty for this vihecle(thousands $)?
thanks

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Nov 2006, 17:35

Depending on what the warranty covers, it may be worth buying the extended warranty. These cars are so computer dependent now that a lot of stuff is dealer only stuff. A few even seemingly small (but important) stuff breaking and it would have been worth having the warranty. Just read the fine print and make sure it's a bumper to bumper one if you elect to buy it.

LUINGOR · Post by **LUINGOR** » 21 Nov 2006, 21:46

Hi I really appreciate your suggestions and help. I decided to buy the car and made a desposit.
The warranty company is called "preferred warranties Inc" , the plan I mentioned includes: Engine, seals&gaskets,fluids&filters/diagnostics/
transmission/ drive axle/electrical/steering/brakes/rental reimbursment. 3-year warranty is worth about 1100, is it a good deal? I want to keep this car for long time, like 4 or 5years.
Could you give me any suggestion? since I don't have lots of money and should plan some money for MBA tuition.
thanks

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Nov 2006, 22:06

JRL might chime in (especially since the warranty company is based in PA...he might know something about them), but my opinion is that in 3 years you're most likely going to be over 100K. I think that if you can get to that point then you really won't find anyone to warranty the car anyway and most of the stuff, if it were going to break on a fluke was going to do it anyway. I think that if the warranty covers all of the stuff you mention without hassle, then it would be well worth it. Oh, I didn't see AC mentioned. Does it cover that? Not that the S60 is prone to AC issues like the earlier 850 and early S/V70 evaporator, but I just thought I would ask.

Edit: Just checked their site out: http://www.warrantys.com/Coverages/CoverageSet.htm
If you have the "Plus" plan that is much better than the base, and of course the Optimum plan is the best, even covering the AC evaporator (other plans do not). You do know that filters, fluids (though cheap) are only if they are necessary for a repair with any of the plans, right? See which plan of theirs this is. None of the plans cover past 100K miles, so 3 years is a good time period to have the extended warranty. They all seem to have a $100 deductible.

LUINGOR · Post by **LUINGOR** » 23 Nov 2006, 15:30

I do appreciate your replies.
I discussed the warranty with the wholesale, and I have the option to buy the warranty in one week after I purchse the car. So do you have any suggestion for me to check with the car and decide to buy which kind of warranty?
Happy thanksgiving!