longevity

misterderek · Post by **misterderek** » 01 Jan 2009, 11:55

I started a recent thread about problems replacing a defunct steering pump on my 1998 V40 TD.Now fixed, thanks to advice from billofdurham.
What I didn't mention was that I was in fact given the car by someone who had bought a new Saab and could not justify the huge repair cost for the pump quoted by his Volvo main agent (here in France)
This car has done nearly 500k Km but been regularly serviced by Volvo since new - for example they have just replaced the cam belt at 468k Km.
The chap who gave me the car used it for his work - long distance motorway trips priding himself on careful driving etc.

I guess my question is, really how long can a car/drive-train keep going given optimum conditions of use and maintenance without requiring major overhaul.
I know it's a 'how long is a piece of string' type of question which could apply to any vehicle, but Volvos have a good reputation for longevity, so do Volvo owners have similar experiences they could briefly share.

Derek

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 01 Jan 2009, 12:28

I'm not sure if I can answer you adequately, but one thing to note is that the first version of the V40 was not totally a Volvo- it was a joint venture between them and Mitsubishi, so I don't really know what parts are V's and what parts are M's, including engine parts. That said, are you using (and has the previous owner) used synthetic fluids (engine oil, transmission oil, etc.?). If so and the car is kept well maintained, I don't see why it won't go easily half a million miles (close to double your current miles) before a major overhaul, and by then you'll probably be wanting a different car (maybe a Volvo) anyway. Make sure that fluids are changed and the cam belt and related parts (water pump, tensioner, rollers, pullies, etc.) are also changed on time and you service your total PCV system (this typically means replacing all of its related parts (oil separator, ptc valve at the bottom of the accordion air intake hose and related vacuum hoses) at least every 100K miles/160K kilometers.

Good luck with this car- I feel that with proper maintenance (and preventative care), it will keep lasting for about as long as you want it to.

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Jan 2009, 16:08

The D4192T is actually a Renault engine, designated the F8Q, which has also been used in Vauxhall/Opel and Bedford Arena vans and several other European cars.

Given its service history I should say that it will serve you well for many more miles as the engine is well proven, although a bit noisier than the later versions with the common rail. Parts are easy to source, new or used.

If you have problems finding parts in 'metric land' I would recommend:
http://www.partsgateway.co.uk/. They do not supply parts but will pass your requirements on to several new and used parts dealers who will contact you with price and availability.

The Haynes manual for your car is very sketchy on the diesel engine but you can cheat by getting a Renault Laguna manual or by downloading this one free of charge: http://indy.pp.ru/GDI/Docs/%21Motor%20R ... MANUAL.pdf. Yes, it is the same engine.

As MIJ recommends keep up with the servicing which should be every 15,000kms. However, in view of the high mileage, I would cut that back to every 10,000kms.

Bill.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 01 Jan 2009, 16:38

billofdurham wrote:The D4192T is actually a Renault engine, designated the F8Q, which has also been used in Vauxhall/Opel and Bedford Arena vans and several other European cars.

Oops, sorry Bill. Just not familiar with the "D" engines as we don't have them on our continent...

You don't know how glad I am that you help moderate these boards. Your knowledge of these cars is truly amazing!

Oh, and Happy New Year!

misterderek · Post by **misterderek** » 24 Mar 2014, 14:30

Hi

My original post was indeed 5 years old but I just thought I'd let fellow V40 owners know that my old TD has now passed 535000 kms and is still going strong (touch wood).
It survived a trip to Corsica last year and another to the UK this christmas, though driving all those kms with fingers crossed left me with some pain in the digits !!

Still uses no oil and returns terrific mpg, although the steering pump is beginning to grumble slightly again.

What a fantastic vehicle - I really cannot complain !

Derek