Considering purchase of a 2000 Volvo V40 wagon, advice pleas

[vegasjetskier]

So those could have bad ETMs but are not covered under the extended warranty? That really sucks!

[DrEnia1at0r]

What can you tell me about your experience with the car in the time that you have owned it? How has it held up over the past 6 years? I am considering purchase of a 2000 V40 with 135k miles, the owner has service records and I plan to have it inspected at a dealership. I can't test drive the car because it needs brake work...supposedly just brake lines but possibly also pads, rotors, calipers, and master cylinder, however the owner seems pretty certain it is just lines. Thats all the information I have on the car, thanks for the reply.

[difflock54]

I assume you are referring to the flexible rubber brake lines in your description above?

I have a 2002 V40 (107,000 km's) with which I had to replace the front brake line hoses due to noticeable signs of cracking of the outer sheathing at the end connections to the hard lines and the caliper assembly on both sides. The rear hoses look fine however but could have been replaced by the previous owner in Japan and prior to the car being imported into New Zealand, with me being the first NZ owner.
I have read widely that Volvo's (generally) are renown for these rubber hoses perishing or showing bulges due to the walls breaking down but after 12-13 years and the mileage yours has done it's to be expected.
I renewed mine myself without any problems and minimal cost with rubber hoses again, however many people opt to upgrade to the s.s braided lines. I don't think this is warranted unless you use the vehicle for competition or very heavy duty use personally.

I have been very happy with my V40 overall and aside of the above and a battery she has cost me nothing else excluding oil,filters and some bulbs over the 3 years I have had her.