Thinking of Buying a 2000 V-40, what should I look out for?

[adk793]

We need another car in the family, and it will only be a volvo: My neighbor down the street buys them from people (not auctions), repairs them, then sells them, I've gotten a car from him before.

Here is what he has/im looking at: 2000 V40 1.9T with 158K miles. The following has just been repaired: radiator, head gasket, water pump, thermostat, timing belt, struts. It has new michelin tires. It seems to be in very clean shape inside and out.

I had a 2000 S70 GLT/SE which I got from him, it was a great car. I then had a 2000 V70 XC AWD/SE which I got from somewhere else, and It was a terrible car. But I am not at all familiar with the S40/V40. What are the common problem of the early years, what are some things to look out for, what common issues does it have? Is it a reliable car'? Or am I better off going with an S70, a car that i know well and know is good.

He is asking $3K, should I consider/go for this car, or look at another Volvo? If so which kind. Thanks for the help.

[kaz]

Just bought my first Volvo s40 for my daughter's 1st. car. I found out the hard way so make sure you check the headlights.
Apparently the adjusting mechanisms break real easy if your too rough when changing the bulb's. The innards end up just flopping around inside. Pull off one of the black rubber access covers and see if the inside of the assembly move's around when you push on it. Mine only has 103K on it and seems to be in great shape. Also check the back bumper cross member for rust. Snow and salt accumulate there and they rust out which would be an issue if you get rear ended. Fun little car. Good luck.