How much does the legend of the 40s cost today - Volvo SXNUMX

The second generation Volvo S40 was produced from 2004 to 2012. This car is quite popular in Russia, although brand fans call it “fake Volvo”. It's all about a single platform, which the model shared with the Ford Focus II and Mazda 3.


Now such a car can be purchased from about 300 rubles. The average price for cars is about 000 thousand. For this amount, you can find a pre-styling version in good condition or try to look at the Volvo S550 after the 40 upgrade.

A Brief History of the "Small" Family

Small cars from Volvo appeared by accident, or rather, no one initially planned to produce them, but it happened.
In 1972, Volvo decided to gain a foothold in the compact class and acquired the division of DAF, which produces small cars with an index of 66. Accordingly, some time after the purchase, they were renamed Volvo 66.


The model was rather strange - something like the first generation Volkswagen Polo and the Soviet Zaporozhets. Soon the Swedes decide that it is not in the hands of such a reputable company to produce other people's structurally models and give out the Volvo 340.

The car was not very successful - they bought it weakly. Yes, and it looked initially already quite outdated. But with the 400 series, we were more fortunate, largely due to the external similarity with the "older" models.

Although the 400th series turned out to be a failure in the end - they even wanted to close the plant. And after that, manipulation with common platforms begins - the first generation Volvo S40 began to be assembled on the same chassis with Mitsubishi Carisma.

And here the situation did not turn out financially in the most successful way - the model was not very popular and its release was abandoned in 2004. They said goodbye to the DAF passenger division by selling it. But the second-generation Volvo S40 was nevertheless released - already on a single platform with the Ford Focus II and Mazda 3.


By the way, the car is not a copy of Ford at all - rather, it was the Swedes who helped develop a common chassis, and it looks both externally and internally much richer.

Features and differences of the model

Nothing fundamentally new in the design of the second generation Volvo S40 appeared. This is a model with a monocoque body and independent suspensions, and there is a multi-link at the back.

As for the engines, they are 60% of the Ford Focus II and 40% of the Volvo. Gearboxes are also in most cases from Ford, although there is also a Japanese Aisin.

Very rarely, but you can even meet all-wheel drive Volvo S40 - there were definitely no such Ford Focus II. Even Swedish cars compare favorably with build quality, materials and paintwork, coupled with bodywork.


The Volvo is better equipped than the Ford. Here you can often find models in the "rich" version, with automatic transmission and powerful engines.

Body and interior

Despite the fact that the Volvo S40 has been produced since 2004, the car still resists rust. This is such a "trick" of the Swedes - full galvanization, thick metal of body panels and high-quality paintwork.

If corrosion has appeared somewhere, this is most likely the consequences of an accident and unscrupulous restoration work. The fact is that the original bodywork for Volvo is expensive, there are few analogues, and it is rare at showdowns.

The bottom of the Swedish car was qualitatively processed from the factory with mastic, plus it is covered with plastic panels. And in general, the noise isolation of the model is impressive.

Inside, the Volvo S40 of the second generation pleases with the build quality, only the leather is artificial in most cases, which does not have the best effect on its wear resistance. The oldest cars wear out door cards, steering wheel and buttons.


The electrics of the Volvo S40 are not the most reliable in the class - power windows often fail. The reason in most cases is the breakdown of the block responsible for them. In second place is the failure of the electric seats and the immobilizer.

When buying a car, you need to check all the options - every button should work. If you manage to find such an instance, it will not cause problems in the future. In comparison of the Volvo S40 with other foreign cars, more “fresh” years of production, the electrics of the Swedish model do not stand out from the negative side. If the car was followed, then there will be few breakdowns.

Other electrical issues:

✅ Wiring harness going to the trunk lid
✅ Cooling fans
✅ Failure of the fuel pump

With the last point, everything is not so simple. The fact is that there is no special hatch under the seat, so you will have to remove the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump. There is an alternative way - to cut a technological hole yourself, but not everyone goes for it.

Hodovka

Suspension maintenance Volvo S40 is not expensive. If the original parts seem too expensive, you can often find analogues for the Ford Focus II or Mazda 3.


The resource of suspension spare parts, subject to their originality, is about 100 km. If the car is mercilessly operated on bad roads and with three passengers in the back, this figure can be safely divided by two.

Separately, it is worth mentioning shock absorbers with a ride height maintenance system. They are many times more expensive than usual, although they are not found on every instance. Many people change shock absorbers to standard ones without any special consequences.

The braking system is generally reliable, although the version with Volvo engines has nuances regarding the price increase in maintenance and repair.

Steering is the easiest on the Volvo S40 with a 1,6 liter engine. Here is the rail and power steering. On the other, more powerful versions, there is already an electronic power steering. The pump usually fails after 150 km, and replacing it "bites" the money. However, you can restore the part - it will be much cheaper.

Engines and gearboxes

Engines from 40 to 1,6 liters were installed on the Volvo S2,5. The simplest engine with a minimum displacement of 100% from Ford, respectively, is cheap to maintain. The motor is even without phase shifters, and its resource is about 300 km and this is far from the limit. The main thing is to change the timing belt in time and adjust the valves.


The 1,6-liter engine has one serious drawback - it is rather weak for a heavy Volvo. There are no dynamics to be expected here.
Engines 1,8 and 2,0 are already the development of Mazda. They were also installed on the Ford models, respectively, and got the Volvo S40. They are considered reliable, automatic transmission often went in conjunction with them. They differ in timing chain drive.

As for Volvo engines with a displacement of 2,4 and 2,5 liters, they have a large margin of safety. The main disadvantages are fuel consumption and improper maintenance by the previous owner.

On high mileage vehicles, the oil separator may need to be replaced. If this is not done in time, the ventilation of the crankcase gases will clog. Groomed specimens can also “please” with oil leaks from the phase shifter clutch.


Gearboxes in the Volvo S40 are reliable, especially for mechanical units. The automatic transmissions here are Japanese from Aisin - they easily take care of 250 km, but only with regular oil changes every 000 thousand.

So is it worth buying a Volvo S40? The car is specific, but it stands out in the traffic flow. If Ford Focus II or Mazda 3 seem too banal - you can take the "Swede". The car in class will be on a par with a BMW of the third series or a Mercedes C. But you need to understand that Volvo cars are more expensive than their co-platforms in terms of repair and maintenance.

Should I buy versions with 2,4 / 2,5 liter engines? Small sedans with these engines are more fun to drive, especially with a power of 220 hp. With. But this and the corresponding fuel costs. If you are ready to put up with it - you can take it!