volvo s40 problems Page 154

The Volvo S40 is a tidy Swede, but age can make even meatballs lumpy. Here are the usual suspects owners report and mechanics quietly nod at:

• Front control arm bushes, strut mounts and rear trailing arm bushes wear, causing clunks and uneven tyre wear.
• AW55 auto can develop shift flare or harsh shifts; fresh fluid and sometimes a valve body fix settle it down.
• PCV system clogs, leading to oil leaks and crankcase pressure; listen for whistling and check for mayo on the filler cap.
• Water leaks from sunroof drains or door seals can soak the CEM, triggering random electrical gremlins.
• Diesel models: DPF/EGR soot up with short trips; expect regen dramas and the occasional limp-home tantrum.
• Timing belt and water pump are due around 120,000 km/10 years; skip it and your wallet will do the screaming.

Get a pre-purchase inspection and proof of regular servicing; look after it and the S40 pays you back with calm, solid motoring rather than Scandi-noir plot twists.