Getting an '07 S40 2.4i, what should I expect?
I am in the market for a newer (2007 and up) used car. I came across a 2007 S40 2.4i. 85,000 miles (mostly hwy it looks like), clean
carfax (3 owners though, 1 of which only had it for a month), looks brand new. It was obvious to my father and I that this car was
well taken care of. I didn't notice a single scratch or ding. Another thing was the price. The Volvo dealer (which has received
excellent reviews online) is asking for just below $10,100 out the door for it. Tax, title, documentation fees, transfer of plates, and
inspection fees included. This is by far the cleanest and nicest car I have looked at, and it's also the cheapest.
Here's a crappy picture I took of it, just so you guys can see it. They just put new tires on too:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8421539182_82f1d369cd_c.jpg
I did notice two things that worry me though.
1.) White stuff under the hood. I was weary at first that this might of been flood damage from Hurricane Sandy. A mechanic friend
of mine said it looks like oxidation from the fans, but I just want to ask you guys, do you know what this is? Photo's of the engine:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8420344679_917be39730_c.jpg
]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8420345351_e425b2ebdb_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8421442414_405e542633_c.jpg
2.) Acceleration. I knew before I test drove the car that it wasn't going to feel as zippy and sporty as the T5 model, but wow was
the lack of pickup scary. I was making a legal u-turn into oncoming traffic, I pushed the gas pedal down, the engine roared but I
wasn't getting enough speed! It took so long to merge I was afraid I was going to get hit! Maybe I'm just not used to it, maybe I'm
still a little uneasy and nervous after my accident (I'm a young driver, I feel like I'm going to get into another accident now, a little
scared to be behind the wheel again! :eek: )
I'm not looking for a sports car, I'm just commuting to college, driving to work, and occasionally going out with friends. I want to
go with another Volvo because I'm used to them, they're super comfy and safe, and above all else, have the best ride out of all the
cars I have driven!
If anyone knows, what's the difference between the engine in this car and my 2001 S60 2.4l? I know I will be better on gas, but
did my old car have a better, zippier engine? Just want to know what to expect using my old car as a comparison.
3.) What kind of fuel should I give this car? I always did 87 with my old car, mainly because money is tight. But I understand that this
is a premium car, and it is recommended for maintaining it that you use more premium fuel. My Dad said I'll be fine with 89, but what
do you guys think?
4.) Going to get a warranty, for an 85000 mi car I think I need an aftermarket one. So for a little under 2 grand with tax, I can get an
exclusionary warranty, 24 months or 24000 miles with a $200 deductible. Is that something I should go with for this car? I think
they were originally trying to give us 24 months 12,000 miles, but another dealer was giving us better so they matched it in the
end. I wanted it through a Volvo dealer because, well, it's a Volvo!
Thanks so much guys! Sorry for the long post, just wanted to clear my doubts so I don't regret making this purchase :) Don't
worry if you can't answer all my questions, I just would like to hear your opinions/advice if you don't mind helping me out!
