S40 Classic Mot

[volvorocks]

Just had the mot done. Did it pass? Of course it did. An advisory that the handbrake had a bit of travel though. Ok it is lowish mileage,and doesnt get used much nowadays, but it has in fact never failed an mot, despite last being properly serviced way back in 2008. (had the odd oil change mind, brake fluid once since and some anti freeze)

Was pondering, because underneath it is in more or less perfect condition, with no signs of rust,(I spray some lubricant in an aerosol each year all over the under side, that goes a bit white, which probably helps with preserving it) new tyres all round, never seems to not start (apart from when its left for a few months!) and it drives well (well for an old car I suppose). Everything seems to work, and always has done (apart from the vvt issue and an aircon circ switch). The only money I have spent has been a set of new tyres (£200 all in for 4) and a bulb.

Comparing this to the new Volvos, I came to the conclusion that the older Volvos are indeed so much better made. Ok they may not be as nice to drive, but everything looks and feels so much more solid in direct comparison.

Such a shame that quality has dropped nowadays.

Regards

[volvorocks]

Think I have now posted in the correct part!! Soz mods for being a bit brain dead today!!

[villar4sotrondio]

Originally Posted by volvorocks

Just had the mot done. Did it pass? Of course it did. An advisory that the handbrake had a bit of travel though. Ok it is lowish mileage,and doesnt get used much nowadays, but it has in fact never failed an mot, despite last being properly serviced way back in 2008. (had the odd oil change mind, brake fluid once since and some anti freeze)

Was pondering, because underneath it is in more or less perfect condition, with no signs of rust,(I spray some lubricant in an aerosol each year all over the under side, that goes a bit white, which probably helps with preserving it) new tyres all round, never seems to not start (apart from when its left for a few months!) and it drives well (well for an old car I suppose). Everything seems to work, and always has done (apart from the vvt issue and an aircon circ switch). The only money I have spent has been a set of new tyres (£200 all in for 4) and a bulb.

Comparing this to the new Volvos, I came to the conclusion that the older Volvos are indeed so much better made. Ok they may not be as nice to drive, but everything looks and feels so much more solid in direct comparison.

Such a shame that quality has dropped nowadays.

Regards

I agree. One of my best friends owns a V50 which is just one year old (went for 1st service today). I've never been impressed with its quality. It has a lot of rattles despite been carefully driven. Ergonomics are also poor. Interior space is dissappointing.

Then, I drove a brand new Skoda Rapid and felt ashamed of Volvo: that b***dy Skoda is a much better car! The only thing I consider to be better in the Volvo is the manual gearbox.
If I was into modern cars (thankfully I am NOT) would consider buying the Skoda thing before any Volvo.

[volvorocks]

Originally Posted by villar4sotrondio

Then, I drove a brand new Skoda Rapid and felt ashamed of Volvo: that b***dy Skoda is a much better car! The only thing I consider to be better in the Volvo is the manual gearbox.
If I was into modern cars (thankfully I am NOT) would consider buying the Skoda thing before any Volvo.

I have not driven the Rapid, although we have a short term lease/hire Exeo, which is similar. Its very classy inside, despite being a sea of black, seems well made and returns 50mpg without trying. Taking it steady 60mpg is on the cards, although flogging it 45 is always registered. I like it inside, although not keen overall, because there is something about a Volvo V60 that is alluring???..!!

There seems to be something missing with VAG products, and I am not sure what.

Regards

[m1tch1987]

German car's quality and reliability went downhill from around 2002, the W123 C class saloon was built in south africa, really bad reliability as they all seem to try and cram as many electrics into them as possible and wonder why they have electrical issues. I got my V40 as it was the most reliable, safest, most economical and best kitted car for the money. I avoided any later Volvo due to Ford's involvment, 1 grand DPF replacment anyone?

[skyship007]

Nearly all modern cars (Not big trucks or buses) are designed to fail, not to last. Every bearing, nut or bolt etc has it's life expectancy calculated as accurately as possible and if it exceeds to warranty period by more than a year or two, then they find a cheaper part to use.
A new car is often very, very reliable and good to drive, BUT once the warranty expires the gremlins start and new cars are ultra complicated and require far too many incredibly expensive parts to be viable in the longer term. If the ECU fails in a dual clutch auto box it could easily cost you 4 to 5K Euros to replace. Only the gearbox company make them and there are a bunch of other very expensive systems that will all fail in time. Self levelling suspension, high tech AC pumps and a bunch of black boxes only the manufaturer can program.

[villar4sotrondio]

Originally Posted by m1tch1987

German car's quality and reliability went downhill from around 2002, the W123 C class saloon was built in south africa, really bad reliability as they all seem to try and cram as many electrics into them as possible and wonder why they have electrical issues. I got my V40 as it was the most reliable, safest, most economical and best kitted car for the money. I avoided any later Volvo due to Ford's involvment, 1 grand DPF replacment anyone?

Hi m1tch1987

I think you refer to the W203 series launched in 2000. Mercedes-Benz quality went downhill since the late 90's.

The W123 series (1976 to 1985) was the E class of the time and some say was one the best quality production cars ever made. The following E class (W124) is also an incredibly well built and extremely long lasting car. I have 2 of them (saloon and estate) and love them to bits. Regrettably, they are both off the road

[m1tch1987]

Yes I do mean the W203, sorry, I was checking out the W123 instead lol

I was looking and the C220 CDI, if a glow plug snaps the head has to come off....

[Volvo2002]

Much as I love Volvos, I couldn't see myself buying a modern up to date Volvo. The C30 petrols? Maybe... although they are still fetching good money.

Tbh in an ideal world a T4 V40 would be my wheels of choice.

[DXMachina]

My next car will be a C70 convertible - the first version with the fabric roof. I think a bloke's convertible needs presence more than style.

Also thinking about buying a turn-of-the-century V70 when my V40's life-expired... I agree about new cars and designed-in failure.

Seen too many problems that my housemates have had with their VW Bora, which at only 8 years old and 70K has been in and out of the local stealership for major repairs almost every year.