Is this right?

[Volvo2002]

Originally Posted by DWM

If it's 1834cc it IS the GDi - no doubt about that.

I wouldn't buy one myself but only because I'm not enough of a mechanic. There are relatively few GDi experts on here and with my very limited knowledge I'd rather be in the area of the Volvo engines where there's lots of help to be had if necessary.

BUT I wouldn't decline to buy one just on the basis that 'they're bound to get coked up and cause trouble'. In the GDi arena, judging only by reading on here for a couple of years, it's plain that you can trust people like Clan and 960kg and on that basis, if (as it seems) you are someone who knows what he is doing, and the car is not already problematic, these cars are not to be avoided just because they are GDis. Good luck.

But don't take my word for it; search and read on here as much as possible.

I agree with what you say. I myself would avoid the engine but the car he linked looks fantastic and of course if he regularly services it and maintains it then he'll likely have no problems. As he's handy with cars he can clean out the EGR etc to keep them in tip top shape

I have a good feeling he'll have a good car there

[Jabe]

madmodder, don't be fooled by the labeling of an S40. One Lux is not the same as another Lux, one S is not the same as another S, and one SE is not the same as another SE.

Take for example my 2.0T. The log book states its an bog standard "S" model. Yet EVERY single option was selected when bought. (probably to save on insurance costs.) I still have the options list somewhere. £158 for a bloody umbrella with a "Volvo" badge! Hahaha! (and a piece of junk at that. I replaced it with another umbrella.)

[Volvo2002]

Originally Posted by Jabe

madmodder, don't be fooled by the labeling of an S40. One Lux is not the same as another Lux, one S is not the same as another S, and one SE is not the same as another SE.

Take for example my 2.0T. The log book states its an bog standard "S" model. Yet EVERY single option was selected when bought. (probably to save on insurance costs.) I still have the options list somewhere. £158 for a bloody umbrella with a "Volvo" badge! Hahaha! (and a piece of junk at that. I replaced it with another umbrella.)

Same here. Mine has non standard S features. Leather, trip computer, AC, cruise control...

[madmodder]

well as m1tch1987 will tell you im always keen on challanges

[madmodder]

Originally Posted by Jabe

madmodder, don't be fooled by the labeling of an S40. One Lux is not the same as another Lux, one S is not the same as another S, and one SE is not the same as another SE.

Take for example my 2.0T. The log book states its an bog standard "S" model. Yet EVERY single option was selected when bought. (probably to save on insurance costs.) I still have the options list somewhere. £158 for a bloody umbrella with a "Volvo" badge! Hahaha! (and a piece of junk at that. I replaced it with another umbrella.)

so basically if it has all the toys then it might aswell just be called the sport lux even if its just a sport.

[rexer12]

Originally Posted by Volvo2002

Same here. Mine has non standard S features. Leather, trip computer, AC, cruise control...

yeah same hear my sx has AC, heated seats and a few others

[GazT4]

Dont know about the engines, but i love them in that colour!! Looks a good car for that money!!

[960kg]

Originally Posted by madmodder

well i have an idea / plan of attack to help prevent that. Throttle / intake cleaner and a trusty toothbrush can go a long way, a good regular clean out of the throttle chamber, egr system and once in a while drop the inlet manafold off and give the head a good clean out through the ports should help keep the need for a de coke down. i rember that back in the early 80's a de coke was part of the standard servicing. will see what happens i guess i may live to regret this

Really glad to hear some sensible language on here

I have owned BOTH 1.8`s and the GDI is a far better engine than the Volvo one IMHO....it is far smoother, revs cleaner and will return you a massive saving in fuel costs.
The GDI is an enthusiast car not like the Volvo engined boring motor it`s compared to.

You will notice most comments come from those who have never even driven one let alone owned one. Of course you get the motors that are cursed but that applies to all cars.

The servicing is not any more expensive just covers different items, the oil capacities of the gearbox and engine are significantly less so oil changes are cheaper they are a really reliable strong engine. The later 2000- SJ model is better as it has the Melco 2 fuel system which is more refined also with different modified tappets as well which are quieter running it has fly-by wire unlike the earlier model i had.
You will get 30 urban and possibly 50 motorway if gentle. It has two modes of fuel delivery and when on the open road you can feel the change over and not to be confused with a fault.

Hope this helps?

[Volvo2002]

Originally Posted by 960kg

Really glad to hear some sensible language on here

I have owned BOTH 1.8`s and the GDI is a far better engine than the Volvo one IMHO....it is far smoother, revs cleaner and will return you a massive saving in fuel costs.
The GDI is an enthusiast car not like the Volvo engined boring motor it`s compared to.

You will notice most comments come from those who have never even driven one let alone owned one. Of course you get the motors that are cursed but that applies to all cars.

The servicing is not any more expensive just covers different items, the oil capacities of the gearbox and engine are significantly less so oil changes are cheaper they are a really reliable strong engine. The later 2000- SJ model is better as it has the Melco 2 fuel system which is more refined also with different modified tappets as well which are quieter running it has fly-by wire unlike the earlier model i had.
You will get 30 urban and possibly 50 motorway if gentle. It has two modes of fuel delivery and when on the open road you can feel the change over and not to be confused with a fault.

Hope this helps?

I don't see what you mean by enthusiast engine?

As for fuel well I can get 30 urban in my S40 taking it easy and 45 on a longer run.

Fact is the GDI requires longer runs and weekly thrashing to keep it sweet. You'll see those fuel savings CUT after it's weekly thrash. Good thing in the OP has mechanical knowledge and will be able to maintain his but if he goes with the 1.8 volvo engine he'll also be satisfied. Both engines have their up and downsides at the end of the day and the negative comments on the GDIs should be taken into consideration when buying and same goes for any other engine.

From my own experience the Volvo engine is smooth, refined, and good on fuel and is a nice engine and I find it easy to recommend.

OP let us know what you decide

[GazT4]

Diesel all day!