Which S40?

[Alinherts]

Need your thoughts guys.

I am looking to change my festa next year with an S40 for my commute to work. I travel about 350 miles over 4 days each week. The trip is on mainly A roads with about 5 miles each way on country lanes.

What do you feel is the best engine to go for? Will I be able to get a decent example for around £3000? I am not over concerned about mileage as long as it has been maintained well.

Any other tips also welcome.

Cheers
Alan

[m1tch1987]

I would look at the 1.9D like I have, they cost a bit more but are very reliable and economical to run (between 45 and 60mpg for my estate). I would also look at the non GDI 1.8 as they aren't bad. I bought my 1.9D a few years back for £3500, that was top top money for any V40, you should be able to get them for much less now. I would suggest getting the later phase 2 models, with regards to mileage, the 1.9D won't struggle to get to 250-300k miles before needing anything sorting. I would also look at the V40s, I was looking at the S40 but found that the V40 was the same size, just more space and a clearer view out the back due to the extra side windows.

[s40madness]

Plus enough torque to move the earth!

[m1tch1987]

Originally Posted by s40madness

Plus enough torque to move the earth!

Indeed, it doesn't drive on the road, it moves the earth under it

[Alinherts]

Thanks for the advice so far guys. I am tempted by a 1.9D. I would look at the V40 as well. I just want something reliable and comfy.

[m1tch1987]

Originally Posted by Alinherts

Thanks for the advice so far guys. I am tempted by a 1.9D. I would look at the V40 as well. I just want something reliable and comfy.

Reliable and economical 1.9D engine
Full leather
Heated front seats
Air con
A million airbags (including side curtain)
Massive boot
8 speakers + sub
Phase 2 front end doesn't look dated even though they are 10 years old
Very few mechanical issues (sometimes rear calipers stick)
VNT turbo so you get boost at any RPM
Produce crazy torque if you tweek the fueling slightly

I spent about 3 months looking for a decent car to replace my older daily drive, there wasn't another car that offered anything more reliablility, economy, safety, luxury or value for money and came out really really well in the recent reliablilty measures even though they stopped making it in '04.

[Alinherts]

Thanks for the above. Starting to save after Xmas

[jasedarace]

Originally Posted by Alinherts

Thanks for the advice so far guys. I am tempted by a 1.9D. I would look at the V40 as well. I just want something reliable and comfy.

From just observing the forum a bit: ANY s/v 40, phase 1 or 2, would do you. Except perhaps the 1.8 GDi. 1000 quid seems to get a good one...

Just make sure the timing belt is changed at the right interval.

[m1tch1987]

I would go with the phase 2s due to the fresher front end, the phase 1 headlights are pretty rubbish so its safer to go with the phase 2, there isn't too much wrong with the GDI if its not coked up but its best to go with a non GDI 1.8 or indeed a T4, avoid the 1.6 petrols, it might seem like a good idea to get a smaller 'more economical' engine, but actually they are under powered for the size of the car so use more fuel than the T4 or 1.9D.

[S40 Squared]

Definitely go for a phase 2 model. We have 2 in the family - a non GDI 1.8 auto on a 53 plate (whose driver clipped a bus yesterday - light panel damage thankfully) and a 1.9D on an 04 plate.

Both are low miles, fully loaded with kit and fairly immaculate (except for yesterday's small fender bender).

Both have enough power - diesel has easy access performance, the 1.8 is top end and ideal for motorway cruising. A relative had a GDI model and things went wrong with it. They replaced it with a SEAT (how I laughed).

If I end up with the dream job abroad (early next year) then my 1.9D S40 will be up for grabs. But that is a big IF right now.