Owner Review: The Sleeper 5 Banger, My story of 2013 Volvo V40 T5

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Basic information of my car:

2013 Volvo V40 T5 (5 cylinder, 6 speed auto)

Reasons why I bought this car

I am a fan of a hatchback and I need a car which i can use for daily driving as well as comfortable for long journey. An ergonomic seat is a must for long journey which put me in a difficult situation due to B segment car can't fullfil my requirement. I also have a criteria the car should have decent power for cruising (somewhere between 150-200hp).

The car will serve as my workhorse for daily commute and outstation

Car Selection Process

I had a budget of: Budget range between RM70k to RM80k

Models that I’ve considered included : New Yaris, New Jazz, Golf GTi mk5

I bought this car in April 2019. I scout around used car dealers as well as direct owner seller. Personally test drive 4 unit of similar model before decided with the purchase from direct seller. Prior to narrow down my selection, I also test drove Yaris and Jazz, however both model doesn't tick all the criteria set.

Golf GTi mk5 almost meet all criteria, however the price vs manufacturing year is not attractive, a 2008 unit have similar price with 2013 V40 T5 and very difficult to get a unit with stock condition (majority have been modified)

Not to forget, I used to own previous Volvo V40 wagon model (2001), hence my preference might be bias 😈. Volvo always have a special attraction to me since i know 244 and 360 (kereta polis) during my childhood age.

I like the Volvo's floating center console design ever since it first introduction with S40 mk2 in 2004 and Volvo still carry that concept in V40 mk2. A few of my friend did ask why I bought the 'boring' car. The interior are minimalist, nothing 'wow'. The driving dynamic are below it's rival from German. But that ia what i want, a car that feel relax inside, no busy and fussy design. The driving just direct, not too driver centric that make me tired during long journey.

User experience

• I have already done 35,000km
• My average fuel consumption is 10.5L/100km.

Buying a secondhand car is tricky, we can be the luckiest person with a well maintained car or it can be nightmare with 1001 issues. I am aware with that possibility and didn't put a high expectation although I had inspected the car as best as i could.

First thing upon receiving the car, I did a full major service consist of changing engine oil, ATF fluid, coolant flush, change coolant reservoir tank (always the culprit for volvo engine overheating due to crack), change spark plug, change coolant overflow valve (coolant system are essential for conti car), change all 4 tires with Goodyear Excellence (comfort is the goal) since previous owner using mix brand for front and rear. It was a huge bill for the first service to ensure everything is in good condition.

After 6 months, a major accessories need replacement which is the positive crankcase valve (PCV). This equipment just reach it's lifespan which normally between 120k to 150k km. No complaint since I already knew the symptom.

After a year of driving, rear left ABS sensor is faulty which is a normal wear and tear parts. Recently change another major equipment which is fuel pressure sensor (FPS) and this is also quite common wear & tear parts for a volvo after 7 to 8 years.

The purpose I am highlighting all the above major parts replacement is to share the common wear and tear of this model as well as setting the expectation right if others wanted to purchase similar model.

Overall, the car doesn't have any major issue except for those wear and tear replacement parts. It also meet my expectation with decent engine power (213hp, 300Nm) and comfortable seat. Of course it cannot drag race with other hot hatch, but that is not my intend anyway. Some might say Volvo spare parts are pricy, hey! You change it once between 5-7 years, not that it broke every alternate day.

Pros of my car:

• Low resale value means a great opportunity for secondhand buyer like me
• Minimalist interior design which help driver to feel relax
• Good safety equipment (as expected from volvo) for the price of Yaris/Jazz 😁
• Decent engine power whenever needed
• Comfortable seat and driving position

Cons of my car:

• Fuel consumption for town driving are quite high, around 11.4L/100km
• Very low steering feedback compared to other continental brand
• Require good basic maintenance knowledge to recognise symptom of wear and tear parts replacement. A car for enthusiast I pressume.

Ratings: 

Total Score: 4

Performance: 4

Quality & Features: 5

Space: 4

Ride Comfort: 5

Fuel Economy: 3

Price & Cost: 4

Summary :

It is a car that meet my 'use-case'. If you have similar requirement like me and looking for a second hand car, you must test drive this model. It is not a perfect car (there are no perfect car anyway), however I am happy with the overall performance against total cost of ownership spent as a second hand owner for an 8 years old car.

Last:

The only 'upgrade' I made to my V40 T5 is changed the original Segomo 17 inch rim with an original S60 R 2005 Pegasus rim because I wanted the 'R' logo which is a Volvo performance trademark.

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