Is a Volvo S40 a good first car?

I'm turning 16 soon and my parents told me they'd purchase me a car, which I'm grateful for. The main car I'm looking at right now is a 2000 Volvo S40 with 135k miles and a 2003 Volvo S40 with 148k miles. Both are in astounding shape. I like this car because I've read that they're a quick car with that turbo that they have, yet also economical with the 1.9 liter 4 cylinder. The 2000 Volvo is $2500 and the 2003 is $3500, is the 2003 worth the extra $1k? Also, are Volvos reliable? I've heard they're expensive to fix. Thanks!

P.S. How bad is insurance compared to say, a Ford Taurus? I'm a 16 year old male.

I had a Volvo and can tell you the engines and major mechanics are great. The problem with even a slightly older Volvo is when all the small stuff goes out it is very expensive to repair. The drivers side seat belt stopped working and because of some fancy device that pulls the seat belt tight in case of accident it cost over $1000 to replace. Rear electric windows went out at $400 each to repair. Motor mounts had to be replaced a few times (motor mounts!) - expensive. Hydrolic (I think?) door locking system went out - expensive to repair. No problems with the engine or transmission but everything else cost me a fortune so I sold it to a family for a "safe car" for their teenager.

I guess you're in the US from the fact that you can drive at 16 (madness we should've stamped out in the colonies!) but yes Swedish cars are reliable, but over there you may find getting european parts difficult and hence expensive. Why not try the owners clubs as they might well have some more focussed views on the specific car. I had a 1991 Saab 900 with 240000 on the clock and we took it from Chesterfield to Monaco and back to Chesterfield again and it was one of the only cars which had no problems going over the Furka Pass in those 4 days fully loaded with 3 passengers and tools etc.

Also I like the way you say that it's economical because it has a 1.9l engine! That is quite a large engine over here, then again petrol is $2.31 per litre which is $10.5 per gall!

Good luck, and look at the safety features in volvos - they gave the tripoint seatbelt to the world as a free licenced patent as it was too important to keep to themselves despite the potential for making cash!

If you have lots of money for repairs then get a volvo.
it will spend more time in the shop than you drive it.

VOLVO's, and most all other European cars are money pits. If you or your parents like sitting in dealer waiting rooms while someone is writing up a 1500. Or more repair bill, go ahead and buy one.

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