Volvo: 2000 S40, maintenance nightmare, todays cars

Question
Ray,
I bought a 2000 S40 three months ago for what I thought was a song, but since then it has proved itself a maintenance nightmare! Timing belt, water pump, radiator hose, tensioner pulley, idler pulley, brake booster control valve, rotors, gear shifter, headlight, flat tire, and the list goes on! I have read the 2000 is a bad year to get because it was the first year that model was made. Is this an inordinate amount of work to have to get done on a car I just bought? It has 105K on it. Thanks for your help!

Answer
Katy,
At 105K there is a large service due the t/belt etc. Brake boosters have been know to go out as well as the radiator. So all S40's need the large service at 105K. Things like the rotors are wear items and need replacement. Gear shifter and headlight because of use or damage. It does seem like a lot, but todays cars have longer lifes and need the repairs. It was rare 20 years ago to have a car with over 100K and still be considered useful. Yes the first year of the model vehicles are somewhat more trouble and the problems do get worked out. Your car has the mileage and requires the service, something that needs to be considered when purchased. Front drive also is harder to work on and that means higher labor. Labor as well as the parts are going higher and higher...