At that age (more so years than mileage), expect suspension work soon and things like a failing turbo control valve, possible PCV issues, and a failing fuel pressure sensor. I had an '05 V50 and at roughly 75k small things started happening despite my immaculate care and babying of the car. It just happens.

Having said that, my impression from my years on the forum is that the P1 (S40/V50/C30) platform is much more reliable than the S60s of equivalent age.

 

In general, are parts cheaper for the 40/50 because it's a muggle and not of pure lineage?

 

I would say no. You'll pay a Volvo tax even on parts with a 'FoMoCo' stamp. Case in point: I had to buy a rear control arm from a dealer a few weeks ago. Price: 200 bucks (Volvo sticker, Volvo bag, but FoMoCo stamped on the metal). Just did a quick search for a Mazda 3 arm: $110 online, so prob 140-150 at a dealer. That translates to a 30% premium for what is essentially an identical part.

The V50 will definitely be cheaper than the R, particularly with brakes and suspension. Though that is a great price for the R- most I've seen on craigslist sub-$10k have closer to 100k miles.

 

The R is a sweet car though, that was the last of the true R cars, not the R Design you see now that is all cosmetics. The mileage on both is pretty low in my opinion, I wouldn't have a problem with either if they were maintained. I have twice that mileage on my '05 T5 and the engine bay is all original except for the PCV recall, radiator hoses, battery, and scheduled replacement of the timing belt/water pump.

 

In addition to the TCV, PCV and FPS as stated above, what about the timing belt and water pump? At 10 years and almost 80k I'd hope it's been done already. Otherwise, you're going to have to do it real soon.

 

I did a lot of work on my '06 S40, 88K miles, sourced all parts online, did all the work myself:
2 rear wheel bearings: $300
Fuel Pressure sensor: $40
CV joint boot: $10 (only one was torn, all others were perfect)
Broken latch on glove box: 99 cents (superglue)
all 4 rotors, pads $300
5 spark plus $60 (volvo originals)
Flushed old brake fluid - whatever I paid for the fluid, can't remember
Cabin air filter $13 (it is a total PITA to change)
Fixed intermittent AC problem by adjusting shims : Free (I got the puller on loan gratis from Advance Auto)
Cleared Passenger Airbag Code: $75 Autophix OBD/Volvo code reader from Amazon

I know both my front shocks are leaking. I'm going to change those in the spring (haha), plus the bearings. I think it's $150-200 bucks.

 

More a question of age than mileage at this point. The timing belt is the big one for both cars, probably; I would NOT wait for a specified mileage before changing. The consensus on this forum is that the water pump doesn't have to change. Also upper right engine mount, coolant tank, and PCV replacement.

 

This is great information. Are there any other items beyond the 75k mile service that should be done sooner because of age? My S40 is approaching its 10th birthday. I was going to go with this service schedule, but wasn't thinking about things simply getting old. I'm sure changing the brake fluid early wouldn't hurt at all.

Volvo service schedule: https://pictures.dealer.com/sonicnorthpointvolvo/35fdc5b70a0d02b701fcca7bae998076.pdf