Last week marked the beginning of an exciting journey for me as I became the proud owner of a 2004 Volvo S40 LSE 1.9T. This model, often referred to as the ’04 S40, has completely won me over, and here’s why. With only 53,000 miles on the clock, this beauty runs and looks fantastic, instantly sparking a deep appreciation for Volvo’s engineering and design. It’s clear the previous owner cherished this car, averaging less than 10,000 miles a year in its first eight years. Having never owned a Volvo before, I can confidently say this 04 s40 might just be the start of a lifelong brand loyalty. While the engine performance is already impressive, I’m eager to personalize its aesthetics. Let me share its current appearance from November 2013:
One of the first enhancements I’m considering for my 04 S40 is upgrading the wheels. I’m leaning towards a design that balances simplicity with a sporty edge. Something like these wheels would really complement the car’s lines:
Upon closer inspection, I noticed a minor detail needing attention – the fabric on the “4” of the model designation is slightly loose. It’s a small fix, but addressing details like this will keep my 2004 S40 looking its best.
The exterior also bears a few scratches, typical for a car of this age. While I understand that achieving a factory-fresh finish on these might be costly, I’m exploring options to minimize their appearance and protect the paintwork of my ’04 S40.
Moving to the interior, the seats are a primary focus for improvement. The driver’s seat, upholstered in what seems to be leather, is comfortable and in good condition. However, the passenger seat is made of a hard plastic material, which doesn’t match the driver’s side in comfort or aesthetics. I’m keen to replace it, possibly along with both front seats, to achieve a more uniform and premium feel in my 2004 Volvo S40. I admire the comfort of newer Volvo seats and am investigating the feasibility of integrating a similar feel into this 04 s40 model.
Another minor interior issue is a part that needs refitting. It’s a small detail, but getting it properly secured will contribute to the overall tidiness of the Volvo 04 s40‘s interior.
In terms of entertainment and convenience, upgrading the radio is high on my list. I’m also considering adding a back-up camera to enhance safety and modern features in this 2004 S40.
Lastly, here’s a somewhat blurry shot of the steering column. Apologies for the image quality – my phone camera isn’t the best!
Overall, I’m incredibly enthusiastic about making these improvements to my ’04 S40. It’s about making this car truly mine and enhancing the joy of driving it. I’m excited to share my progress and would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! What do you think I should prioritize for my Volvo S40 2004? Let me know!
-Dan
