1996 Volvo 440 SE review from Australia and New Zealand
"An expensive lemon with low resale value"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Automatic gearbox failed and replaced at 40,000kms.
Water pump replaced at 35,000kms.
Starter motor replaced at 30,000kms.
Head removed and thicker gasket inserted to reduce compression to stop pinging (only high octane petrol has been used since new)
Door trims bubbled and replaced at 18 months old.
Numerous rattles from doors and interior lights from new.
General comments?
The car has been a lemon from purchasing new.
My only consolation is that Volvo has spent a fortune fixing the numerous problems while still under warranty and extended warranty.
Maybe I have been unlucky, but the more mechanics I speak to say part of the reason for the problems is that the motor is not a Volvo and it has not been assembled in Sweden. If I had been aware of this I probably would not have bought the car in the first place.
Recommended reviews
 | Comfortable and luxurious. Heaven |
  | A stylish, economical, practical, family car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 80000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Peugeot 405 |
| Date of Entry | 31st January, 2002 |