Faults:

Both battery clamps were broken when I bought the car, but I was told by the seller that this would not affect the car's performance. I only found out a few days later that, as the clamps were not making proper contact with the battery terminals, the battery did not get recharged while driving. The clamps have been replaced now, and I've had no more problems.

One of the rear lights is unreliable and tends to flicker while driving. This must be very annoying for drivers following behind, but I haven't been able to find a cure for this as yet!

General Comments:

The Volvo 440 is a great car overall. The GLE model features electric mirrors, electric front windows and power steering. The seats wear well and are very comfortable, which makes it a very good car for long journeys. The engine performs really well - speeds of 100 to 120 mph on the motorway, and fuel consumption is very reasonable.

Faults:

Nothing major. It has only required those parts generally required at each specified service interval.

General Comments:

The car has been good value for money. It has had no major faults and has not broken down on route anywhere.

The body work is excellent given that it now 13 years old and spent most of its life in the salty atmosphere of a seaside town.

The cabin is a bit dull and there is too much grey around. However the interior has worn well and is in very good condition. The heated seats are comfortable and a bonus in winter. My only misgivings are that I am 6 feet 4 inches tall and the driver's seat does not go far enough back to reach the pedals comfortably.

Idling is rough and the steering is too vague. It's also light on the driving wheels and traction is poor whilst accelerating from a standing start. Performance is good as is fuel consumption.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car since I bought it; touch wood. However when buying the car it needed work on the engine to stop it leaking coolant. Also the electric windows are somewhat noisy and slow.

General Comments:

I bought my Volvo for £700 which to me seems like an absolute bargain considering the car's advantages.

To start with the car is extremely cheap to run considering it's size and speed. Group 7 insurance and decent fuel economy, but still plenty of room for five people and luggage.

The performance of the car is good providing brisk acceleration (0-60 under 10 seconds) and is particularly impressive considering the insurance group. However the engine does lack a bit of torque and can struggle a little when the car is fully laden. The level of grip is good but wheelspin can be a considerable problem in the wet. The steering however is incredibly lacking in feel but you do get used to this and eventually don't notice it too much.

The car is comfortable and seemingly well built particularly the bodywork. However the interior trim is a little rattly.

Overall I would say that the Volvo 440 with the 1.7i engine is a bargain.

Faults:

Passenger side electric window switch.

General Comments:

An excellent family car, yet stylish, reliable and with excellent load carrying ability.

Very well made.

Repairs can be more expensive. Clutches are almost £400 on this model to replace.

Faults:

1. Erratic tickover and a juddering when setting off. Eventually sourced problem myself after Volvo Service engineers said it was 'Normal for Vehicle'on TWO sevice visits.

2. Sometimes difficult to accelarate 'briskly' without spinning wheels.

3. Recent slight leak in radiator.

General Comments:

I wouldn't have recommended this vehicle prior to having sourced the problem.(Which took 18 months). Since sorting , it is a much better vehicle.

I have little/no respect for the servicing company.(Since lost the Volvo franchise).

The car would probably suit older owners. Bodywork etc. marvellous.