Faults:

The rear left hand central locking motor failed at about 64500 miles.

At 72000 miles the alternator failed.

There are a few minor bits of rust to the rear of the car, though nothing major.

Central locking occasionally fails to lock all doors on the car.

General Comments:

The car has proven to be a very solid buy.

While it may not be everyones idea of a good car, it has been reliable, and surprisingly quick.

It is a very understated car, that usually goes unnoticed, not that it deserves it, and not that it isn't good looking. It is traditional Volvo styling, but has the first signs of the modern Volvos in its styling.

I have been very pleasantly surprised by the driving experience offered, and particularly by the sense of safety it affords.

It is not a car to woo the ladies in, but more a car for those who need a cheap, reliable car that can get them from A to B comfortably, and respectably.

Faults:

Nothing mechanical has failed on the car, but it runs with a slight misfire (probably HT leads, ignition coil, plugs...)

The only problems have been a temperamental immobiliser, and key-code radio.

General Comments:

Very disappointed with this car.

I had previously owned an older 440 with the 1.7 litre engine. This newer car with the larger engine is far slower, and not as smooth.

Having said that it is reliable and fairly comfortable, though loud.

Also looks OK in the dark metallic blue and alloys.

An older 1.7 version would probably be a better buy, it's quicker, doesn't have the horrifically light power steering, and tolerated being bounced of the rev-limiter for a year when it already had 120,000 miles on the clock, without ever failing.

Faults:

Central locking on all five motors were burnt out apparently for no reason - expensive fix!

Exhaust - difficult for high street fitters to locate the correct parts - job best done by a Volvo garage.

Water pump just replaced.

Rev counter fails to work during winter time - needs replacing.

Loads of bulb failures - not unusual as most of them remain on during daylight.

Sunroof rattle and very noisy when open for ventilation only (not fully open), according to the Volvo dealer, a design fault!

General Comments:

Sports pack - hence the ride is very choppy, otherwise excellent motorway performance/ride for an automatic.

Extras very handy and reasonable economy in urban driving, again the automatic gear change is excellent.

I don't know what the replacement is like (S40), but if Volvo has ironed out the electrical problems then they have a winner - the engine is excellent.

Faults:

Slight rust to the rear of the car - not bad considering the car is 5 years old!!

Minor squeak noted during driving - from the wheel.

General Comments:

I have changed my car every two years since driving. For all this car is relatively old, (I changed from a 1998 to this one), the comfort and driving capabilities are outstanding.

I feel safe, it's like a tank.

The stereo is a bit out-dated, but the electric heated seats are brill!

Not a one for those who like to show off, but for reliability, comfort and a feeling of it being built to last - first in it's class.

Not a Grandads car as you may think!

Faults:

1. Handbrake cables prone to split after approx 50-60k miles - design weakness.

2. Steering rack prone to lose fluid after approx 60-80k miles - requires entire rack replacement £££.

3. Stone through radiator ££ unlucky.

4. Dealer stripped thread on hub during a service.

5. Eats tyres - not so much if you drive slowly and don't go round corners.

6. Electric aerial stuck down.

7. So many bulbs on the car - at least one will be out any any time.

8. Minor rattles from interior fittings.

General Comments:

A great car to own - functional, reliable, great seats, deceptively fast, very stable handling and excellent comfort. I think it looks good too in met green.

A real improvement over the 340 but lacking in a few areas:

1. Nowhere to put your left foot when not changing gear.

2. Expensive to service with Volvo dealers.

3. Power steering slightly too light - it's too easy to throw the car into a front wheel slide.

4. Slightly jerky on the accelerator because of the high torque generated by the engine.

5. ABS probably a good idea.

6. Other cars I've driven of this sort of price have better wheel balancing. The 440 always has a wobble at some speed.