1996 Volvo 440 GS review from UK and Ireland

Remote locking sets alarm off when locking the car (has to be locked with the key).

Immobiliser light flashes when engine running.

Handbrake warning light has intermittent operation.

Rear brake caliper needed replacing as lost nearly all the brake fluid.

Mid and rear exhaust sections needed replacing as separated (very quickly).

Front wipers replaced.

These are seriously old school Volvos, in that they're very boxy, have a cheap, nasty interior, and handle badly.

However, my 440 had a certain charm, and felt like mechanically it would go on for ever and ever (I view the items above as wear and tear).

Plus points for me were a very torquey engine, which would pull from 20 mph in fifth, which also gave quite nippy performance, plenty of space inside for the size of the car, a decent spec level for its age inc aircon, and its non-burstable feel.

Minus points were definitely handling and partly ride; these 440's have zero steering feel, roll excessively and don't grip very well, wet weather handling is best described as interesting, and it really did struggle to keep up with modern traffic round tight corners (my new car, an S-reg Laguna doesn't!).

Also, probably down to design age, above 75 mph there's a lot of wind noise and the engine gets very harsh when revved.

Overall I'd never buy another 440, although would definitely buy another Volvo -- there's something about them!

It's gone to my 65 year old father-in-law now, which is really the sort of person it belongs with!! I'm happier with my Laguna, which cost me £150 more, and feels light years ahead on just about every count.