1990 Volvo 440 GL review from UK and Ireland

Radiator sprung a leak after one month of ownership. Re-cored at a cost of £75 and fitted myself with the aid the the trusty Haynes Manual.

Brake Pads recently wore out. Not a problem in itself, but when it came to bleeding the system after replacing them the nipples on the front calipers were rusted solid and sheered off. Pair of "new" calipers from a scrap-yard set me back £15 (plus £25 for the new pads)

Engine will sometimes run on after switching off the ignition. I have tried adjusting the idle speed settings, but have yet to find a cure (any ideas?)

Sub-standard Renault derived gearbox is a bit agricultural. Synchro-mesh has pretty much worn out on first gear and the bushes have worn out, meaning the car is a bit noisy at high speeds (I'm told this is a common problem with high mileage boxes and doesn't affect the cars usability)

Fair amount of rust around the rear wheels arches and along the door sills. Spoils the look of the car, but that's about it. Hasn't got any worse since I bought it.

Despite the faults listed above I firmly believe this car is fantastic and great value for money. I paid £250 for mine, but £500 will get you a low mileage one with no problems if you shop around.

The car is quick off the lights, corners well and being a Volvo is nice and cheap to insure, particularly for a young driver (I first insured mine when I was 19, with Norwich Union it cost £880 third party fire and theft as a first time driver. This has gone down to £623 with one years no claims)

I use my Volvo on a daily basis and the car has been very dependable, always starting, whatever the weather. And of course on cold days those heated seats are a god-send.

Would I buy another one? definitely, although next time round I think I might look for a turbo :)