Faults:

In 6 years I have had this Volvo there have been no problems apart from much confusion in Volvo circles on how long a cam-belt lasts on the 1.8i Mitsubishi engine. Just about to get it changed at 99,000 miles - Volvo garage quote £600 and independent garage £350.

General Comments:

I have owned two previous Volvo cars - 2 wardrobes and a 240.

Minor niggle faults in all, but overall very good. This variant however appears to be perfect from quality of build to gizmo's galore and a fuel consumption that I cannot believe. Plenty of room for lots of gear in boot or with seats down and speed not effected by load. On top of that it still looks the bees knees, even in company of brand new cars.

Faults:

Turbocharger wastegate packed up, but I got the turbo repaired for only £100.

Bit of trouble with brakes, rear calipers replaced, ongoing issue.

When I bought it I knew that the rear trailing arm bushes were creaking, but I have sorted that.

General Comments:

The car I bought was quite high mileage and I knew it needed a few things doing, just renewables really like brake pads and discs.

It's quite sporty, handles alright and pretty quick if pushed. Quite comfy to drive although a bit aged now compared with very modern cars. Plenty of airbags and other safety features.

Personally I like the look of the car, and the extra sporty bits on the T4 make it stand out from the normal S40 just enough.

Seems to be plenty of room for 4 inside as well, and a decent enough sized boot.

Faults:

Suspension slightly weaker than previous car (Saab 900SE;

General Comments:

What a revelation! The fully-loaded SE S40 came with a truly sublime fuel efficient GDI engine. The average fuel economy neared a staggering 50 mpg - which is incredibly better than most diesel cars. The very handy Ec0-light system even tells you when the engine is running at optimal fuel efficiency.

The SE model has every conceivable extra including heated leather seats that are just the most mouth-wateringly comfortable seats you can imagine- you really don't want to leave the car (I am always tempted to spend the night just sitting in them). The dash board and dials are a mark of scandinavian superior common-sense and sheer practicality. The superior CD and Radio are supported by surround sound speakers which give deep thundering basses and exquisite trebles.

The 1.8 engine was sprightly and energetic, capable of fantastic over-taking when needed. Also, it was very, very quiet. Superior tyres.

Faults:

Would not engage 1st gear. £60 to fix at the dealer. apparently a common problem. happened 2 years later again.

Scheduled timing belt change at 80,000 miles.

Wiring loom broke under the radiator. As a result the heater blower, hazard lights, parking lights and lighter socket stopped working. approx £140 to fix at main dealer. They say its common problem.

Otherwise just a few blown light bulbs and paintwork scratches very easily!

General Comments:

EXPENSIVE servicing! Fuel consumption not great at about 25mpg. Performance is not bad for a heavy 4 door with a 1.6 engine, but in general its quite slow!

Very quiet and comfortable. great sound system. perfect for long journeys and moving house! good value for money.

Faults:

At 80,000Km required an engine mount to be replaced (Au$300), due to wearing of rubber. Apparently this occurs every 40,000Km or so.

Sunroof had some squeaking, fixed with Snow White Jelly.

Car becomes noisy and air gets through doors seals at speeds greater than 140Km/h. Also windscreen wipers begin to lift.

Having problems with clutch and transmission on cold mormings (10'C or less).

Passenger side front window cost Au$600. Obscenely costly.

When starting car 'Brake light failing' warning light comes and remains on until you use the brake.

Noisy on roads.

General Comments:

It does handle well and the interior is excellent.

Very quick car.

Plenty of boot room and rear seats can fold to create more room.

Maintenance is very costly as written above.

Very economical on oil and fuel. 100km to 5L and I haven't had to top my oil up. Although I get the oil and filter changed every 20,000Km due to dusty roads I drive on.

The engine mount problem above drove me insane. It caused vibration through the entire car and took 4 trips to the mechanic to fix.