1997 Volvo S40 SE review from UK and Ireland

The front differential gave a rumbling sound when I went for the test drive, but as the trader offered to repair it before the sale I went ahead with the purchase. No regrets!

Condensation occurs during winter which causes the engine oil to get contaminated with water as a result of doing frequent short journeys.

The car had over 93000 miles on the clock when I bought it. The present mileage is over 105000 which includes a return trip to Brussels from Hampshire. (On £20 of petrol each way). No repairs since I bought it in 2003 other than normal wear and tear, such as tires and brake pads. The car had 2 previous owners and was first registered in 1997. It doesn't look as fabulous as the latter face-lift model yet elegant enough to turn a few heads. The acceleration is acceptable, but I have driven S40s with various engines, some of which had terrifying acceleration. Surprisingly one of them was a 1.9 turbo diesel which accelerated rapidly from 50 to 70 mph in 5th gear producing G forces. The gear ratios could be improved, and they have been done in latter models. The handling is very precise after you get used to it. The car is stable even at very high speeds. Comfort wise it's 1st class transport. I don't like the positioning of the electronic window switches, but they have been repositioned in the face-lift model. The rotating switches on the dashboard are a bit tight, but in the newer cars they can't get any smoother. It's a car designed for the driver. Even in the 6 speaker surround sound system; which is fabulous for a system that comes with a car, even as an optional feature; the speakers are positioned to suit the driver the most. The driver and the front passenger gets the best of comforts such as heated seats though the rear seats are comfortable enough. If you want an elegant looking executive saloon that handles like a sports car, this is the one for you.