2000 Volvo S40 S review from UK and Ireland

First Major fault was the drive shaft and C. V joint failed at 50,000miles.

Several trims, mainly exterior, fell off. The main one being the Engine bay under tray which launched off at 80mph on the M25.

Several instances of poor running and randomly cutting out on motorways.

Problems with power steering at 75,000.

Problems with ABS all the way through.

Problems with suspension rapidly failing and constant knocks.

Problems with Central Locking. The car seemed to lock however when attempting to open the drivers door, It just opens and the alarm sounds. This is still a constant problem. However only occurs when using the key instead of key-less entry remote.

This 2000 Model has the re-vamped Volvo engine instead of the Renault lump. The previous Renault engine was poor on acceleration, died on hills and had poor performance at lower speeds. The new Volvo engine however is very good with power near enough when you want it, constant response on hills and a general good performer all round for such a small engine size, 1.6, on a full size car.

The interior is very well made, lade out and really comfortable especially with the winter pack option of heated seats. The lumber support does improve the ride and is a joy on long journeys.

The ride quality seems to be quiet harsh as the suspension struggles on bumps and corners however compensates by giving a nice ride the rest of the time.

The safety features are very good and you do seem to be welded to the road when launching the car round corners at speed.

The styling is clean and respectable, its shaken of the box look from its predecessor the 440 and has entered into the young drivers market.

The sound system is second to none for a standard entry level of equipment.

The general reliability of the car is actually very good, as I run it non stop and clock up about 35,000 miles a year. The car is always by my side and despite the annoying faults I personally believe it is a very good car and a good work horse at that.

I would recommend going for the 1.8 engine as you get better performance, better fuel consumption, a nicer ride and the car does not have to work so hard, which will more than likely lead to better reliability. The insurance difference should be a maximum of £50.

At the end of the day it's a Volvo! And a winner at that.