1999 Volvo V40 1.9TD from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Classy small estate

Faults:

Gearbox replaced at 80,000.

Every 10-20,000 miles gear selector bus replaced due to refusal to engage 1st and 2nd gears.

Drivers seat is now giving me back ache because it as sagged.

General Comments:

Generally a very nice car. I think it looks beautiful. Not been a troublesome car, a bit scary at post motorway speeds, but settles down at about 100/105mph then it sits down, and will all day if I had the bottle to!

Have to let her go mid march (end of lease contract) The only reason I cannot have another one is because I need a bigger boot for work and growing family.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th February, 2004

1999 Volvo V40 1.9 from North America

Summary:

Leave it on the lot!

Faults:

Oil gasket leaking at 50,000.

Thermostat for climate control not working at 54,000.

Engine coolant sensor not working at 54,000.

Front brakes replaced every 20,000 miles. I'm on my second replacement set.

Front rotors gone at 54,000.

Rear brakes replaced last November and already 1/2 finished.

General Comments:

I am frustrated with this model of Volvo. I traded a Villager with 80,000 for a smaller, runaround town car and find the performance of the Volvo unsatisfactory. While most of the repairs were covered under either the new car warranty or the used car warranty, I have already spent over $1500.00 in repairs. I hate to think about what the future will bring.

Specifically, I find the replacement of brakes so often unacceptable. Of course, they look to the driving habit and the driver. These have not changed and on no car I've owed have I gone through brakes like this particular car does. In the 6 years I owned my Villager I replaced brakes twice.

Now the rotors! I've never replaced rotors on any vehicle. I also own a Ford Explorer with 84,000 miles and the rotors have never needed replacements.

I've tried to talk with the dealership about my concerns. They really don't want to hear it. I have, however, been told told by the service rep that I should have purchased the S60 or S80 because the brake system is different. Not sure how much to believe this, but I can infer lots of negative things from his comment.

Never again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th February, 2004

14th Dec 2004, 12:26

I have owned two V40s, both from new. Both were the most reliable cars I've ever owned. The first was ordered as 'silver', but on delivery was a disappointing muddy silver. It had leather seats which I slid about on, but which were otherwise very comfortable and supporting. After a couple of years I changed it to a bright red V40 with a smaller engine that often isn't quite powerful enough, but what do you expect from a mere 1600ccs? I have now owned this car longer than any previously and in four years it had developed only one fault, that eventually cured itself. It has been incredibly reliable and now fits like a well worn pair of shoes, but it is evident that we drive lower mileages in UK than in North America- hardly surprising in view of the differing areas! Front tyres( English spelling) do about 24000 miles. I've always liked the look of this car and the only grumble is something I knew about before I bought it- the high sill to the boot. Otherwise I love it.

25th May 2010, 17:32

Mine is a 1999 V40, in Jamaica, still has on the factory tires. Only problem it had was the accessories belt pulley seized. Still running on original brakes, timing belts, spare tire dry rotted, and the rear hatch struts stopped working 6 months ago.

1999 Volvo V40 XS 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Legendary Reliability Lives On!!

Faults:

Bulbs go a lot.

Absolutely Nothing.

General Comments:

I use this car as a Taxi. I have had various Volvo in the past, this is the first time I have used one as a Taxi.

The legendary reliability of Volvo is second to none. The car travels around 2500 per week and is serviced on time every time at my local Volvo dealer and to date to faults have emerged. This car will be kept in the fleet until around 300,000 miles minimum, so I will update and work carried out during that time.

The car handles excellent, although I firmly believe you must always use a good tire on a Volvo, try Goodyear they to me are the best for this car.

The comfort in this car cannot be beaten (except another Volvo), the seats are excellent back and front. Space is more than adequate.

The car in my opinion is one of the best looking medium saloons on the market today.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2003

1st Oct 2003, 15:17

Well, the cars up to 109,700 miles now and on the road 24 hours a day, and is proving very reliable. The car is still on the orginal exhaust system.

To date, 1 front wheel bearing has been changed, front brake last around 9000 miles (brakes are used heavily, it's a taxi) I consider this to be good, disc seem to wear quick on the back.

Uses no oil or water at all, runs like new. Interior is wearing well and durable. Paintwork looks like new although bumper finish is failing slightly.

Update again at 150,000 which won't be far away!