2001 Volvo V40 1.8i SE review from UK and Ireland

I noticed a crunch between when changing between second and third gear, not long after I had the car and reported this to the dealer who said they could not find it.

Since then the service manager has been very good. He drove the car and noticed it immediately. So the dealer replaced the gearbox.

However the gearbox still crunches between second and third. The service manager has agreed and it is now to have the linkages stripped again to see if this will rectify this fault.

The steering rack was replaced at 23,000 miles.

The engine cover was vibrating and was replaced at 12,000 miles.

The front and rear sections of the exhaust have been replaced as they were "buzzing".

The front door window motors / lifting gear was running very slowly, so it has been greased, which worked. However, the front near side passenger speaker was then loose, but has been refitted.

There is a knock from the rear near side suspension and the alarm is now not working so it is about to go back to have these faults fixed.

The engine is very sweet, its the 122 horse power version which needs revved to get the most performance from it, but treat it well and low 40's mpg is quite possible on a long journey.

There is not much room in the back for tall adults, but its adequate for day to day travel.

The specification is good on the SE, with leather, cruise control, climate control, remote central locking, a CAT 1 alarm, a good radio, cassette and single CD and an information computer giving fuel consumptions, external temperature and mileage.

If was not for the numerous faults I would say this car offers a great package of comfort, refinement, practicality and value for money. However, my experience has been marred by so many faults in only 2 years, but I have to say the dealer so far has been good and attended to all these under the warranty and given me a courtesy car on each occasion.