Volvo V40 (1996 - 2004) 2.0T SE 5d (00) (2001/Y) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Substance over style.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They like it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, any time.This is a very well-built, safe, reliable & comfortable car, yet inexpensive for what it is.
What are you likely to buy next?
Volvo V50 when I can afford it-not any time soon!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£5,995
When did you buy the car?
May 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes. The car was in excellent condition, had 1 private owner, full service history and 36000 miles on the clock-barely run in. I also got a 1-year comprehensive warranty.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
My previous Volvo V40 (an early 97P 1.8) had been great. I really enjoyed its build quality and reliability.
What was the dealer like?
Honest and sensible.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Excellent roadholding, highly efficient brakes. Speed & power when you need it. Turning circle surprisingly small for its size.Major improvement on the early V40 in terms of ride comfort (softer suspension but not too soft). Still slightly stiff ride on poor surfaces. Good fuel economy, 34-35mpg in mixed driving, 40mpg on a run. You don't want to drive it round town, though (26mpg!).
What's it like to park?
Not bad
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No, this V40 is as reliable as the old one. Build quality is superb, similar to Audi A4, better than Mercedes C-class & BMW 3-series of similar age.
What's most practical about your car?
It is an estate, medium size (it is the "small" Volvo, after all), but spacious.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Climate control. This was great in the last year extreme summer.
