340 or 440

[JohnK]

Hi Guys,

I am thinking of an old Volvo to use as a daily driver for a while. Ive narrowed it down to either a late 340 (1.7) or an earlish 440. Which of these cars would you reccommend and why? Is one car any stronger than the other, or less reliable?

Any help appreciated

Cheers

JohnK

[deanrosc]

hi john,

i've owned both series of cars and i enjoyed them both. although i had a 360 saloon and a 440 turbo. i feel the 3s to be more comfortable and a looked after one looks better and is a bit more distinctive than an old 4. the 3 is very solid then again so is the 4. these are only my opinions and you'll find many people will probably disagree with me.some low spec 3s really are low spec so watch out for that. i looked at one for the missus and if it was any lower spec it would have been horsedrawn.if i was you i'd drive both and see which feels right. if you can, get a 440 turbo. they are an absolute riot.

[JohnK]

Dean,

Thanks for the reply. My dad had a 340 when I was really young and from what I can remember it was a nice car, although I more remember the 740s/850s he bought later on. There just seems to be a big shortage of 340s in this area :(

[johnw]

Yes, mate

Decent 340s are hard to find. You have to wait for an ad on autotrader, go and see it and walk away. Nearly all of them for sale are bad.

It took me 3 months to find my GL auto.
Get 1987D or later as these will run on unleaded (regd from Nov 86).
1.4 is underpowered. 1.7 you will need to replace the carb. Auto you will need to replace the belts and the vacuum control valve. People sell them when they develop these faults.

But I love the 340 Auto. That's why I have one. Got my first one in 1985...

[JohnK]

1989 G reg 340 1.7 turned up in the local rag last night. 1 Owner from new. Under average miles. Oil change every 3k. £250. Going to have a look tonight methinks :)

[deanrosc]

hope its a good un. keep us posted?

[JohnK]

He'd already sold it before I went to view it :(

So, still on the look out for a tidy 1.7 340 or a 440 of some kind :)

[5lab]

owned 4 340s (picking up my 5th in a couple of weeks). currently driving (my dads old) 440. on 400s you have to be careful of the gearbox (generally being a C*nt to change into first) and the high milage (at about 150k the clutch goes and it costs a fortune to replace).

you can pick either up cheap. i'd go for a 1.8 as a pick of hte bunch for 440s - the economy is better than any 300 i've had, and they are reasonably nippy (nothing outstanding).

why not get a 360? the b200k is as economical as a 1.7 340 (thus MORE economical than a 340 1.4) and its a bit quieter and quicker. normally has more kit too.

[Iank]

I have a 1987 Volvo 340 auto with a genuine 15750 miles on the clock. It is immaculate and has a full Volvo service history. All the documentation and service records are available. In the front of the service log there is a "Volvo Lifetime Care Commitment". This covers the car against any manufacturing or material defect for the life time of the car. I wonder if this is still valid.
It was last serviced in April 2004 at a cost of approximately £260 which is about the same price I pay for my Volvo S80. The car is immaculate and open to any inspection. I may sell at the right price, but more important it is a pleasure to have a car of this age in such good condition. I generally use it in the summer months to travel from home to work and it is quite a novelty.

[5lab]

you'd be best off posting that on volvo300mania.com/forum2 - out of interest what is your impression of a 'good' price? i've a feeling its way outta my league but worth asking :)


to reply to the origional post - have you thought of getting a volvo 66? theres a couple on ebay at the moment, and they are much more rare/unusual than either 300s or 400s - most people dont realise they even existed!

[Iank]

If I got £400 for it I would be happy but I think I would prefer to sell it to an enthusiast as it is in such good condition.