[CharlesStevenson]

Kjohn, TBH your question could be applied to any low(ish) priced car and to that extent the Volvo S/V40 is a good 'un.

If you're certain that you'll be doing a significant proportion of your driving on "... country roads and challenging farm tracks ..." and bearing in mind we're heading into winter, what about something with more ground clearance?

Bearing in mind the X40 is "only" 2WD why not consider something like an early ph Landrover Freelander diesel?

Oftentimes they've had the 4wd disconnected due to the repair cost, but that would still make them no less grippy than your V/S40.

If the car's going to take a bit of a pasting then if you can find one that's already got a dent or two that's going to be a good reason to adjust the price accordingly.

Just my thoughts.

FWIW we recently replaced our 1.6 V40 which had done 18k in one year - it never missed a beat but the MOT costs consigned it to the scrap heap, so as regards reliability, providing you've got a good battery for cold morning starts I'm sure the S40 you view could work for you too.