buyers guide?

[frenchedt]

You need a highjackers thread on this forum lol!

[Volvo2002]

Originally Posted by frenchedt

You need a highjackers thread on this forum lol!

What do you mean by hijacking?

[skyship007]

I don't know the prices of the V40's in the UK, but try to get a phase two diesel as the 1.9D was based on a very tough Renault block. At the price range you are in you might be looking for a car with 100,000 miles, but don't worry because as long as you check the engine and car over they will easily do another 100,000 miles. Most diesels give very obvious signs in terms of smoke in particular when they get old.
Looking for a V40 1.9D with a tow bar does restrict your search, so you might finish up finding one without. If you do get one with a tow bar, try to find out how much towing it did in terms of wear and corrosion on the ball and make sure the clutch is smooth with no noise from the gearbox as towing is tough on both, but tends not to damage the engine. A diesel is better for towing due to low speed torque factors.
The big factor in terms of the engine life of a diesel is always oil quality and change interval, so it is good to see one where it was changed every 6,000 miles and not very high figures.

[frenchedt]

Originally Posted by Volvo2002

What do you mean by hijacking?

"Hijacking the thread"

It's when someone takes your thread off subject, either with a joke or a comment not related to the thread.

If you are in a panic about a problem that affects your beloved car it can irritate some. Personally I don't mind it.

A bit of the "craic" make the day happier as far as I'm concerned.

Voila hijacking.

[Dog_Book]

I like KP choc dips

[frenchedt]

Originally Posted by Dog_Book

I like KP choc dips

You seem to have got the hang of it nicely!

[scootb]

Originally Posted by frenchedt

You need a highjackers thread on this forum lol!

Sorry mate,no hijack intended!

I'm new to these forums myself(and volvos),and it is good to meet local x40 owners.

Anyway on with the hijacking,how many holes does your balaclava have?

I would have a look on autotrader or gumtree for a good idea on price,they do seem to be cheaper with less mileage south of the border(Scots always get ripped off,were used to it)which would work out handier for you!Or someone on the forums may be selling around the time you are buying.

I got my 2001 v40 18i for £1250 with 97,000miles on it,the prices may drop more so as the launch of the new v40 gets closer(which can only be a good thing for us!)
Not too sure I like the new v40,already had a mk2 focus it was ok,but my v40 is way comfier,and just feels way better all round(at least to me it does)

[frenchedt]

No problem and no hijack taken!

It makes far more sense for me to buy in the UK as used cars in France are 2 to 2.5 times more expensive and I can swap LHD to RHD without a thought these days.

5450 GBP for a november 2003 100,000 mile Diesel anybody? see the link.

http://occasions-pro.caradisiac.com/...beefdfac64.htm

I can't make my mind up about diesel v petrol though. If it was a new lease car and my mileage was very high (say 25k/ann) then yes the fuel price difference and consumption make it a diesel choice.

But a big bill can wipe out any saving in an instant!

I must sit down and do some calcs to see where the break point is.

Is there any evidence to support the reliabilty of diesel over petrol or vice versa on the S/V40?

If I get 35 to 40 mpg I can live with that. It's easy to do here on mainly quiet A and B roads. I can go for 20 mins and not see a car!

[mechakev]

That price is hilarious, they will never sell it.

[frenchedt]

Originally Posted by mechakev

That price is hilarious, they will never sell it.

It is the "norm" here. My 5000 quid Ranger was 10 to12000Euros 3 years ago.

My 1500 quid Focus (French registered with LHD lamps) was 3200 euros LHD.

I didn't pick the cheapest V40 but neither was it a silly priced one.