opinions please

[Alex121]

If I were in your shoes I would go for something like the 1.8. The insurance is about the same, tax is about the same but it'll be much more drivable.

The 1.6 is the worst of all the S/V40 for MPG - Including the T4!

A 1.8 will have a bit more go and will be better on fuel.

Of course if you enjoy the 1.6 get another

EDIT: Loads of lovely ones around if you can stretch the budget a bit.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-S40-...item3f32920035

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-VOLVO...item2ecf6cafbd

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-VOLVO...item4ad1bae36d

[kieran40]

Good advice from Alex just dont get the gdi 1.8 thou,

[Alex121]

Originally Posted by kieran40

Good advice from Alex just dont get the gdi 1.8 thou,

I would have recommended a T4 but the running costs will be higher from a 1.6 - Minus the fuel which will be about the same if not less!

The 1.9D is good but if OP was only looking at £800 to spend, you're not going to get a diesel for that - They cost more

[banditdave]

Originally Posted by kieran40

the one you looked at sounds a bit ropey and as others have said the 1.6 is not a good one.

Ive decided to leave it where it is and look for something else.


Thanks for the opinions

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by banditdave

That was my gut feeling. Also the bonnet was catching on the wiper arms. Is that a common problem?

That's an easy fix as all it needs is a new wiper arm. Volvo changed the design as the original one left no room for wear of the pivot bush.

As regards the OPs potential new purchase, I would walk, as I don't like the sound of the rattle. If it was worse when cold something real expensive like a main bearing might be about to fail. If the owner had warmed up the engine I bet he has also chucked a few cans of STP oil thickner in.

[kieran40]

You can pick the diesels up for that Alex ,clean ones aswell but there rarer than the petrols because of mpg and people hanging on to them I guess,I'm a diesel head,I haven't had a moments trouble with mine it's very reliable and cheap to tax and fuel up,and there not slouches,not as quick as a t4 but there okay to live with.

[banditdave]

Originally Posted by Alex121

If I were in your shoes I would go for something like the 1.8. The insurance is about the same, tax is about the same but it'll be much more drivable.

The 1.6 is the worst of all the S/V40 for MPG - Including the T4!

A 1.8 will have a bit more go and will be better on fuel.

Of course if you enjoy the 1.6 get another

EDIT: Loads of lovely ones around if you can stretch the budget a bit.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-S40-...item3f32920035

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-VOLVO...item2ecf6cafbd

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-VOLVO...item4ad1bae36d

Ive got 2 of those 3 in my watch list lol. I like the look of the grey one

[Alex121]

Originally Posted by kieran40

You can pick the diesels up for that Alex ,clean ones aswell but there rarer than the petrols because of mpg and people hanging on to them I guess,I'm a diesel head,I haven't had a moments trouble with mine it's very reliable and cheap to tax and fuel up,and there not slouches,not as quick as a t4 but there okay to live with.

I'm the opposite, I can't get on the the power curve in diesels loads of go for 2 seconds then noise for the rest of the rev range and too much changing gears to keep the car going!

I've driven so far this year a new fully loaded BMW 320D, a new C30 D3 and the newest V40 D3 and had a ride in a S60 D5 polestar - neither of them really impressed

[kieran40]

After driving a t4 I'm hardly surprised Alex lol, I've been in a t5 that was something else I'd imagine the t4 is the same,the diesels are pretty lively thou 122 mph isint exactly slow,but I didn't buy the diesel for that I bought it because of its durability and running costs in the main,it makes me happy ,the two best volvo's s40/ v40 are the t4 and 1.9 d in my opinion both very strong and durable engines.that silver diesel I picked out for him don't look to bad it needs a wing for some reason it's gone rusty.first time I've seen rust on a s40 tbh.

[Alex121]

Originally Posted by kieran40

After driving a t4 I'm hardly surprised Alex lol, I've been in a t5 that was something else I'd imagine the t4 is the same,the diesels are pretty lively thou 122 mph isint exactly slow,but I didn't buy the diesel for that I bought it because of its durability and running costs in the main,it makes me happy ,the two best volvo's s40/ v40 are the t4 and 1.9 d in my opinion both very strong and durable engines.that silver diesel I picked out for him don't look to bad it needs a wing for some reason it's gone rusty.first time I've seen rust on a s40 tbh.

We have a T5 and it's slower than the T4. They weigh a lot more and Volvo changed the torque curve so the power was a lot more progressive a less 'tyre shredding', unlike the T4 which is a bit mental lol

I agree, I would like a 1.9D for the MPG but I'm a petrol head at heart lol

It's amazing that even 10+ years on, Volvos 1.9D in this car is still as good on fuel as most the modern 2.0 diesels that are coming out.