Dad is buying a 440

[gturban]

My dad just crashed his Toyota and is wondering about buying a 440, are they good cars? I have a v70 and I'm very pleased. But know nothing about the 440!

He wants something reliable... He's not a hazard on the road but I would like him to have a safe car as well.. Are they safe despite the age? he's been looking at a 90 model, not sure what engine..

Thanks
GT

[ahal]

Okay, my opinions ...

If you want outright reliability, Toyota is the better choice. If you want quite good reliability, safety, a car that can withstand serious knocks and still keep going, loads of space ( with the rear seats dropped ), reasonable economy and a fair amount of nice electrical gizmos ( like heated seats - even on base models ) the 440 is a good bet. It also looks quite modern, even though the last of them were made 12 years ago, and they're cheap to buy.

Coming from a Japanese car your dad is going to find both the pedals ( clutch in particular ) very heavy, and - in common with Opel / Vauxhall, VW etc. you have to 'put' these volvos into gear. They don't just slide into gear with the little finger, they're a wee bit more agricultural in my experience. Any time I drive a Japanese car I keep thinking I've missed gears every time

There's plenty of advice on the 440 threads about buying ... I would say, having owned one for nearly 9 years, that it's the best car I will ever own. I suppose the main thing to watch for is neglected examples. Volvo have such a reputation for durability that sometimes people will have ignored the basics, like oil changes. I'd check that the cooling works okay too.

Regards,

Tony.

[ahal]

Originally Posted by gtufta

I would like him to have a safe car as well.. Are they safe despite the age? he's been looking at a 90 model, not sure what engine..

Thanks
GT

Yes they are safe, though no airbag on the series 1 models. Airbag came in late 1993 if memory serves, with the facelifted series 2 range. I have both series 1 and 2. You still get some serious side impact beams on the series 1 as well, and it feels a bit more solid than the newer model. The newer one feels a bit less solid, but has the driver's airbag.

[gturban]

Thank you very much!
He just bought it, said he was inspired since I'm so happy with the v70, he bought from a mechanic, so I would think it is looked over properly.
My dad normally pushes himself a bit harder than he should(working too much), so it's important for me to know that he's got a safe car! And for him its important that it is reliable..

[s60]

I had a 1994 1.8 440 a few years ago great car, had loads of fun with it. decent spec for age as well

[ahal]

I don't know how I forgot this but the series 1 like the one your dad is looking at also has a manual choke, whereas the facelift one has an automatic one. In fairness this should only be an issue if not used to a manual choke ... in fact I've often heard people say that manual is more economical - and certainly anyone 40+ years of age would probably be familiar with them anyway.

Regards,

Tony

[Paul240480]

Good Choice Good luck Dad! LOL