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400 Series General Forum for the Volvo 440, 460 and 480 cars |
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Dad is buying a 440Views : 595 Replies : 6Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Sep 3rd, 2009, 14:53 | #1 |
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Dad is buying a 440
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
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v70 CD T5 1997 nice blue metallic.. Last edited by gturban; Sep 3rd, 2009 at 14:55. |
Sep 3rd, 2009, 15:32 | #2 |
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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.
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Sep 3rd, 2009, 15:35 | #3 |
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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.
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Sep 3rd, 2009, 16:44 | #4 |
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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..
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v70 CD T5 1997 nice blue metallic.. |
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Sep 3rd, 2009, 16:55 | #5 |
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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
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Sep 3rd, 2009, 19:56 | #6 |
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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
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Sep 3rd, 2009, 21:23 | #7 |
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Good Choice Good luck Dad! LOL
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