1995 Volvo 440 SE 2.0L MPI

Summary:

Let the buyer beware, Volvo has quality problems

Faults:

* Automatic transmission seized up and had to be fully reconditioned.

* Front brake rotors seized twice.

* Rear CV joints replaced 3 times.

* Dashboard lights not working and faulty.

* Loose gasket (replaced within warranty).

* Rust in the front door (found within 3 months of buying the car).

General Comments:

The car has been an example of being a lemon. I must have spent more than 8000AUD in replacing "non regular servicing" parts and labour. At this rate I could have used the extra money to buy a BMW 318i (as a competing car in the Australian market). One of the main faults being the automatic transmission.

That said the car has good interior packaging and can fit a mountain bike and carry three people at the same time which is handy and practical. It is also relatively a good motorway cruiser and city parker.

Performance in hilly country with a full load is acceptable, but the fuel efficiency real life city with peak hour traffic is about 13.0L/100km which is not the best, but not bad either.

Steering is not light like a Japanese car, but can be a bit wooly and jittery at the centre.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th July, 2001

23rd Jul 2002, 01:42

How can a front wheel drive car have rear C/V joints go?

3rd May 2005, 19:07

I too had problems with my Volvo 440se 1995 model. Air conditioning evaporator replaced, electrical problems and now, have to overhaul auto transmission. There is more worries than enjoyment and is only 97000 kms in 10 years.

18th May 2005, 03:50

Last time, I report on this forum of holes on the air condition evaporator, which I had to replaced. Now the automatic transmission pack up. Cost $A2500 to overhaul and is not the same as before. My volvo 440SE only had 97000 kms in 10 years. Again I ask, where is the quality and reliability? I am deeply disappointed. I will buy Japanese cars from now on.

Terry Ong.

21st May 2005, 20:02

To further continue my unlucky encounter with my Volvo 440SE, it also has problem with the front windshield water pump and air conditioning switch module at the dashboard. Volvo quoted $500 above to replace, but I took it to an auto electrician which cost me $120. Also, at 97000 kms, the seals beneath the alternator was linking, which means air conditioning is empty and not working and the seal had to be replaced for $150.

A chain of problems, one after another. Quality has given way to profit. I have learnt not to trust any well known names for quality these days. To sell at a cheap competitive price, one has to compromise quality.

One word of advice is before you buy a car, don't rely on the name for quality, also check out how many places can you take your car for servicing or breakdown. If there is only one or two dealerships, then your choice is limited. They can quote you an arm or a leg or poor workmanship, and you have to wait longer to get it fix. Think about this before you buy. As for me, I will go for a cheap Japanese or Korean car, maybe Chinese car when it is on the market. It is cheaper and plenty of choices, and is reliable. Terry Ong.