A high performance sports hatch
Rear wheels worn out in 50,000 miles.
This car is seriously quick off the traffic lights. However only BMW can beat it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd February, 2003
A safe and reliable bet
The mid section of exhaust fell off
I burnt the clutch out (my fault)
The water pump need replacing
The starter motor failed, but it had been left standing for several weeks in the middle of winter.
The car is amazingly comfortable and very competent at low speeds.
The performance is respectable for the age and weight of the car.
It has been generally reliable and always starts first time.
The fuel economy can be poor, I've had it as low as 18mpg, although I average 28mpg.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th August, 2002
Dull but worthy
Nothing- this is the most reliable car ever! It was a little rusty towards the end, but that was it!
Extremely reliable, but totally lacklustre and dull.
I did not like it even though it was a very good car.
Performance was OK.
Interior fine but uninteresting.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 11th May, 2002
Good runner from A to B, handling unpredictable and exciting at times
- Indicator housing broke
- Fuel line leaking
- Boot won't stay open
- Lumbar support and heating in the seats are both broken
- Idle rate set too low
- Clutch replaced at 98,000 miles
- Window squirter nozzles clogged
- Exhaust fell off
- Tires replaced twice
- Light in the car has blown
- Body paint all oxidized
- Handle on the driver's door snapped in half
All since I have owned it!!!
Achieved a lot of miles in 2 years (24K).
Surprisingly quick for a 1.4, but handles like an elephant on bicycle tires. Oversteer and roll is part of the ride.
A lot has gone wrong in the last couple of years, seems to be dying a painful death on me. Relatively reliable, but unpredictable on roundabout's and the motorway, not fuel efficient in town.
Smooth ride and comfortable driving position with good vision, can pack a serious amount of stuff in to the boot if you take the back seats out (easy to do!).
Need to be a pro bodybuilder to park the damn thing.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th April, 2001
A reliable, bombproof urban tank
Leaking O/S/R wheel brake cylinder about three years ago - replaced in 15 minutes on my drive for £10.95.
Apart from that, nothing at all.
Don't expect sparkling performance 'cos you won't get it! The fuel economy is reasonable for such a heavy car. The 2 litre variant is harder to find but is worthwhile having as it offers a great deal more poke.
The entire car is absolutely bomb-proof in all respects and will give sterling service if looked after. It is quiet, well built, comfortable and capable of a decent turn of speed once wound up on the motorway.
Be warned that the car is rear wheel drive and the whole suspension setup is vague and squashy so don't even think about razor-sharp handling. If you're planning on taking a bend at a daft speed then you'd best get a couple of cans of touch up and a decent-sized tin of body filler 'cos you'll need 'em..
A word of warning though - visit a Volvo dealer at your peril. They are ill-mannered, charge the earth, perform shoddy work, fit second hand bits as new and have no compunction about sending the spotty apprentice for the Friday lunchtime chips in your motor (I saw them do it). Better to find a decent independent garage and stick to them. If you fancy performing the servicing yourself, then you can look after these cars with a minimal toolkit and only a bit of knowledge as the mechanics are about as basic as you can get.
And finally, after having ridden many, many miles on all manner and description of motorbikes, there's nothing like the grin factor of rumbling down the road with damn near two numb tons of pig iron wrapped around you on a freezing cold morning.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st November, 2000
Car has done 138,000 miles and we bought it three years ago: Prop shaft, exhaust, distributor cap, front seat 'lifter' to let passengers in and driver's lumber support mechanism, interior light.
Superbly reliable car.
Plenty of parts available at breakers yards i.e Propshaft cost 15.00ukp -- Volvo dealers wanted around 200ukp.
Recommended.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th May, 1999
Alternator, shocks, wheel bearings, and rear brake slave cylinders have been replaced, but that's to be expected with 135,000 miles on the clock. The only time it has given trouble on the road was when the primary main jet in the carb became blocked, but I was still able to get it home.
People say 340's don't handle, but with good tyres, plenty of experience and familiarity with one you can get lots of fun upsetting people with supposedly superior vehicles. I found that Kleber 175/70 x 13 tyres worked well and give excellent feedback through the steering wheel, your ass and your feet. I recently replaced the Klebers with Michelins which are appalling by comparison - they just don't communicate. Next set of tyres will be Klebers again. One great thing about 340's is that nobody takes any notice of them; thieves or police. There's a lot to be said for blending in. It may not be considered a 'cool' car, but I believe cool is a state of being, not the car you drive.
So if you have enough self esteem that you don't feel the need for a four wheeled manhood extension, buy a 340. Make sure it's a 1.7 not a 1.4 - I drove a 1.4 once and it was gutless. It's surprising how much difference that 300cc makes.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st March, 1999