I bought by 440 1.8 SE, 21 months ago. Its the MK II, re-styled (if such a word exists for it). The MK II has many improvements, and looks a little less dated than the MK I.

Its got 81k on it, after I have added 23k to it. Its been reliable, and the volvo dealer locally has been very helpful (bits can be expensive, but there are a surprising number about), although you can DIY most things to keep the cost down. A lot are not dealer serviced after the warranty period as it is difficult to justify the expense. If it is DIY'd make sure its been done when it should have been.

Bits replaced: middle exhaust section (3 k ago) & radiator (stone went through it). The radiator bottom hose clip is a pain to get off. Usual service items (plugs, filters, pads, etc).

Needs its roll bar bushes replacing (knocks slightly over uneven surfaces) and rear brake cylinder seals replacing as they are weeping.

Couple of pointers:

Watch for overheating. The Renault engines run hot.

Be careful of the gear linkages. Mine is getting very imprecise. Rust. Check it carefully. It has heavy steering without PAS. Got a misfire when cold under moderate acceleration when cold? Put some new spark plugs in it. My engine runs very lean (not my settings!) and after 8k it has a slight misfire when cold. The single point injection system on the 1.8 will show dodgy plugs up, due to the systems nature. Clutch cables prone to failure. If replacing the timing belt, its worth doing the auxiliary drive belt while you can. They are not that expensive. The belts are a 2 hour job.

I did have handling problems, but removing the cheap rubbish tyres that were on it, and putting some Continental's on it has improved it beyond recognition. It now goes around corner and stops in the wet.

The engines are not revving machines. Treat it more like a diesel and its nice and very torquey in the low to mid range. Can be a handful in the wet when making a swift get away.

Mine had a very careful 1st owner, and never properly ran in at 58k, and it hampered its fuel economy. On a run on the motorway cruising at 70, it will give 45mpg. Around town I get 30 odd.

Handling is not bad, but with a wider wheel it might be better (6J as opposed to the more common 5.5J). As said many times, its built like a tank, and is fairly heavy.

It won't break any fashion or speed records, but if you respect it when you drive it, service it on a regular basis (or it will not agree with you) it can be a safe, practical means from getting from A to B, with minimum fuss.

Cheapish to buy and insurance is sensible.