1989 Volvo 440 DL 1.7 Euro 95, unleaded from Netherlands

Summary:

Perfect for a first car

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car yet.

It had a leaking radiator when I bought it (for a very cheap price), but that was easily fixed, and quite cheap as well.

Some small things that show the age of the car, but aren't really worth fixing and don't bother me.

General Comments:

Comfy seats and interior space, certainly for it's price. Runs fairly cheap. Reliable. A very nice drive for long distances. Looks good too.

It handles a bit sluggish. It could really use power steering.

It suffers from under-steering pretty quickly in the rain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2001

1989 Volvo 440 GLEi 1.7 multipoint injection from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap, practical and a good drive

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car since I bought it; touch wood. However when buying the car it needed work on the engine to stop it leaking coolant. Also the electric windows are somewhat noisy and slow.

General Comments:

I bought my Volvo for £700 which to me seems like an absolute bargain considering the car's advantages.

To start with the car is extremely cheap to run considering it's size and speed. Group 7 insurance and decent fuel economy, but still plenty of room for five people and luggage.

The performance of the car is good providing brisk acceleration (0-60 under 10 seconds) and is particularly impressive considering the insurance group. However the engine does lack a bit of torque and can struggle a little when the car is fully laden. The level of grip is good but wheelspin can be a considerable problem in the wet. The steering however is incredibly lacking in feel but you do get used to this and eventually don't notice it too much.

The car is comfortable and seemingly well built particularly the bodywork. However the interior trim is a little rattly.

Overall I would say that the Volvo 440 with the 1.7i engine is a bargain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 2001

25th Jun 2001, 10:33

I could not agree more with the above review, but would like to add that the passenger's seatbelts make a horrible noise as well, esp. if not fitted before the engine starts. The heated seats do not work properly. Overall though, the 440 1.7i is a bargain and a brilliant drive.

1989 Volvo 440 GLTi 1.7 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent all round car

Faults:

Passenger side electric window switch.

General Comments:

An excellent family car, yet stylish, reliable and with excellent load carrying ability.

Very well made.

Repairs can be more expensive. Clutches are almost £400 on this model to replace.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2001

1989 Volvo 440 GLE I 1.7 petrol injection from UK and Ireland

Faults:

1. Erratic tickover and a juddering when setting off. Eventually sourced problem myself after Volvo Service engineers said it was 'Normal for Vehicle'on TWO sevice visits.

2. Sometimes difficult to accelarate 'briskly' without spinning wheels.

3. Recent slight leak in radiator.

General Comments:

I wouldn't have recommended this vehicle prior to having sourced the problem.(Which took 18 months). Since sorting , it is a much better vehicle.

I have little/no respect for the servicing company.(Since lost the Volvo franchise).

The car would probably suit older owners. Bodywork etc. marvellous.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 1997

14th Jan 2001, 15:16

I have just read your review on your Volvo 440 and wondered if you could tell me what the problem turned out to be, as mine is doing the same thing and is getting on my nerves.

Please could you e-mail me at jeff.todd@virgin.net

15th Oct 2001, 16:17

Just read the about the erratic engine problem. I also have the same problem. Any ideas or help please to lccop@yahoo.com

Thanks.

31st Oct 2002, 13:43

Have just read the about the erratic engine problem. I have the same problem. Any ideas or help please to c.fairman@ntlworld.com.

Thanks.