V40: Is a V40 1.9d right for me?

[ChrisP3]

Hi, first time on the forum and looking for some advice please.

I've been considering what to replace my Astra g 1.7dti with and after seriously considering Saab 9-3 hatchbacks and 9-5 estates with the 2.2 tid engine, I came across the V40 (I don't know where this Swedish thing has come from!).

It will mainly be used for my daily commute, a 30 mile round trip on mainly 30mph roads. I've had the Astra for nearly 4 years now and its been great but I fancy a change and definitely something more comfortable, the driver's seat in the Astra is doing my back no favours although I suppose after 180,000 miles it's probably not as firm as it once was.

I know a lot of people advise against diesels for shorter trips but the Astra has given me no problems and has been very economical, I expect being an older design without a DPF helps and I'm presuming the V40 1.9d is the same in this respect. I've also read very little regarding DMF problems for the V40. I've seen the buyers guide on the website and from looking at that, there seem to be few inherent problems with this car but wondered what other owner's views would be on getting one for my purposes.

Thanks,

Chris

[m1tch1987]

The 1.9D engine doesn't have a DPF and so never has issues, the only issue you might have is a clogged EGR valve (3 bolts and just clean it) the engine is good for 250-300k miles without issue, avoid the later S40 models (after 2004) as they have the Ford based 2.0D which have MASSIVE issues with the engine and car in general but not our models.

[Cornishv40]

Hi and welcome............ the answer is yes!

[ChrisP3]

Thanks guys. One of the things attracting me to Saab was the reputation for comfort their seats have. What are the ones like in the V40? I'd be looking at the Sport model and really like the look of the part leather seats.

[m1tch1987]

Originally Posted by ChrisP3

Thanks guys. One of the things attracting me to Saab was the reputation for comfort their seats have. What are the ones like in the V40? I'd be looking at the Sport model and really like the look of the part leather seats.

My sport has full leathers which are heated, no issues with long distance drives, lots of adjustments

[stephend]

Originally Posted by ChrisP3

Thanks guys. One of the things attracting me to Saab was the reputation for comfort their seats have. What are the ones like in the V40? I'd be looking at the Sport model and really like the look of the part leather seats.

Seats: it's really a question of whether you find it comfortable or not. But Volvo has long led the way in seat design, and I certainly find my V40 exceptionally comfortable.

[ChrisP3]

Thanks again. I think that's the decision made for me!

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by ChrisP3

Hi, first time on the forum and looking for some advice please.

I've been considering what to replace my Astra g 1.7dti with and after seriously considering Saab 9-3 hatchbacks and 9-5 estates with the 2.2 tid engine, I came across the V40 (I don't know where this Swedish thing has come from!).

It will mainly be used for my daily commute, a 30 mile round trip on mainly 30mph roads. I've had the Astra for nearly 4 years now and its been great but I fancy a change and definitely something more comfortable, the driver's seat in the Astra is doing my back no favours although I suppose after 180,000 miles it's probably not as firm as it once was.

I know a lot of people advise against diesels for shorter trips but the Astra has given me no problems and has been very economical, I expect being an older design without a DPF helps and I'm presuming the V40 1.9d is the same in this respect. I've also read very little regarding DMF problems for the V40. I've seen the buyers guide on the website and from looking at that, there seem to be few inherent problems with this car but wondered what other owner's views would be on getting one for my purposes.

Thanks,

Chris

The V40 1.9D is more of a long range family car than an in town commuter. If you do get one make sure it's a good one, or the price low enough to fix it. For example a rear suspension re- build due to worn links and bushes might cost 500, a total brake system overhual another 500 with new discs & calipers etc. Cam belt kit, water pump, EGR and a few exhaust boxes could total 1,000. So if you buy a lemon it could set you back 2 grand.
Steer well clear of any diesel that doen't do an instant cold start, smokes at any point (Walk around the back to check hot idle), leaks oil or rattles too much.
The V40 1.9D was the last of the built to last Volvos and if you get a good one or restore an abused one it will last a very long time as they don't seem to rust much and have one tough main block.

[ChrisP3]

Thanks for the advice skyship007. I suppose those could be possible issues with any used car that's done a bit of mileage but I'll take it into account when I start looking.

[V40DK]

As mentioned, Volvo seats are perhaps the most praised of all. My girlfriend gets pains in her back and therefore the Volvo seats played a big role in the decision for me.