V40 - Any Good

[halo34]

In case my search for an e39 draws a blank I am looking at cheaper options to tide me over.

Come across a few V40 Diesels (TDI) - seem to be ok in the looks department after the facelift?

Reviews seem to say its quite solid, but I have always classed them as a "lesser" Volvo.

No particular reason I hasten to add, but wondered if anyone had an experiences?

They seem decent value for the space - though the interior isn't quite my cup of tea, but for the price again seems ok value.

Its that or another S60 D5 commuter I think...

[smn159]

I've been commuting 60 miles a day for about 10 months now in a V40 diesel. Can't say that its set the world on fire but its comfortable with a great stereo and averages 52 mpg on largely free flowing A and B roads.

I had a v70R previously which was a nicer place to be but cost me twice as much in fuel - couldn't really see the point on a commute..

[white90]

I have a 1.8s 2004 Auto for commuting it is a nice drive practical and cheap to buy and run.
Driven gently an 80mile commute per day returns 37mpg.
the diesels command a far higher price, the extra diesel cost as well,
meant it was not a viable solution to my needs, having to travel 10 times in a 4 week period, the costs sent me towards the car I got.
Look for broken rear springs (common issue).

[morgrp]

They are very good and often overlooked cars - I'd always go with a 1.8 petrol or 1.9 T4 if you like speed. Manuals can do 40mpg when driven and serviced correctly. The diesels are ok but not amazing - if the black pump is your persuasion, then go for the later direct injection engine (came out with the facelift) avoid the useless, gutless Mitsubishi sourced GDI petrol at all costs, they are poor performers, suffer from a host of problems and are no more economic than the Volvo designed 1.8.
Buy a decent one and you'll have a safe (for their age), handsome, reliable and cheap to run if a little anonymous motor - last one I serviced was a 2.0t model, was mint and cost the owner just 400quid