Volvo V40 Hatchback (2012 - 2019) D3 SE Lux 5d Geartronic Owner Review

I wasn't actually in the market for a new car, but my old V50 got written off and I had no qualms about getting another Volvo. This car is simply the most comfortable place you can be - it is more comfy than my living room (and my wife appreciates the heated seats). It is lovely to drive, although on country roads you may prefer to have the automatic box in "sport" mode. MPG isn't amazing, but is decent enough on the motorway. Equipment-wise, I believe that newer versions have DAB, sat nav and reversing cameras, but mine doesn't. Problems: two minor and one major in nearly two years of ownership. Major: it needed a new AC compressor, which was already worn out when I bought the car. I have no idea if this is common, and the dealer sorted it out, but would have been a £600 repair. Minor: the dirtshield under the car wore out and started flapping on the motorway; also, after two months of SORN during lockdown one, the brake discs warped in the hot weather. Top tips? I can understand why so many people stick with Volvos after having one - the level of comfort and equipment is better than many other cars in the same price bracket. I paid less than £8000 for a six year old car with 60,000 on the clock. Find an independent Volvo mechanic and use genuine Volvo parts - this is a price worth paying. Oh, and be careful when you are reversing - as with so many modern cars, rear visibility is awful.