I've posted previously suggesting that there is only one phase 2 Volvo V40 T4 in Australia, but I just came across a second one that is also a manual. This is a 4/2001 model in an aqua shade...
Seen on Facebook Marketplace: White 1997 model with 200,806 km. Issues mentioned are some clear coat issue, dent on rocker panel. Timing belt replacement 30,000 km ago. Good value for $2,000...
Someone is selling this 2003 V40 2.0T on Gumtree but have advertised it as a S40 "wagon" with no photos. For $1100 it might be a good project for someone. Advertised as 150,000 km and 3 months...
This brochure is for the Volvo S40 and V40 T4 Super Tourer special edition sold in Australia in 2000. The brochure reads: Packed: *Sun visors with illuminated mirrors *WHIPS (whiplash...
These are getting rare, particularly T4 models in manual. This 1999 model is offered for sale in Tasmania for $2,400 and has travelled 180,000km. It looks to be in good condition aside from...
I found this interesting old pamphlet titled Motoring Goes Metric, dated 1 July 1974, detailing changes to road signs when Australia changed to the metric...
This gold automatic phase 2 V40 was advertised as a T4 but the badge says T and a VIN check confirms it is a T. It was advertised at a dealer for A$4,999 and the mileage is not listed. The car...
I first saw this V40 for sale through Manheim auctions in 2018. I think it may be the only phase 2 Volvo V40 T4 in Australia, or one of very few, and it is manual! It was later offered for...
In my last update I had ordered a cheap inlet valve timing valve from China. Unfortunately this never arrived and the seller on Aliexpress ended up providing a refund as they weren't able to send it...
I found this photo in Sports Car World (Australia) magazine in 1988. It shows a picture of what BMW was calling at the time the replacement for the 6-series but the press was calling the 8-series...
Someone got this Summer Green V40 for a pretty good price. It had previously been listed as an online auction with a starting bid of A$1,500 but then went to live auction and after starting for...
The same shifter mechanism is found in late-model W202 C-Class and some other models, possibly W163 M-Class and W124 E-Class. The symptoms of a fault with these shifter mechanisms is that the...
It's been a long time since I posted about the V50 and it is because I haven't done much to it. It still has the check engine light on due to a variable valve timing fault. I tried changing...
Our year 2000 C200T (wagon) with 722.6 5-speed transmission was having trouble starting. After much frustration, I started suspecting the gear position switch was the cause, as when it wouldn't...
This white 2000 Volvo V40 2.0 SE Phase II automatic sold at Grays auctions in South Australia for A$1,509 on 7 September 2021. Odometer reading was 202,784km and it had two keys and was sold...
This Pacific Blue 1997 Volvo V40 2.0 automatic sold at Grays auctions in South Australia on 22 February 2021 for A$1,100. Mileage was 221,151 km and was sold unregistered with one key....
To celebrate Motor magazine's 50-year anniversary, they took two Holden Commodore's on a non-stop journey around Australia on Highway One, a total of just under 15,000 km. They did the same...
Many reports of 1.4-litre (TSI) engine failures. This engine has a timing chain but it has been known to stretch so may require replacement. FSI (1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol) engines are susceptible...
Often suffer frequent minor and some not so minor problems. Can be expensive to maintain and repair. 4-speed automatic transmission fitted to the 2.9-litre model can fail even at relatively low...
Generally, fairly reliable but electrical problems are common. Automatic transmissions can be unreliable and require expensive replacement. Engine uses a timing belt but replacement intervals...
Many reports of unreliability due to electrical issues, and some reports of automatic transmission problems. All engines have a timing belt which need regular replacement, although Volvo interval...
Engine mounts are a regular fail item. Turbo models can suffer problems with oil feed to the turbocharger. All engines have a timing belt that needs replacement every 120,000 km or 5 years....
The Yaris is a reliable vehicle with no common mechanical problems. Some owners dislike the electronic throttle as it makes it hard to maintain speed and controls the engine revs at times....
The Prius and hybrid engine have proven to be reliable but not without problems like any other vehicle. If something does go wrong it can be expensive to repair. Battery packs generally live...
Like most Toyotas, the Echo has proved to be reliable with no common mechanical problems. Common owner complaints are only heavy steering and blind spots. All engine options use a timing chain...
Basic but reliable transport. Engines have a timing chain that does not require regular replacement. Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia...
By all reports a very reliable model with no major common problems. Some reports of brake and gearbox issues, but these are not common. Engines use timing chains so no regular replacement is...
An under-rated car that most owners seem to love. Some issues with CVT transmissions with isolated reports of total failure requiring replacement, and also some criticism of the way the CVT...
These models have a good reuptation for longevity and reliability. WRX models may have lead a hard life and have been modified or raced. Some reports of head gasket failure on 2.5-litre models...
Build quality can be poor. No shortage of common problems, including electrical problems and general fit and finish. Automatic transmissions can be problematic. Parts and servicing can be...
Build quality can be poor. No shortage of common problems. Parts and servicing can be expensive. Image credit: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via...
Suspension parts wear out. Interior can be noisy, and parts rattle. Timing belts need regular replacement. Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia...
This model has above average reports of reliability. There were some problems with very early models catching fire due to a fuel leak, and some reports of engine failure caused by a screw in the...
By all reports a very reliable model with no major common problems at all. All engines use a timing belt that requires replacement every 110,000 km. Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via...
An underrated car that is generally very reliable and compares favourably to Commodores and Falcons. Some common issues which are fairly minor such as problems with power windows. Some...
Many owners love their Mini but they can be expensive to run and have some serious common problems. The CVT transmissions are not at all reliable and should be avoided. Manual transmission...
Four-cylinder petrol engines (M271) use a single row timing chain that can stretch and ultimately cause major engine damage. These can need replacing at around 160,000 km. Listen for rattling on...
Early four-cylinder models up to 2002 used the M111 engine which are long-lasting and reliable. Later models used the M271 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine which have a single row timing chain that...
Available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door wagon. The model received a facelift in 1997. Early pre-facelift models (1997) had problematic wiring harnesses which degrade over time and require...
Expect a lifespan of around 100,000 km for the rotary engine, but many examples will already have had multiple engine replacements by now. Engines may last longer if maintenance is increased above...
Diesel models are cheaper on fuel but if used mainly for short trips they can require expensive maintenance. These are best suited to regular longer journies and not to regular city and suburban...
2.0-litre petrol engine models are generaly very reliablewith few common problems. SP23 model with 2.3-litre petrol engine are prone to sudden engine failure and are best avoided. Image...
The 2.3-litre turbo models should be avoided due to many complaints about engine and turbo failures. Fuel economy is poor. Later 2.5-litre engine is more reliable, better on fuel but not very...
Owners report that these models are very reliable. As the engines use direct-injection, they can suffer from carbon build-up that can cause poor running. This mostly affects the IS250 as the...
A mostly reliable model. The smaller-engined IS200 needs revs to move briskly, the IS300 is more powerful. Front suspension components can wear and require routine replacement. Uneven and...
The quality was not great on early models but improved over time. Automatic transmissions can be problematic and require expensive replacement. The transfer box on all-wheel-drive models is...
Generally a reliable model. Some reported problems with steering system and automatic transmission failures, although these do not appear to be too common. The 2.0-litre petrol engine has a...
Automatic transmissions are problematic and must be serviced frequently to avoid problems. Differentials also need frequent oil changes. Air conditioner compressors are a common failure item....
Eighth generation Civic manufactured in Thailand. No common major mechanical problems. Some paint colours suffer from clear coat peel. Owners report that this model is generally very...
