Hi Guys,
New guy here in need of advice. My wife and I are expecting our first baby so I am off to buy my first Volvo V40 on Monday, i found it on Ebay. It is a bright red 1999 1.9XS TD manual with 80K miles in 'good condition'. It looks like a good car and is a great deal.

Is there anything to look out for on this type of car when I go to see it? Also does anyone know where I should look on the car to confirm the VIN number. I realise that the number is probably displayed at the bottom of the windscreen and on the chassis ID tag under the bonnet but is it stamped in the body anywhere? What should I look out for if the car has been 'ringed' on had it's identity changed?

Thanks in anticipation,
Boggie

Aside from under the hood and in the windsheold there should be a sticker in one of the door jams with the Vin as well.Look at the engine mount on the right side of the car and make sure it is not bottomed out if it is a rubber one.If it is hydrolic then it will be fine.
Other than that just make sure it drives great.

Thanks for the info, very helpful. Do you know where the number is stamped into the shell? On my Lotus it is on the front crossmember, the TT has it on the passenger side footwell floor. I assume that the number is stamped in to the V40 shell / chassis also.
Cheers, Boggie

I know it is stamped into the shell somewhere but I forget where.

Found it! It is stamped into the bulkhead, engine side just below the windscreen.