Hi everyone,
I bought a V40 2.0 CD Auto (1997, on a P reg - United kingdom) a few days ago and I love it! I did have a 1994 ford fiesta before, and I'm loving the step up in looks/quality already.
The thing is I have a couple of questions I would like an honest opinion about, and have found this site through google.

Alright here go's;

1. The car has fsh, the cam belt (timing belt) was changed at 85'000miles in 2002. It has now done 130'000miles. Do you think it needs changing? The dealer I bought it from told me it should be done every 80'000 or 8years (whichever comes first), and as it has been 8years it will need doing. I don't know weather to believe him or not, because he was trying to get me to book it in to his garage at a cost of £500. Was he being honest and looking out for my best interests, or was he just trying to get more cash out of me?

2. I have noticed that the head lights are very dim, Is this a normal problem on this model/year? I have already changed the bulbs for some "uprated" ones, packaging said they are up to 100% brighter, but they are just as bad.

3. I am getting about 26.7mpg average out of it so far (have covered 150miles some motorway, some local). Is this normal? Is there any way of improving mpg? Would using cruise control or a steady foot produce best mpg on motorway driving? Do aftermarket airfilters (K&N ect.) improve or decrease mpg?

Thanks very much to any one reading/replying to this post.
Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

1. cant comment on the cam belt

2. I too got the 100% brighter ones for my car but noticed they head lights needed adjusting up a bit, also check that the headlight isn't misted inside or the reflector isn't corroded, is it twin or single headlights ?

3. I have the diesel version, i was getting about 48mpg, put some redex fuel cleaner in and a K&N panel filter now i'm doing about 55mpg.

I have had the car about 3 weeks, f.s.h and a lovely car, have found many little things that needed doing to it but all seems to be fine and working now

 

Thanks for the reply.
It is the single headlight model. I have had a look and there is a little condensation inside the lights (i did notice whoever changed the bulbs last before me had cross threaded the black plastic cover on the back of the light housing, maybe this has caused moisture to get in). How would be the best way to get rid of the condensation? Is it easy to take off the glass, or should i just try to poke a towel through the bulb hole? Also how do you adjust the lights up a bit?

I will try running a bottle of redex through it to see if it improves my mpg, will it do any damage? My hand book says not to use any fuel additives unless a volvo specialist provides it (maybe says that just to be a volvo dealer money maker!?) How much did your K&N cost, and where did you get it?

The cambelt is the thing that worries me most though, is the 8 year rule true? Mileage wise its fine, only done 45'000miles since last change, but the dealer has made me paranoid. I dont want it to snap, the car would be a scrapper. I only paid £700 for it, and cant really afford the cambelt rite now (maybe in 5-6 months when i have chance to save up), but on the other hand I really cant afford a new engine or new car!
The dealer really pissed me off, he originally told be cambelt had been done at 85'000, and would be due at 160'000. But the next day, after handing over the money, and filling in the change of owner form, he told me about this 8yr rule and I should book in for a cambelt!

If anyone knows anything about cambelts please let me know!
Thanks again.

 

my car is still running fine 2 weeks later after adding redex, and the filter was £36 from a motorsport shop near me (halfords sell them for £69.95) you can get them off ebay for between £35 - £40

 

Hi,

I had the same doubts about the cambelt when I bought my 97 2.0L SE Auto and had it done by a good local garage for around £250. The idler wheel must be replaced and it forms part of the OEM kit, but ensure that they know you want it done. Remember to also change auxiliary drive belt at the same time (£19 approx) as if that goes it has been known to break up the cambelt as it disintigrates and the shredded parts get into the cambelt teeth.
I get around 32 mpg on mix of motorways and local and often better than that. Be gentle though with the right foot and keep on or under the legal limit as it does drink fuel otherwise as the gearing is not really high enough for prolonged motorway use. Check/renew ignition leads for silicone type and good quality NGK spark plugs, plus ensure that you have a clean air filter. Also, check brake discs are not dragging by jacking up the car and spinning each wheel.
Lighting is always a bit of a problem with the V40. Check and clean the spade connectors to the headlight units as they can get hot and cook the wiring as well. Make sure those screw-on caps on the light units go on correctly and take your time to make sure they are. The cabling comes in at the bottom and can get trapped.
Find a good local motor factors to assist you in getting the right, good quality parts, while paying much less than going to the orange-fronted place that sells bikes in the nearby retail park.