2002 Volvo S80 SE review from UK and Ireland

Emissions warning light was traced to a faulty ignition coil and changed under warranty.

A suspension knock was an anti roll bar link which was changed at my expense - albeit the car was under warranty.

Front discs were changed and all the brake pads were changed at Volvo's expense after they were found to be worn to a low level just weeks (and a few hundred miles) after I'd bought the car. The dealership paid for this to be done.

The car refused to start one day and an ominous Start Prevented message appeared on the computer display. It started with the next turn of the key.

The air con made some strange noises recently and stopped blowing ice cold.

Compared to my 2001 model that got through bulbs monthly this one has required just one or two in 18 months.

The only reason I bought this car was because my current car at the time, a virtually identical Volvo S80, refused to start on my driveway one morning and it turned out the ECU was broken. The cost to replace it, along with a few other issues that I knew required doing meant it worked out better to exchange it then fix it.

So, how has ownership of this model been? Comfortable is the first word that springs to mind and, for a large, executive, car, remarkably fuel efficient. I travel at quiet times, generally, and tend to average 28mpg most of the time. On a run on motorways and A roads it's pretty easy to get high 30's and sometimes even low 40's - not bad for a 2.4 litre petrol that can accommodate five people and luggage with ease.

The fit and finish is excellent. With 86,000 miles on the clock it does not have a single, solitary, rattle or squeak.

The Dolby Pro-Logic sound system is simply stunning and a wonderful way to enjoy your music.

Extras fitted onto my car were Volvo fit reversing sensors (far more useful than I anticipated) a Volvo fit phone system (again, very useful) and a tilt and slide electric sunroof. Until I had this car I steered well clear of sunroofs as they robbed me of valuable head room - but this was wonderful.

I only ever review my cars when I have actually sold them to ensure I can give a complete reflective review rather than a tainted perspective at a particular point of ownership and my Volvo will soon be exchanged for a Mercedes A Class. Why has it gone after such a good review? Firstly, it will cost £415 a year in road tax to keep on the road from next year and who knows how much in years to come as it is a highly polluting vehicle. Allie that to the ever increasing fuel prices and the fact that older, executive, cars are expensive to put right when they go wrong and those are the main reasons why it is now going.

Purely on a personal note I now find the very low seating position to be awkward to get in and out of. That said, the seats remain the most comfortable I have ever sat in and are truly magnificent.

Overall, this has been a thoroughly enjoyable, classy, car to own that has impressed everybody that has travelled in it. I would not buy one again purely because of the current economic climate. If things were vastly different and I wanted a large saloon car again I would not hesitate to buy another.