Faults:

Finding parts for this thing is an absolute nightmare, and as the years goes by it will only continue to get worse as thing thing practically does not exist anywhere nor has an online presence.

My only issues within owning this vehicle for 2 years is that it was parked up and worked on more than driving and using as a daily commute.

Real shame because the car itself is fun and easy going to drive, and I really enjoy that aspect of it, but it does not really make up for its overall quality of a worthy vehicle compared to many other Japanese branded vehicles.

General Comments:

Fun to drive, expensive to maintain/repair.

Still searching for them parts...

Faults:

Automatic gearbox failed and replaced at 40,000kms.

Water pump replaced at 35,000kms.

Starter motor replaced at 30,000kms.

Head removed and thicker gasket inserted to reduce compression to stop pinging (only high octane petrol has been used since new)

Door trims bubbled and replaced at 18 months old.

Numerous rattles from doors and interior lights from new.

General Comments:

The car has been a lemon from purchasing new.

My only consolation is that Volvo has spent a fortune fixing the numerous problems while still under warranty and extended warranty.

Maybe I have been unlucky, but the more mechanics I speak to say part of the reason for the problems is that the motor is not a Volvo and it has not been assembled in Sweden. If I had been aware of this I probably would not have bought the car in the first place.

Faults:

The harmonic balancer was replaced at 73,000 km. I have also replaced countless light bulbs, both brake light bulbs, and several dash bulbs.

The rear demister switch is broken. Haven't bothered to replace it.

The rear wiper motor seized at 39,000 and was replaced under warranty - to buy it would have cost $750AUD.

The front discs had to be replaced at 65,000 because of undue scoring.

The handbrake does not engage correctly and requires both rear brake calipers to be replaced.

General Comments:

Even though I have had little things fall apart on the car, I am really happy with it compared to my older much well used cars.

The car is fast, reliable and costs next to nothing to run in petrol costs, getting on average 620 km around town to a tank of 50-60 litres or 750 on the open road.

I find however that the ride is noisy and rough, and handling on corners (especially rough roads) is bad. This is not up to the usual Volvo standard, probably due to the small size of the car and its weight.

Faults:

The harmonic balancer was replaced under warranty at 116 000 kms.

Wiper arm needed adjustment.

1 blown ignition courtesy lamp globe.

1 blown rear numberplate lamp.

General Comments:

This car is very quick in and around town, a dream to park and has a beautifully responsive gearbox.

The seats are not as roomy as some of the larger Volvos, but is still comfortable.

The hatch is roomy and the fold down seats allow for more space.

Vision is somewhat restricted by the rear head rests, but OK once you learn where to "look".

Dash layout simple, but very driver friendly as it is angled towards the driver.

Side mirrors are not as generous as larger models.

Very economical but does prefer premium unleaded fuel compared to unleaded.

For people not into the Swedish brick look (I am by the way :) ) this car is unlike the earlier boxy types and often gets the comment "gee it doesn't look like a Volvo".

This car is light in weight and can be blown around a little in high winds.

Has great pulling power for a little car and will surprise you on steep hills.