Faults:

Engine block and cylinder head failed at 142,000kms.

Transmission failed at 148,000kms (may have been low fluid).

Main ABS controller fuse blew, speedometer failed.

Courtesy lamp stays on flattening the battery.

Windscreen washer pump defective.

Factory radio played through only one speaker.

Rear springs are sagging (only by 20-25mm).

Rear dampers failed.

Factory radio and/or amplifier was faulty (played through only one dash speaker).

General Comments:

After solving most of the above gremlins, I have finally settled into loving my Volvo 960 and appreciating what a fine car it is. The engine is super smooth, the transmission is silky (Aisin Warner used the same 'box in the '82-87 Toyota Cressida).

The ride is somewhat choppy, but well controlled. The body rolls around a lot when cornering, but that could be the uneven ride height. The body is very tight, with hardly a squeak or rattle other than the leather rubbing together.

Volvo's first attempt at the timing belt in 92-93 was abysmal with an interval of b/w 42k & 56k (depending on whether the cam mod is fitted), so look for a '94 or above, or one that has had all the '94 onwards timing components changed into it if you are considering high mileage.

My previous Volvo was a 740 turbo wagon, which was no slouch, but this straight six eats it alive. It surprises other six drivers and can keep up with many V8s.

Fuel consumption is around 14L/100kms during city/combined highway driving, but I am a bit of leadfoot, and considering the plus 1,500kg weight, this is acceptable. Highway cruising gives 12L/100kms while using the cruise control at 102km/h. I suppose a Japanese engine would be more frugal with the same power.

The load space is huge. I have considered trading up to the 850 or V70 wagon, but the loss in width and length would be felt, as well as the "squareness" of the load space allows tall objects to be placed close to the rear glass.

After buying an aftermarket stereo/DVD and having it fitted, I discovered that all speakers were fine as it now bypasses the factory amplifier, which is next to the steering column.

After sales support is great from Volvo, as all parts have been available, though prices are sky high. There are so many export parts sellers that almost all service items can be sourced very cheaply, but that takes planning as their delivery can be 5-10 days. If you can bring in most water hoses and timing belt components, you will save real dollars from dealer pricing (this applies a lot in Australia).

One must be aware that this vehicle has hundreds of safety & comfort features requiring maintenance and occasionally, parts. I sincerely doubt that current vehicles will last as well 16 years on.

Faults:

Replaced at 120,000km service:

- Hydraulic engine mounts failed. ($700)

- Gearbox mount broke. ($70)

- Ignition lock needed replacing. ($200)

At 130,000 km:

- Driver's interior door handle snapped.

- Plastic radiator hose sleeve snapped off, with it the hose, causing the car to dump all coolant. (new radiator required, $700)

At 135,000km:

Alternator drive belt needed replacing, but two pulleys also worn and needed replacing. Only replaced the belt and the worst pulley where the mechanic had a spare available. (Approx $300)

Other faults:

- CD stacker jammed on the day I got the car, replaced with new CD/tuner

- Remote central locking never worked correctly

- Air conditioning dumped water in the passenger foot well due to a blocked drain pipe.

All other money I spent was regular serving/replacement items.

I'm really glad I wasn't the poor sod who owned the car before me who had to replace the self leveling rear shocks at $600 each.

Receipts from 2004-2008 confirm an average of $1000 per year needed to be spent fixing broken parts outside of regular service items.

General Comments:

This was a seriously nice car. When my boss saw it, he thought I would have to be corrupt to afford it on my salary.

This was just the base model and it had all leather interior, heated seats, Alpine split front speakers (from factory). The way it was constructed and finished was gorgeous, it even had velour covering the A, B and C pillar.

The car was in its element on long distance drives. It was quiet, had brilliant front seats and excellent overtaking acceleration. The cruise control was particularly impressive, with user friendly controls and better performance than any other unit I have ever used.

Around town, the turning circle was much smaller than I would expect from this size car. At all times it was a relaxing car to drive.

There were a few niggles that were disappointing for a car that cost so much when it was new:

- The cup holder design was dumb - it fouled the handbrake when used.

- No remote boot/fuel release.

- Intermittent wipers had only one setting, not variable.

Overall the most disappointing thing about this car was the trouble it gave, and the money it cost to put it right. My family has owned Volvo 240s for decades and found them to be bullet proof.

We thought the 960 was the last proper Volvo ever made, but the truth is that Volvo lost its game long before that.

Faults:

Various engine bay leaks.

General Comments:

Volvo are the masters of making people-friendly cars. The 960 sedan has a seemingly limitless usability aura - the interior is almost too practical, while remaining serious about it's elegance at the same time.

The 2.9L in line six Volvo engine howls as your accelerate past 5,500rpm. Words cannot express how satisfying it sounds.

With around 200hp at higher revs, the engine is about adequate to pull a car full of adults through steep open-road bends.

Because the car weighs so much, it tends to hug the road impressively. This gives the driver a bit of compensation for the body-roll through tight corners.

I have very little to touch on when it comes to negative aspects of the 960. You'll find that there really is a lot to appreciate when you get to understand the design characteristics of these machines.

Basically, the 960 strikes a strong balance of usability, safety, performance, and elegance. A shining model of European design and engineering excellence.