Faults:

The car was bought with a known damaged CV joint rubber, had that fixed after I bougt the car.

Oil flow sensor failed, fixed in 5 minutes by a ford/volvo dealer. (Free of charge)

I drove over a railway sleeper with 50km/h!!! causing MOT to fail that year because of a slight grinding noise in one of the rear bearings.

General Comments:

It is a great car for the price. Bought it in 2001 and since then it only cost me about 100 Euro per year of maintenance and fixes.

Long distance driving is a bliss. The seats are comfortable.

The Steering is light, but certainly with enough detail.

Dashboard cracks and rattles at random moments. (Best fix is a mild bash) Interior sound insulation could be better, but is good as is.

The engine... Technologically: boring, at best. But it did always start, always run even in the worst conditions -23C/37C). It has plenty of pulling power and can practically be driven as a diesel.

The bumpers are tough. (They flex instead of crack)

- No leaks.

- Oil usage is zero. (Always put full synthetic in it, the magnetic type)

- MOT CO2 values are always spot on.

-Replaced the clutch and thermostat at 195000km, to make at least another lap around the earth :-)

Faults:

When traveling large distances, or towing a caravan, the carburetor doesn't take in enough fuel and the engine will stop running.

Choke lever broke off.

Clock has stopped running.

Central door locking only works on three doors.

General Comments:

I like the car's smoothness, when on the highway. The suspension almost feels American.

I hate the fact that I can't tow a caravan for more the 10 kilometers before the car brakes down.

It's shape isn't the best in the world, but it does look kind off stylish when in white, like mine. The chrome grille adds to this.

Fuel consumption is a bit high, could be better.

Faults:

The car does not have that much of a view through the back window, I think I bumped my tow bar in another (badly parked) car.

The cylinder head and the belt both broke down at 210000 km and had to be replaced. As I bought the car after the refitting, I now have a car 10 years old, with pretty much a new engine.

The body is in good condition, but the right rear door has a nasty spot of rust I will have to deal with soon. But rust is not unusual on a 10 year old car.

The leather upholstery of the driver's seat is cracking in a couple of places.

General Comments:

If you don't ask too much of it, it is quite economic to drive. She will do over 200km/h, but this will cost you vast quantities of fuel, and she does not drive well over 150 km/h.

The car accelerates well, she is quick and responsive.

Very comfortable, but you need to be a bit of an acrobat to get out.

The interior is practical, but you have to like plastic.

People do not buy a Volvo to go showing off, but she looks a lot better than the 200, 300, and 700 series.