Faults:

243000km; replaced 1 dimmer light switch for the dash, $25.

280000km; rear brake pads, one tie rod end, labor.

300000km; front wheel bearings + lower ball joints and CV boot.

324000km; fuel pump dies, used one found at scrapyard. Was very easy to change.

357000km; needs exhaust work as well as brake work on the rear. Still runs daily, needs a little TLC.

General Comments:

Surprisingly quick car even for a automatic non turbo.

The way this car can handle in corners is sweet!!

I have been staring at the screen for 20 minutes and can't really pinpoint anything to bash about this car, it is a well designed, well built car that can take all the abuse you can throw at it, and still go every time it's needed.

Faults:

Latch on drivers door will not alway shut - had serviced but problem remains.

Car came with non-working heated seats and non-working 'winter mode'.

Car is underpowered but not a problem for my slower driving wife.

General Comments:

Handling is great, especially compared to the previous SUV. In fact, this is one of the better handling cars I've ever owned. It also has been remarkably reliable, taking us on several long distance trips and used for daily errands. It never has left us stranded.

Power is low compared to my Volvo '97 GLT turbocharged, but the '96 base has been way more reliable. It seems with Volvo you either get a lemon or a reliable one.

This car has made me a Volvo fan, but I'm not sure how the new models stock up.

Faults:

Radiator busted.

Some engine problems.

Leather seats in front really worn.

Rear hatch hydraulics out.

Odometer out.

Needs new struts/suspension.

General Comments:

I will cry like a baby when this car finally dies. It is a gorgeous white turbo 850 Volvo wagon, still one of the nicest looking wagons ever made.

We have two other cars (BMW's), this is our run-around car that we travel in with our dog (a boxer).

The handling of this car for its size is fantastic. It is as comfortable inside as an old shoe. It is quite fast, now needs new struts/suspension and probably engine work too. Has been very reliable overall.

Maintenance costs are high when something goes wrong. However, I'd much rather sink money into this beauty than plunk down $30 or 40K for a new one. We love this car more than words can say.

Faults:

This car goes through light bulbs faster than I could go through a bag of potato chips.

The passenger window does not go up, probably the result of a bad switch.

Winter Mode switch does not work.

ABS module needs to be replaced, $800 at dealer when I work up the courage to get it done.

Dashboard rattles.

Weather stripping on passenger side is peeling.

The car needs to crank for about 5 seconds or else it won't start.

Power steering groans.

Gas tank began leaking horribly soon after I purchased the car, although the dealership replaced it for free because the tank was recalled.

Parking break shoes were completely stripped, but this was probably the fault of the previous owner rather than the car itself.

Antenna doesn't retract all the way.

FM radio does not work.

General Comments:

This car is underpowered, it is extremely slow around town.

The seats are very comfortable, the driving position is excellent. The cloth interior has held up very well for an 11-year-old car.

It handles great for a Volvo.

It's an extremely safe car.

I've been averaging 19 mpg with a 50/50 mix of city and highway driving.

Although small things keep breaking, the car itself has been reliable and has never left me stranded.