Faults:

The following things happen to most Volvo vehicles, as the same issues can be found in Volvo owners' discussions on forums.

This issues will probably happen to every Volvo; check whether the previous owner has done these repairs or not.

The following prices include parts and labor.

Steering pump leaking - around $1000.

Steering rack leaking inside the dust boots - $1500 to $2000.

A/C compressor wear and failure - $1500.

PCV system replacement (every 50K miles) - $700.

CV joints (axle) - $600 each (two of them).

Transmission repairs - about 1 in 3 vehicles will need a transmission rebuild. If your transmission 'slips' between the gears, it will probably need to be rebuilt - $5000.

Engine rebuild - not replacing in time the PCV system, will create sludge inside the engine, causing oil pressure loss and permanent engine damage - $6000.

Instrument cluster panel (the indicators panel behind the steering wheel) - $1500.

Timing belt and several belt pulleys need to be replaced at 100k miles intervals - $1000.

All other components are very durable in this vehicle.

General Comments:

All interior electric accessories are very durable and don't require repairs, except for the instrument cluster panel.

Shock absorbers don't last. They will cause a very rough ride over street imperfections. Comfort is lost, but replacement is not mandatory. Replacing the shocks is around $2000.

The car is very resistant to rust.

Faults:

- The transmission will slip gears in between 2nd and 3rd.

- Sometimes the car will stall in the middle of a turn.

- Very complicated in terms of adding anything electronic to the car e.g. Sirius satellite radio or new rear deck speakers.

- Steering fluid has to be checked every 5000 miles or at least every 2 months.

- If you get wax on the plastic molding it ruins the finish (suggestion on keeping the molding looking amazing use "forever black").

- There can be a lot of things rattling around, the type that you can't find out where it's coming from, which can be annoying.

- The service light comes on about every 10000 miles, which is a factory default to have you come in and use their services, and will usually cost $98.00 to have the light turned off, which gets annoying, especially when there isn't anything wrong with the car. I've gotten used to it and ignored it.

- If you take apart the dashboard to install a satellite radio, a message comes up on the dash saying "SRS AIRBAG SERVICE URGENT" and will not go away unless you take it to the dealer, but there is nothing wrong with the airbags.

General Comments:

- Good acceleration for the weight of the car.

- Good handling.

- Great traction control.

- Looks great, especially if you keep the plastic molding free of wax.

- Great for a first car.

- I know I've complained about it a lot, but I love this car, I'm just very picky.

Faults:

At this point almost nothing wrong. We were a little worried about it because we had heard that Volvo's have some "annoying" problems, but so far the only thing that had to be fixed was the power mirror as it was not adjusting.

General Comments:

Very sports like, and good mileage, about 35 on highway.

Faults:

At 17000 miles the car is thumping from front end while driving at speeds 30 to 50. The dealer has stated tires are the problem despite scheduled rotations.

New tires have not corrected the problem. Car continues to shake on the highway at speeds 60 and 70 and makes a lot of road noise.

Road noise and vibration make for annoying experience especially if you spend a lot of time in the vehicle.

The check engine light has come on at least 3 times and the dealer resets it.

Dealer states nothing wrong with car. I am going to trade it in.

General Comments:

Comfortable seats and stylish body. Nice looking vehicle.

It is a fast peppy car. However I believe there is a problem with the suspension or parts having to do with the wheels of the car.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

If congress passed a law allowing mechanical and human marriages, I think I'd be first in line.