Faults:

Erratic engine temperature gauge/sensor.

Alternator replaced 2009, 2010.

Clutch replaced 2009.

Coolant leak.

Engine sub-frame rusted from the inside and snapped off.

Very prone to rust.

General Comments:

First of all, this is not a real Volvo, but a DAF car mated with a french engine. Very low quality, and I would say Volvo's greatest fiasco.

It has very comfortable seats and the factory sound system was very good. Excellent cold starting abilities. Excellent car for long distance driving if it suddenly doesn't break down and leave you stranded.

The engine is weak and the gearbox is abysmal. Very bad traction on ice and snow with good tires, due to very little ground pressure on the front wheels. Very prone to breakdowns and component failure. Rusts even worse than a Japanese car.

Repairing this car is like throwing money away. Something new will always need attention and fixing.

I was lucky and had a total breakdown while driving on a snowy road. The engine subframe rusted out from the inside and snapped off, leaving the engine tilted down on one side. This was the end of a disgusting car.

Repair costs for the year I had this car could have bought me a real nice proper Volvo.

Faults:

Starter changed at 135 000.

Transmission blew at 150 000.

General Comments:

This is one of the most reliable cars I have ever had. The car was whipped every day since I bought it, and nothing ever broke. I drove this car with my caravan across southern Norway, with the pedal to the metal ALL the time. It didn't even overheat. The 2 litre engine is powerful, considering it's a car from 1996.

Maybe a bit soft on the suspension, like all Volvos from the 90s.

The original stereo is rubbish, and needs to be changed.

The transmission literally blew at 150 000, with sprockets and oil flying everywhere. I don't blame the car, since I used 4 sets of tyres the 11 months I had the car. But still worth every penny.

Faults:

I know that the engine was changed for a new one at 64000 km.

There has been some repair on the brakes, due to rust, on norwegian salty roads.

It was difficult to start in cold weather and high moisture, but this is OK after I changed the rotor and it's cover.

The lambda sond had to be replaced due to high CO emissions (> 0.65 %).

General Comments:

It's fun to drive due to the quick 2.0 litre engine, and the handling is good.

On snow and ice it is very good, and will climb hills where it's not possible to go with other cars like my Vectra B.

The seats are very comfortable, even when compared to brand new cars of today.

Faults:

The passenger door is about to fall off. Parking lights are failing, and the door to the trunck is bad.

General Comments:

It's a really nice car. I like it a lot, so does my friends and family. I hope Volvo gives me what I need. Sorry about my bad English, but I'm from Norway.