Faults:

Integrated child seat stuck in raised position.

Intermittent fault with starter motor developed at 144,000 miles.

Central locking failed.

Handbrake cable and brake pads replaced at 143,000 miles.

Paintwork starting to dull and black vinyl trim on gutters and window surrounds has started to peel.

General Comments:

Bought as a replacement for my company car when I changed jobs. I had previously owned a 340 and always considered Volvo as an under-rated brand when it comes to cheap second hand cars.

Poor fuel economy for a relatively small car. Uncommon to achieve more than about 30 mpg. Not helped by the fact that the acceleration is extremely quick for an unfashionable old family car!

Old fashioned interior and cramped driving position come as quite a shock after running a 2 year old Renault Megane. Seats are like huge comfy armchairs and there is plenty of headroom. Somewhat marred by garish blue/yellow/red/green "fruit salad" trim!

I consider it to be a major problem that the car is so low slung. At junctions with multiple lanes it can be difficult to see over the bonnet of the car next to you.

For an 11 year old and 145,000 car the build quality has certainly stood the test of time. The interior trim is wearing well and the body is mostly rust free. However, compared to my 340 it feels insubstantial and despite the Side Impact Protection System, prominent roll over hoop in the ceiling and driver airbag, I am not convinced that it would provide particularly good protection in an accident. Having said that, compared to its contemporaries (Peugeot 405, Ford Sierra, Vauxhall Cavalier, etc.) it feels like a tank!

I look forward to upgrading to an S40!

Faults:

Dampness in electrics causes car to jerk severely and sometimes cut out. The engine then does not start again. Whilst jerking the car will struggle to make it to 30 mph.

Catalytic converter needed replacing at around 80,000 miles.

Rear washers spray stopped working (and it is not blocked) early 2005.

Dashboard lights failed within a few months of purchase.

Recurring front day running light failure, replaced frequently.

Alternator failed at 95,000 miles.

Thermostat issue means the car doesn't seem to be able to always maintain the right temperature, either too hot or too cold. The engine then loses power when it overheats.

Various plastic parts of the interior break easily.

The car is developing several rust patches.

General Comments:

When the car actually works, it is brilliant. The 1.6 litre engine can pull the car with full load and even tow another car (I've towed another Volvo with it) with relative ease.

The seats are very comfortable.

The let down is reliability, especially the jerking caused by the dampness overnight. This gives you no peace of mind when driving the car.

Faults:

Alternator went at 95000.

Entire exhaust replaced at various stages since buying the car.

Water pump went days after buying.

Bumper has taken a knock and a bracket has broken (bumper still remains more or less in place and doesn't 'wobble')

A valve connected to the cooling fan went at 100000.

General Comments:

In my mind a good solid car with few faults, the faults I have had are things that can just 'go' as far as I'm concerned.

Quick when it needs to be and a full tank can cover around 500+ miles on motorway/A roads and around 350 miles in general city use.

It may be 10 years old, but I can see it going for a few years yet!

Faults:

From new there was an intermittent fault with the idling. The car having to be kept in neutral at traffic lights etc, the engine tended to rev to 1000 rpm and being an auto try to pull away. The dealership could find no fault. However 1 year later at the sevice confirmed there was a fault and fixed it. Still sometimes plays up, but very rarely.

At about 18 months I noticed that the drivers door hinge was completely loose from the body of the car. Baytrack the Cardiff dealership from which I bought it, re-welded the hinge to the body (This dealership alone confessed to this being the 8th such case they had encountered. However instead of removing the dashboard to well from the inside as was necessary, they just tacked it from the outside and used mastic paint to mimmic weld runs. In 1998 it came loose again The dealership was now under new management and naturally not interested. The 3 yr warranty had expired, Volvo although acknowledging the previous repair which had failed, tried to shirk their responsibilities. However after polite requests failed they conceded fault and it was properly repaired at their expense under threats of a small claims court decision.

From new the remote central locking often misreads the lock/unlock signal, so fortunately this model re-locks the doors afrer 30 seconds if the handles are not touched.

However no longer a problem as the remote locking no longer works since mid 2002.

Sticking brocken rear left brake adjuster.

Badly rusted rear shock absorber shrouds.

Fair wear and tear. replaced exhaust mid and tail sections.

About 1998 heater block leaking replaced it myself, poor access.

2002 At 67000 Miles High Tech Auto gearbox internal seals fail costing £1200 repair for new seals kit and replacement of £670 drive belt.

General Comments:

This cars front impact crumple zone is impressive. A nearly head on 25 mph collision with another vehicle did not even set off the air bag or cause my small baby in her car seat any distress.

Acceleration when required is very good smooth and stylish, it sounds like a gas turbine.

I drive very smoothly and rarely accelerate rapidly, so I would expect good fuel economy. However it is better than good, I've measured mine several times and appear to be getting 54-57 mpg.

On a level road 2000rpm = 60mph. Therefor 70 mph cruising is frugal.

Body rust is non existent.

Upholstery is virtually as good as new.

Very comfortable seats.

The power steering is maybe a little light, but progressive and a joy to use.

The optional twin built in rear child seats are brilliant.