Faults:

One of the Hand brake cables snapped at 141000 miles.

Exhaust valve in the cylinder next to the Turbo went at about 136000 miles. In September 2003 I had a cylinder head replacement at 141500, to fix this (complete with new leads, belts head gasket etc, as well as the new valve). It has again run like a dream since.

General Comments:

Engine very quiet and smooth.

Turbo cuts in when extra power required - not merely on reaching a certain level of revs.

Build quality is excellent - no rust at all on a 12 year old car.

Superb levels of comfort for driver and passengers.

Faults:

Other than the fuel pump in the tank breaking down and contaminating centre fuel pump, I have had no problems with it with the exception of the red paint work fading on the roof and bonnet.

General Comments:

Although this is a big heavy car, it has proved to be a real work-horse. I cannot fault it on Reliability, it starts every time and runs like a dream.

Performance isn't race car like, but for size and weight it isn't bad.

With 205,000 miles on the clock it is surprisingly smooth and quite drive. Comfort is pretty good.

It has proved to be quite thirsty on petrol, but this is still within acceptable levels.

I would have no hesitation recommending this car to anyone, especially if you need a strong work-horse for towing. We have towed our 23 foot caravan all over the place with no problems.

Faults:

Electrical fault on dashboard - warning lights used to go out - Re-soldered joint on back of meter block.

Overdrive relay.

General Comments:

A very comfortable car. An absolute pleasure to drive - diff lock helps in snow and ABS braking is superb. Automatic gearbox changes smoothly and at sensible speeds.

Despite it's enormous size its very easy to manipulate into tight spaces.

Really useful for carting things about (mattresses, fence panels, wardrobes) No need to have anything delivered again! Probably the best luxury van on the market!

Despite it's age all the extras work.

The only thing I don't like is the performance. Most of the time it's adequate, but occasionally you put your foot down and you think "It doesn't have enough go -needs a turbo" But it will do 80 all day.

Faults:

Lots of strange 'electronic' faults, eventually traced to a faulty crankshaft sensor.

Speedometer became intermittent at about 120,000, dry solder joint in the dashboard.

Electric aerial has never worked properly.

Lumbar adjustment in the driver's seat broke at 130,000.

General Comments:

Have owned many Volvos in the past, this one has had more faults than others, but nearly all due to 'electronic' problems.

Seats are really comfortable - great car for long distance motor-way driving.

Loads of space - a great 'rubbish' carrier!