Faults:

Only alternator - low output.

General Comments:

Very solidly built. No rust and the underside is perfect. Easy to repair (my other car is a Citroen BX!).

Seats OKish but poor ride, back end responds badly on poor surfaces due to cart springs although a previous Volvo 66 (DAF) handled well.

Engine noisy on startup (piston slap?) but quiets once warm and doesn't use any oil at all.

Thought performance was poor when I bought it but discovered that the second carburettor barrel doesn't open until you floor the throttle well. Surprises other drivers and gets better over 65mph - ride and handling improve.

Heavy steering at lower speeds.

I look forward to a few years as a strong, easy to maintain, local runabout but wouldn't consider swapping it for the comfort of my Citroen for a long trip.

Faults:

- Brakes failing (some rubber getting air in).

- Electronics for starting the car (repeatedly).

- Battery (maybe normal).

- Pressure pumps for 5th door not strong enough (though spoiler original!).

- Oil leakages.

- Difficult to fix the back seat.

General Comments:

My wife bought this car 2nd hand. She had 3 small accidents, in this the car has proven to be very strong. I think it's able to drive though most of the other cars without having much more than some scratches!

It sits well and turns very shortly!

BUT: very unreliable, keeps road badly (rear wheel drive), extremely thirsty (15 litres in city) and very noisy!

I might buy another Volvo (the bigger ones are said to be better quality), but this car disappointed us.

It's very dark car to get in (only some light where you must put the ignition key, getting out as soon as you close the door), and I pray it would be kind enough to start. The variomatic gear is fun to drive in the city though.