1990 Volvo 480 ES 1.7i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

You'll fall in love

Faults:

So far, touch wood, nothing has gone wrong at all.

When I got the car it had an annoying warning light telling me the washer fluid was low when it wasn't, but that was just a dodgy connection.

The boot did leak a bit, but this is no surprise to a 480 owner and is easily rectified with a tube of sealant.

General Comments:

There is no parcel shelf in the rear of the car so any 'upgrade' of the stereo system requires you to create one.

I've likened my 480 to a motorized armchair. It is extremely comfortable with adjustable height seat and steering wheel, lumber support for driver AND passenger, heated front seats.

The dash is nothing special, but also not drab.

The community that comes with a 480 surprised me most, there are enthusiasts and clubs everywhere - it is a much loved car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2003

1990 Volvo 480 ES 1.7 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fun gamble if you are lucky

Faults:

Lights stop working for no reason. Horn starts for no reason, requiring a quick fuse pull before permanent ear damage. If you leave the car for more than 1 day, you will need a jump start. Alternator failed. Indicators stopped working. Pop up headlights move up and down for no reason... etc etc.

General Comments:

Nice to drive,comfortable but totally unreliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th August, 2002

1990 Volvo 480 Turbo 1.7 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A super quick safe car with style as standard

Faults:

Silly problems really like the info-center and the sidelight bulbs.

And common leaking in the boot.

General Comments:

This car is very very quick indeed to say it's a Volvo.

The power of the turbo is unbelievable when it kicks in.

I just wish that they made a 2 litre turbo version.

The handling is great as well for it will take corners with ease.

I also like the dashboard layout and all the gadgets to go along with it - especially the turbo boost gauge :-)

If you want to wind your mates up then this is the car to go for, it will beat all your XR2i's and the like.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 2001

1990 Volvo 480 ES 1.7 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable, nippy and pop up lights

Faults:

Nothing major ever went wrong, it was just silly electrical problems such as the door mirrors, the electric sunroof, the regulator on the alternator and day running lights would often blow.

General Comments:

I drove it all over Ireland, the UK and France and it never let me down. Sometimes I kick myself for selling it, but it was better to leave it on a high.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2000