1989 Volvo 480 ES review from UK and Ireland

Exhaust manifold replaced a 80000.

Driver side electric window riser replaced at 110000.

Clutch cable snapped twice, second time improperly fitted.

Computer connection in dash occasionally has faults, remedied by a few hard slaps.

Starter motor and solenoid needed rebuild and replacement respectively.

Day running light driver's side constantly blowing.

Failure of rear fog lights.

Water leaks in boot.

Water leaks in tail light assemblies, remedied with silicone.

Plastic holder for seat belt snapped.

Ignition assembly failed.

Lever for driver seat snapped.

Driver seat wearing.

Hose from intake manifold to mapping sensor, a small black plastic connector, became disconnected which was only solved by a main dealer 90 miles away with petrol consumption tripled. No local mechanic would even look at the car.

The car failed the National Car Test because there were no split pins in the track rod ends and ball joints.

The bearings and wheel hub for front left wheel had to be replaced.

There were an assortment of bushings replaced to pass the second National Car Test.

The coolant needs regular topping up.

In the usual 10000 service interval there has been almost no oil consumption until recently, and now it is less than a liter.

This car has been a pleasure to drive and has been practical as a hatchback. There is sufficient acceleration for safe overtaking on two lane roads in the west of Ireland where almost all of the past hundred thousand miles have been driven. The handling is precise and safe at legal speeds.

The car cruises at 70 at 3000 rpm since the day I bought it and the economy is generally about 7.6litres per 100km, with half town, half country driving, although weather conditions affect this figure.

This summer was unusually hot and the fan assisted cooling was often coming on, especially in towns or climbing hills. Generally the oil temperature is 83 degrees centigrade, and engine temperature about 72 with exterior temperature at 12.

The back seats are not comfortable for passengers for long journeys.

I expect to continue driving the car until a massive electrical problem arises in the various components essential to the operation of the car.