Faults:

Release bearing failed in clutch after two years of hard acceleration and much shifting, though I changed gears often without depressing the clutch pedal when driving sedately.

Fast car... very fast for 4cyls in a car of that size/weight. Aggressive turbo delivery, kind of sketchy in wet conditions, fun.

No repairs other than a removal and by-pass via looping of the leaking oil cooler, oh and an epoxy repair to a radiator spigot, probably strained from rocking the engine around in the well under launches.

My first Volvo after 50 cars I guess; got it for £100, very cool and useful mobile with fun squirt under the pedal, super cheap parts on internet, if ever required.

Upgraded my car rather than repair the clutch, though I was sad to retire it. My new 1990 auto is not nearly as quick by any means. This car made me buy a 1987 780, which is going to get a US V8 conversion, sweet.

General Comments:

Very good car, coming from a Canadian's point of view. Sweden is north and cold, like Canada. If it works there(s), it's gonna work in your warm country.

Solid car that will write-off another car in an accident and leave you with virtually no damage. Favourable outcome.

Nice drift handling. Would have loved to try my 4-speeder on gravel...

Faults:

Well nothing has "gone wrong" but when I got it for $400, I needed to replace a taillight, and partially, the exhaust system. that's all! the front seats are worn, and the dash is cracked.

General Comments:

This car is very quick on it's feet.

It handles very nice and can take corners fast.

The turbo seems to kick in at just the right time.

It has never broken down.

The original black paint is still glossy and not peeled.

Every single electronic in the car works.

I replaced the stereo myself.

Auto A/C and heat work.

No turbo lag.

Will spin the rear tires going out of a corner if floored.

Faults:

The rear shocks had to be replaced at 166,000 Km (103,000 miles) at cost of US$1,000 plus labour.

It was a shocking experience for a person like me with no deep pockets!

The heater fan started to make a lot of noise started at around 170,000 Km at a cost of $280.

From time to time, the engine won't turn over the first try. However, the second try usually would do the trick.

The brakes on my Volvo tend to require much higher frequency of service than any other vehicles I have ever owned!

General Comments:

In general, older Volvos are relatively cheap to purchase, but very expensive to maintain.

A 10 year old Volvo, given proper TLC and deep pockets, could probably last another 10 years or so.

However, be prepared to expect higher grief per mile comparing to other makes like Honda & Toyota.

Faults:

The car doesn't track well on wet roads, it stalls occasionally when started up for the first time in a while (but can restart right away and run fine). Cruise control just quit working (looking into it).

General Comments:

Overall the car is awesome... Clean the turbo and maintain it and you'll get some power (requires a couple of hours of work). If you treat this car right you can get as much boost out of the turbo and engine as a medium sized V6. It's a good car.