Faults:

Clear coat peeling on boot spoiler.

Radiator is beginning to leak.

Engine vacuum leak, causing check engine light.

Front brakes are starting to shudder.

Power steering return line split.

Front upper spring seat failed.

General Comments:

Any problems I am encountering with this car are purely age related problems that are quite simple to work through for the mechanically minded. Has onboard diagnostics that don't require a scanner to read, which is very handy.

The dealers charge astronomical prices for some consumables. Thank heaven for the Internet.

For a large car, it is very fast once moving, has pleasant handling, is very quiet, and has the most comfortable seats on earth. Deceptively fast is the best way to describe this car. However, with 225hp and front wheel drive, you have to beware of torque steer!

Fuel economy is OK considering the performance available. 11 litres/100km city and 9.2l/100 highway.

This car requires a lot of maintenance, especially as it ages, and is not for the clueless or faint-hearted. They are very cheap to obtain second hand, but if you must visit the dealer for everything, will quickly bankrupt you. Having said this, when looked after, the five cylinder engine and Aisin Warner transmission will last for many hundreds of thousands of kilometers.

Faults:

My A/C has completely died.

The electricals for the windows have gone bad, and needs to be replaced.

The electricals for the power seats are starting to go.

The center arm rest has broken off, and the cup holders have broken.

Roof lining is starting to droop.

Check engine light is always reading tons of codes.

Oil dipstick handle has broken (the entire tubing, and as such needs to be replaced now to accommodate the newer dipsticks, as they are much longer than the older ones)

The fuel injector ECM (computer module) has just gone bad and needs to be replaced... as of now, the car is not running.

General Comments:

Regardless, I still LOVE this car very much! Handles the road GREAT, and is very comfortable and great on gas.

The dash makes a lot of creaking sounds, which is a bit annoying, but overall, the interior and exterior of the car are in great condition.

Repair and maintenance is costly, but being that it is a 16 year old car, I don't buy NEW parts, I buy USED, which makes up in the cost... like ALL used cars... you never really know what you are getting until you drive it for a while.

Faults:

Drivers power window motor - 300.00.

Fuel pump - 400.00.

Fuel pump relay - 75.00.

Muffler/exhaust pipes - 300.00.

Front suspension repairs & alignment - 750.00.

Body work - 1200.00.

Satisfied owner - priceless!

General Comments:

What can I say? I test drove the car 3 times, then had it checked out by an experienced mechanic twice. I knew what I was getting into and haven't regretted it for a minute.

Yes Matilda, there are things to be fixed, repaired, and definite maintenance to follow. Yes, it cost money, perhaps more than others are willing to shell out. But for me - there is not a family member, neighbor, co-worker, or colleague who does not get a smile on their face after sitting in it.

The car handles so well it gives you a real feeling of security, some serious peace of mind, even motoring around in a large city - it's beyond words.

Yes Matilda, it has its quirks. I would think that anyone who drives would take time to locate the buttons, switches, do-dads. Ya gotta ask yourself, "Can I live with this?". It's not an American car. It's a Volvo and damn, it's feels so good.

I have friends & family who have begun scheduling a massive number of road trips in my wagon. Who knew?