The car ran well, and performed faultlessly
The starter motor was replaced prior to purchase.
Great long distance traveler.
Seats a little un-supportive for long trips. Not as fresh as a Jaguar seat after a long run.
Good economy for long distances.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd October, 2004
Worth the price of admission and ownership
Rain gutter molding replaced prior to purchase.
Wagon tailgate shim kit prior to purchase.
Rear rotors badly warped, replaced with new rotors prior to purchase.
Front rotors turned after purchase on warranty.
Drivers side wiper arm replaced after purchase on warranty.
Exhaust tip replace prior to purchase due to rust.
ABS light comes on for no reason. ABS computer replaced on warranty to no avail. Volvo Tech consulted and subsequent fix to be done by "Volvo Finders" next week (warranty dealer/seller).
"Volvo Finders" is taking care of all the used car items specific to this model.
I'm able to get away with Unleaded Regular without pinging or engine damage though with some presumed and accepted performance loss.
Being a 9 year old wagon with a sunroof it has some creaks and groans a sedan might not have.
Starts, stops, accelerates with aplomb and has very comfortable 3 way memory seats.
I like being able to haul "stuff" as well as "ass" with this uniquely, but adequately styled car. Sure, some design traits are archaic (console mounted mirror and window controls plus stupid cup-holder.
However...I liked them in the mid 90's and I still like 'em now, especially since I own one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th August, 2004
A family sedan delivering sporty performance and handling that's expensive to fix
Air conditioning repaired at 77,000 Kilometers (under warranty)
Transmission replaced at 95,000 Kilometers.
Replaced front rotors and calipers at 140,000 kilometers. Breaks went quickly with little warning.
Replaced oygen sensors twice and may need to do it again and engine sensor light stays on.
Ignition key unit broke at 160,000 kilometers and I must keep the key in the ignition at all times as it is too costly to repair.
Air conditioning failed at 165,000 kilometers.
Coolant leak under overflow tank which is annoying and no one seems to be able to fix.
I've had a love/hate relationship with this car. Loved it when I bought it, but grew to hate the costs of repair when car went out of warranty.
Very expensive to repair.
The seats are outstanding and car is very comfortable and faily quiet to drive. It has a very solid feel to it.
Handling is very good (especially with good performance tires).
The engine is outstanding delivering good performance and reasonably good gas mileage considering the size and weight of the car.
Very quick although there is more of a noticeable turbo lag as the car gets older. This may be corrected if I replace the oxygen sensors which I can't afford to do right now.
The switches which control the windows and mirrors are located under the cup holders and will work intermittently when liquid is spilled on them. Once they dry out everything seems to work normally.
All the back seats can be folded down which allow long items to be stored in the trunk. This has been very useful on a number of occasions.
Replacement of all light bulbs is very easy.
Overall, even give the problems I've had this car is provides an enjoyable driving experience knowing the performance and handling is there if you need it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 3rd July, 2004
Well I'm sure he used this car a lot. The problems he faced are probably due to not servicing his vehicle at the appropriate time. I do agree with the fact that it is expensive to maintain after +150,000 miles, but you must keep in mind the amount driven and age of this car. I have an 850 with over 225,000km and it still runs with none of the problems that he mentioned.
All in all it's a GREAT family car and very durable.
Drive safe!
You guys are confusing miles with km (1 miles=1.6 km). His tranny failed at 59,000 miles. That's hardly a good performance.
24th Oct 2004, 22:34
I forgot to add, that I had bought this care off the Internet, and arrived from China and picked it up. A RACV mechanical check was done, and looked good.
We did over 5,000 kiometers on the trip covering two weeks. We drove from Melbourne to Canberra, and through to Batemans Bay. Then to Sydney the next day. On to Coffs Harbour and then Brisbane, and eventually Noosa Heads. On the way back we went to the Gold Coast, Ballina and via Grafton to the Hunter Vally, and stayed at Pokolbin. From Pokolbin to Gouldburn, and back to Melbourne. The car ran well, and the economy was good returning below 9 litres per 100 kilometers. That's about 31.5 mpg. No speeding tickets, but we did some spirited driving through some mountains and mainly highway driving for the balance.