Faults:

In the year that I've owned this car, I've had to do some common repairs. For example:

Radiator; $500.

Flame/oil trap PCV system; $300.

Clutch (original lasted 250,000km); $1000.

Front right control arm; $50.

Before I got it, I can see that the previous owner had completed all the recommended servicing right up to 240,000km, so it feels and runs great.

The recall was done on the fuel tank, and had to replace a window guide. Also the type of glue and plastic they used in the interior has deteriorated; there's a bit of wear. Beside the A/C needing a recharge, everything else works as it should.

General Comments:

I didn't mind putting some money into this car, because it's fun to drive and feels great on the highway. It came to me with full service records, showing that it's received lots of love from its previous owner, so I want to keep this one going.

I've sat in a few other 850 base model automatics, and wasn't really blown away with them, but this particular model is 90% of the 850R, and it's just awesome to be surrounded in comfortable leather and a premium sound system.

When that awesome turbo winds up and you're in 2nd or 3rd gear, watch out! All my friends are stunned at the pick up this luxury ride has.

Considering that you can buy one of these cars for $2000, it's easy to spend more than that on basic maintenance costs, so only consider getting one if you are handy and have a mechanic that knows them.

I get 11.7L/100km or 20mpg (US), and so in Vancouver, BC it costs me about $90 to fill up, and that gets me 500km or so.

Parts are best bought online, or sometimes the parts dept. at the local dealership knocks down the price for me when I show him what's available online.

My brother happens to own a 1993 240, and my parents have had a 1988 740, and now a 2005 S60, so I feel I've really gotten to know Volvo.

This is my first time writing a review. I hope to help out any Volvo fans out there if I can. Cheers.

Faults:

Gearbox at 125000 km; common on these models. Replaced with 850R LSD and TCU; no problems since.

Window regulator on the right hand driver's door.

Window center control unit.

Full suspension overall from front to rear; replaced all components.

Replaced radiator at 240000km

Replaced the radiator cooling fan 125000km and 250000km.

Common replacement coolant pipes due to the performance power of the engine; replaced every 12 months.

CV repaired or replaced every 24 months due to monster torque this motor produces.

Changed all mechanical parts on the motor to current upgraded parts from the manufacturer.

Replaced the motor with a new motor, not exchange unit, brand new from Sweden at 340000km due to thermostat locking up and blowing head and damaging cylinder 3.

Replaced turbocharger twice; common fault due to under cooling. Remedied with a charge cooler with stand alone coolant pump and separate oil cooler.

Seat worn on right hand side and that's it.

Bumpers have issues, namely fading of grey top, but easily remedied.

ABS sensors replaced every 36 months.

Fuel cell replaced due to road damage.

Seat belts needed to be replaced to due to age and wear.

V70R uprated discs front and rear eat pads, so replacements every 12 months can be costly, but worth it.

General Comments:

I have had the car since new; I will never sell or trade it. I drive my quick brick everyday, and every time I get out of her, I smile and say best car I have ever owned.

I know my list of faults is long, but to say the least, I own a 6,3l A** from you know who, what I can say is my Volvo has never given as much problems as I have with this car, and the best is when you rock up to collect with a 16 year old car at the dealership, people can't believe you are driving it and I start smiling.

In closing, keep to your service schedule, and you will have one of the best cars ever built.