Faults:

SO MANY THINGS. But... it's 14 years old already. Cannot blame Volvo.

Speedometer died so I had to change the ABS computer. When I went to Volvo they said it will cost above RM6,000! And they also told me that I should just buy a new Volvo car!! So I took the car to a nearby Volvo cars specialist, and he just charged me RM 800 to fix the problem. What was that? Cannot trust the guy I met at the Volvo office.

Other minor repairs... MANY.

General Comments:

Not a car for young people like myself... but I like this old look. Tough. Wanted a tough car since I must drive in KL area, which is a place full of crazy drivers. I just picked this car to protect myself. I am an alien living in Malaysia.

More spacious (interior) than a Mercedes.

Faults:

243000km; replaced 1 dimmer light switch for the dash, $25.

280000km; rear brake pads, one tie rod end, labor.

300000km; front wheel bearings + lower ball joints and CV boot.

324000km; fuel pump dies, used one found at scrapyard. Was very easy to change.

357000km; needs exhaust work as well as brake work on the rear. Still runs daily, needs a little TLC.

General Comments:

Surprisingly quick car even for a automatic non turbo.

The way this car can handle in corners is sweet!!

I have been staring at the screen for 20 minutes and can't really pinpoint anything to bash about this car, it is a well designed, well built car that can take all the abuse you can throw at it, and still go every time it's needed.

Faults:

Latch on drivers door will not alway shut - had serviced but problem remains.

Car came with non-working heated seats and non-working 'winter mode'.

Car is underpowered but not a problem for my slower driving wife.

General Comments:

Handling is great, especially compared to the previous SUV. In fact, this is one of the better handling cars I've ever owned. It also has been remarkably reliable, taking us on several long distance trips and used for daily errands. It never has left us stranded.

Power is low compared to my Volvo '97 GLT turbocharged, but the '96 base has been way more reliable. It seems with Volvo you either get a lemon or a reliable one.

This car has made me a Volvo fan, but I'm not sure how the new models stock up.

Faults:

Seized rear brake caliper.

Oil leaks from rear crank seal and turbo.

Rear suspension bushes.

Rear shocks.

General Comments:

Very fast in a straight line but wheelspin is a problem.

Very comfortable on long runs.

Handling doesn't like to be rushed even though I've changed all the suspension bushes and upgraded to Koni dampers.

High ownership costs and needs regular TLC. I can't criticize as I knew the car needed work when I bought it.

For the price, nothing will touch this for value and performance.

Faults:

Radiator busted.

Some engine problems.

Leather seats in front really worn.

Rear hatch hydraulics out.

Odometer out.

Needs new struts/suspension.

General Comments:

I will cry like a baby when this car finally dies. It is a gorgeous white turbo 850 Volvo wagon, still one of the nicest looking wagons ever made.

We have two other cars (BMW's), this is our run-around car that we travel in with our dog (a boxer).

The handling of this car for its size is fantastic. It is as comfortable inside as an old shoe. It is quite fast, now needs new struts/suspension and probably engine work too. Has been very reliable overall.

Maintenance costs are high when something goes wrong. However, I'd much rather sink money into this beauty than plunk down $30 or 40K for a new one. We love this car more than words can say.