Faults:

I bought the car in 2004 at about 40K miles. First year owned no problems. One previous leased commercial owner (from a business). Second year: New Brakes and Rotors, Headlights (X3); reset computer (X2); check engine light permanently on - my own Volvo mechanic and dealer cannot fix; reloaded computer software for engine (X2) ; both front axles broken; all engine mounts replaced; bad thermostat; turbo is now leaking oil and fuel pressure regulator needs to be replaced.

I did a carfax - it was never previously in a reported accident.

General Comments:

I definitely under any condition would not recommend a Volvo after all these problems. It's the first car I've owned that I cannot ever get running correctly.

Faults:

Something is wrong with the alignment I believe. It seems to glide to the left, sometimes to the right, when I let go of the wheel for just a second. I have to hold the wheel a certain way to drive. For instance, I can't hold the wheel at the top because, being left handed, I use my left hand to drive if I'm not using both, and when using only one hand, it just goes wherever it wants to it seems. The speaker on the driver's side is fuzzy, I believe it's because the previous owner (my aunt) blew it out.

The biggest problem I see is the gas gage. I had half a tank when I left for work yesterday morning, when I came home from work today, I had a whole lot less than a half of a tank, and it takes me 5-10 minutes to get to work, and that's with traffic. The car really doesn't seem like it would be a gas guzzler.

General Comments:

Overall, I love the car. I've only had it for a couple months, but it seems rather dependable. I had a Honda Accord before the Volvo, and I must say the steering on that was much sturdier.

Has anyone else has gasoline problems whether it be the gas gage reading or the actual gas it may be eating up?

Faults:

On certified used Volvo reviews: Some of these reviews really surprise me. I do not think that a headlight problem or brake wear can hardly qualify this vehicle. It is a used car, and you expect to replace some items. The manner in which the vehicle is driven is a major factor.

I had to request my 120 point inspection report, since they did not give it to me. Sometimes the dealers may cut corners, so you should check that all has been verified and replaced when buying a certified vehicle. That inspection is part of the warranty.

General Comments:

I have had this car for 19 months. I bought mine with 43,000 miles, and I now have 60,000 miles. I have put 17,000 miles on it and have not had any major factory defects. Who cares if I had to replace my cup holder, or if Volvo had to adjust my A/C button, or if they had to change a bushing; these are not major problems, and they paid for fixing them (sometimes you have to insist though).

I have changed brake pads once, and had regular service at Volvo (I bought the service plan).

This car outperforms all the vehicles in its class, and still gets 29 MPG highway and 24 city! I have left a lot of BMW 3 series to shame; it does 0-60 in 7.5 seconds! I have had this vehicle several times at 137 MPH! Bimmers can't go over 125 mph before the governor tells them how to drive. It reaches 130 MPH in no time. Acceleration from 90 MPH to 120 MPH has left tailgating racing motorbikes as specks in my mirror.

I paid $14700 all taxes and fees included in 2003, and I could not have bought a better car. I am glad I did not buy an expensive Bimmer or a Mercedes C Class. The C-240 with 6 cylinders does 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. The A4 takes 8.3 seconds to reach 60 MPH.

Inside it has all the luxuries of a Mercedes, and under the hood this car has a little monster. It is a fantastic blend of luxury, stability, and power. It is a real sleeper at a great value.

To be honest, I put this car to extremes on the road, and it delivers 100% even at 60,000 miles. I only do the regular maintenance and do the obvious things. I have friends with M3's and Audi's that have all the electrical and mechanical nightmares you can imagine.

I will miss this car if I ever sell it. It has raised the bar for all luxury compact cars, and it will be difficult to replace.