Faults:

Steering wheel cover started to discolor and harden at 20,000km.

Throttle body had to be replaced at 60,000km.

Leather on storage bin cover between front seats abraded by 120,000km (2 years old).

A-pillar fabric replaced at 195,000km (3 1/2 years old) because of adhesive failure.

CD changer and CD player have a penchant for scratching CD disks.

Air conditioner sometimes will blow only hot air. Usually on the hottest days when temperatures soar to over 37C (100F).

Replaced original equipment Goodyear with Michelin tires. Net result is a better and quieter ride with longer lasting tires.

General Comments:

It's a tool and has the same level of excitement as a screw driver. Nothing about this car creates any passion, excitement, or brand loyalty.

It is very comfortable on long trips, and is capable of bladder bursting range. The 80 liter fuel tank will let you drive for over 1000km if you are willing to trust the range computer. Just set the cruise control for 5kph over the speed limit and wave at the police as you pass unchecked through the speed traps.

The 10 disk CD changer is also very handy on trips. The factory sound system is actually quite nice.

It is a good car for long road trips on limited access highways, but becomes rather burdensome to drive when the roads get twisty.

Also not the best car for city traffic. The turbo gives uneven throttle response in stop and go situations. Sometimes a light tap on the throttle will produce a surge of unwanted acceleration, and at other times there is no noticeable response.

The only real complaint against the car is the high cost of routine maintenance. The car is highly computerized. So much so that the idle cannot be adjusted without the proper diagnostic computer. That means that the dealer is the only proper place for service. Malaysia does not have a host of competitive service centers for this type of car, and its needs are beyond the capabilities of most local shops.

Luckily the dealer service is quite good. The service techs know me and my car by name, just through the routine visits.

The bottom line is that the normal service, including wear and tear items, has cost more than the petrol over the life of the car.

Faults:

The transmission required service at 2,000 miles by the dealer.

Stabilizer went at 40,000 miles.

One strut went at 48,000 miles (luckily covered under warranty).

Second strut went at 55,000 miles (my cost).

Front door lock went at 70,000 followed by the heater element in the side view mirror. When I told the dealer that the element was working fine prior to the door lock repair, they basically told me they didn't cause it and promptly charged me an additional $300.00. Between 80,000 and the current mileage, the car has been OK.

General Comments:

I initially enjoyed the car, but the trouble I experienced coupled with the poor customer service at the dealer has really soured me. I have since found a local repair shop who services the car. The 1999 model I'm told was very poor, with the 2000 a tad better. Hopefully they have worked out the kinks, but for the $40K spent, I can honestly say that this car is a major disapointment. I looked to trade it on another (not Volvo) vehicle, but the car is basically worth nothing at this point. I'll drive it to the next major repair and then move on it.

Coming from a mid grade Ford, I expected much better customer service and boy was this experience a let down.