2002 Volvo S80 SE from UK and Ireland - Comments

Emissions warning light was traced to a faulty ignition coil and changed under warranty.

A suspension knock was an anti roll bar link which was changed at my expense - albeit the car was under warranty.

Front discs were changed and all the brake pads were changed at Volvo's expense after they were found to be worn to a low level just weeks (and a few hundred miles) after I'd bought the car. The dealership paid for this to be done.

The car refused to start one day and an ominous Start Prevented message appeared on the computer display. It started with the next turn of the key.

The air con made some strange noises recently and stopped blowing ice cold.

Compared to my 2001 model that got through bulbs monthly this one has required just one or two in 18 months.

The only reason I bought this car was because my current car at the time, a virtually identical Volvo S80, refused to start on my driveway one morning and it turned out the ECU was broken. The cost to replace it, along with a few other issues that I knew required doing meant it worked out better to exchange it then fix it.

So, how has ownership of this model been? Comfortable is the first word that springs to mind and, for a large, executive, car, remarkably fuel efficient. I travel at quiet times, generally, and tend to average 28mpg most of the time. On a run on motorways and A roads it's pretty easy to get high 30's and sometimes even low 40's - not bad for a 2.4 litre petrol that can accommodate five people and luggage with ease.

The fit and finish is excellent. With 86,000 miles on the clock it does not have a single, solitary, rattle or squeak.

The Dolby Pro-Logic sound system is simply stunning and a wonderful way to enjoy your music.

Extras fitted onto my car were Volvo fit reversing sensors (far more useful than I anticipated) a Volvo fit phone system (again, very useful) and a tilt and slide electric sunroof. Until I had this car I steered well clear of sunroofs as they robbed me of valuable head room - but this was wonderful.

I only ever review my cars when I have actually sold them to ensure I can give a complete reflective review rather than a tainted perspective at a particular point of ownership and my Volvo will soon be exchanged for a Mercedes A Class. Why has it gone after such a good review? Firstly, it will cost £415 a year in road tax to keep on the road from next year and who knows how much in years to come as it is a highly polluting vehicle. Allie that to the ever increasing fuel prices and the fact that older, executive, cars are expensive to put right when they go wrong and those are the main reasons why it is now going.

Purely on a personal note I now find the very low seating position to be awkward to get in and out of. That said, the seats remain the most comfortable I have ever sat in and are truly magnificent.

Overall, this has been a thoroughly enjoyable, classy, car to own that has impressed everybody that has travelled in it. I would not buy one again purely because of the current economic climate. If things were vastly different and I wanted a large saloon car again I would not hesitate to buy another.

I am affraid that you are wrong about the tax. The higher tax band for your car is not applicable. It is only for cars registered after March 1st THIS year! Shame you are selling such a good car for a A-class for false reasons.

Sorry, but you are incorrect. As of March 2009 the road tax for this vehicle will be £415 and £430 from the following year. If you still think I'm incorrect check this website;

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/road-tax/?deriv=15259

If my vehicle had been registered prior to 1 March 2001 then you would have been correct.

As my review said, that was not the sole reason for getting rid of my Volvo, but one of many and I am extremely pleased with my A Class - which will be reviewed in the fullness of time.

I'm afraid that you are still wrong; The new band 'G' rating (£400+) is only applicable to cars registered after 23rd March 2006. Please refer to the DVLA for this rather than a third party. I personally could never give up the comfort of the S80 for a A-class given my personal experiences!

Life was a lot simpler when one size fitted all! I've double-checked my information and the exemption to which you correctly refer will no longer apply, effective from March 2009 when the new road tax bandings come into force. Vehicles currently artificially held in band F by virtue of age will be exposed to the full, new CO2-based banding.

Gosh, we shall all soon be forced to drive around in little tin pots - where's the choice? We are being forced to downsize - that's just not fair!

That's what happens when decisions are made by out of touch, complacent politicians who waft from A to B in fully expensed, taxpayer funded limos.

They wouldn't have the first clue about life in the real world.

I am the author of the original review and, to ensure I have not added to the current misinformation going around about road tax, I emailed DVLA and asked them specifically what the road tax would be for a 2002 registered Volvo S80 2.4SE automatic in 2009/10 and 2010/11. I've cut and paste the answer below, which confirms the comments in my original review. If anybody should doubt the authenticity of this cut and paste please do not hesitate to contact DVLA and they will, sadly, confirm the huge increase that is to come - unless another government U turn is on the horizon, of course! The only word in the email worthy of note is 'proposed' - which appears twice!

Thank you for your email.

For a vehicle registered after 01/03/01 with a CO2 emission figure of 235g/km the proposed cost of duty for 2009-10 is £415 and the proposed cost of duty for 2010-2011 is £430 for 12 months.