Faults:

When purchased small things like passanger mirror doesn't heat, sunroof area is faded away, some holes in seat, etc... nothing major.

General Comments:

I won this car in summer of 2006 at an auction for $500.00. Best purchase of my life. For the year, this car has tons of features not even on most cars today (heated/power mirrors, power seats with lumbar, etc..)

It's a large car, but at the same time has an incredibly tight turning radius (passengers are always flabbergasted when I make an impossible U-turn).

It's very solid and nearly impossible to dent - I got rear ended by a car going 15MPH, and literally only have a scratch on my bumper. I also ran into a pole going about 5MPH with no visible sign of damage at all.

The paint is godly. My sunroof are has some sunfading, but the rest of the car is impeccable. It has a very nice shine in it, and the furthest thing away from cheap. I keep thinking it's lead based because of its durability.

The ride is a little rough, but at highway speeds its rather smooth. It also takes turns rather smoothly and silky.

The nearly 190HP turbo is very unexpected. When maintained well, I can get to 0-60 within 8 seconds - keep in mind this is a 20 year old, 6 ton wagon.

The brakes are also incredible. For the age, 4 wheel anti-lock ABS brakes were ahead of their time. The swedes knew what they were doing. I can stop on a dime with little to no swerving.

Gas mileage I have to admit could do better. With prices being so high, it's always painful to keep putting $20.00 every 3 days (about 19 MPG).

The car is also, and most importantly, one of the safest cars ever built.

I would highly recommend this car to anyone. The styling isn't for everyone, but if you get it in a good color (I have grey, but black looks best) it looks very fierce and demanding.

Faults:

Turbo needed replacing when I purchased car in 2005 -I knew it when I bought it. I found a rebuilt turbo on ebay for $175.00 and had my local mechanic install it ($290.00) - total repair cost- $465.00.

Engine wiring harness needed replacing when I bought the car in 2005 - again, I was aware of this problem. Bought a new upgraded harness from a Volvo-fan website for $180.00, installed it myself.

Heater core is leaking. Smells of coolant at times. A private Volvo/Saab shop quoted me $1100.00 for replacement, core itself is only around $150.00 but it is about 10 hours labor.

I'll probably do it myself over a weekend next spring.

Power seat switches don't always work.

Small oil leak from cam seal.

General Comments:

FANTASTIC automobile.

I knew what I was getting into, that's why I only paid $700.00 for the car in the shape it was in. The paint is in great shape, not a spot of rust, one small dent in the back L door, interior leather seats have NO cracks or tears. only one small dash crack (common on the older Volvo's).

To date for around $1350.00 I have a TANK that is quick and comfortable, can carry 7 passengers, and in my opinion is damn sexy!

This will be my son's first car in about a year, My daughter has an 84 240 now - I cannot think of a safer car for my children to drive than the 200 or 700 series Volvo's built from 1980-1993.