Faults:

Black door guards have come off on one side recently.

Seats have very slight tear (black leather).

Paint is fading (nothing unusual for its age).

Rattles in the dashboard from time to time.

Oil lifter is somewhat loud while the car is warming up (I have heard this is a very normal issue).

Odometer was not working when we purchased the vehicle, in process of fixing (also a very common problem in this vehicle).

Headlight wipers don't work (normally a 200-300 dollar fix, just left it alone and is another common trait for these guys).

Currently taking it in for a repair. Something to do with the "PVC or PCV valve system". Quoted at $500 from a local mom and pop shop specializing in Volvos.

Back hatch springs don't work (also very normal, not fixed).

CV joints need replacing in the next 12 months.

Really this is just about it.

General Comments:

This is my first Volvo, second owned vehicle. My husband wanted me in something safe and reliable (he liked it because of the turbo of course :P). I have always been fond of station wagons (owned a 93 Ford Escort Wagon before this). I am also concerned about fuel economy. This Volvo met all of the requirements between my husband and I. This is probably the only vehicle we could EVER agree upon. He is very picky.

I was fortunate to buy this vehicle in amazingly well maintained shape for about $4,500 dollars with only 88,722 original miles. The dealership owner showed us that the odometer went out shortly after he purchased the vehicle (about 200 miles after his purchase).

I cannot tell you how much I love this vehicle. It has all the bells and whistles (fortunately most of them work :P). The seat heaters work most of the time, all the power windows work (with occasional quirks).This car is very fast. This car has pretty good vision (not many blind spots). This car is very comfortable and spacious. This car is very safe.

On another note, this vehicle is quirky, even moody. It has many little issues all around (most of which I listed above). It can also be expensive to fix from time to time, but I love it regardless. This is an awesome vehicle.

My husband had this same vehicle in sedan form. It saved his life. He hit a telephone pole on the driver's front corner at almost 70 mph and flipped it twice. He opened up the door and walked away with nothing more than a small scratch and a small bruise. THIS VEHICLE COULD EASILY SAVE YOUR LIFE.

I highly recommend it. The mechanic who will be fixing my Volvo soon said that when he inspected it, that it was in "amazing shape", and thinks I should happily own it for many many more years to come.

Faults:

My A/C has completely died.

The electricals for the windows have gone bad, and needs to be replaced.

The electricals for the power seats are starting to go.

The center arm rest has broken off, and the cup holders have broken.

Roof lining is starting to droop.

Check engine light is always reading tons of codes.

Oil dipstick handle has broken (the entire tubing, and as such needs to be replaced now to accommodate the newer dipsticks, as they are much longer than the older ones)

The fuel injector ECM (computer module) has just gone bad and needs to be replaced... as of now, the car is not running.

General Comments:

Regardless, I still LOVE this car very much! Handles the road GREAT, and is very comfortable and great on gas.

The dash makes a lot of creaking sounds, which is a bit annoying, but overall, the interior and exterior of the car are in great condition.

Repair and maintenance is costly, but being that it is a 16 year old car, I don't buy NEW parts, I buy USED, which makes up in the cost... like ALL used cars... you never really know what you are getting until you drive it for a while.