Faults:

Promised by owner/dealer of used cars that all was in good shape and that he prepared the car for his ex-wife to drive it from Allentown, Pennsylvania to Michigan.

So far...

Rear brakes paper thin. Replaced.

Rear struts leaking. Replaced.

Rear sway bar links very loose. Replaced.

Rear hatch not locking. Replaced.

Several electrical connections under hood not connected. Reconnected.

Came out to the car about a week ago to find a few quarts of oil under the car. Had it towed to a mechanic. Resulting diagnosis: Intake cam seal blown out. May be due to crankcase ventilation system blockage and increasing crankcase pressure (take note!). Timing belt got soaked with oil so a timing belt job will ensue as well.

Also, the dealer touted that the car had four new tires on it. It turns out that they are the wrong size! Too small and a crappy, cheap brand as well.

I guess he didn't really like his ex-wife very much to allow her to drive the car in these conditions! LOL!!!

Also, phoned him to detail oil seal problem. I had just bought the car from him and he quoted a starting price of $1600. Found a lifelong Volvo mechanic to do it for $700.

Lessons are being learned...

General Comments:

So far pleased once I get the problems associated with the lying seller straightened out, as I outlined in another paragraph.

Faults:

The catalytic converter was first to go, but was covered by the warranty (certified).

The end drive went out this year, but found a place that gives a life-time warranty on the used one I got for $375.00.

It does use light bulbs more than I wish. But it's livable and worth it.

A stone hit the condenser for the air conditioner one time. My insurance policy covered the $1200-$1400 bill.

This is actually my second Volvo, the first was a S70; loved it.

Love this car. Never get tired of driving it. I would like to get 300,000 or more miles on it. It looks good, feels good, runs good, and is reliable. Just like the S70.

I have since purchased a new XC70, back in 2009. Love it as well. It seems people, including some of the car magazines, never really favor Volvos.

I have had incredible gas mileage. Never go by the gas mileage on the computer. It is always higher if you figure it manually. I can get around 34.5 MPG on the '01 and 33-34 on the '09. I go around 65-66 mph though. I'm 57 and like to see how much gas mileage I can make.

I wanted a '68 Volvo coupe back when I was 18 years old. Then as now, I look at them as reliable, strong, not built on glitz, but ingenuity, good use of space, and safety.

General Comments:

Great vehicle to own. As in my prior comments, it does seem major magazines seem to leave out Volvo and its many positive aspects.

I was in an accident, a fall, back in '06 where I fractured my spine in several places. To the extent I had to go on disability. The XC70's, the S70 I have and had, have provided such comfort and support for my back, that I fear to go to another vehicle. The fatigue and pains I feel in family and friend's cars when riding in them, make me anxious to get back in my own.

Volvo, never change too much. You'll get me every time from now on.