Faults:

Carburettor needs adjusting.

Tyres need replacing.

New wipers needed.

Volvo tape deck doesn't play tapes.

Rear central locking intermittent.

General Comments:

The first car I ever drove was a 360 so was very happy when dad brought me my 340 as my first road car.

It is a 1985 1.4 5dr with central locking (when the back two work!) and electric windows.

I have so far only moved it around the yard because dad won't insure me for until I pass my test, but mum and dad both love my little car as it is very comfortable and, despite having no power steering isn't too heavy to turn around.

The car has an excellent turning circle, which is great because we have very little room to turn around in and despite somebody reversing into mum in their BMW the bodywork is in good condition for the year.

For the money we paid (£80) I couldn't think of a better 1st car.

Faults:

Chronic carburettor problem which meant it stalled fairly regularly. I never had any money to sort it and.

Transmission belt snapped after being abused by myself at roughly 85,000.

Rust started manifesting itself in the front wings and started to eat into bulkhead.

General Comments:

Really relaxing, comfortable drive; the 'Variomatic' transmission stress-free and easy to use.

Tight turning circle of 9.2m.

Tough running gear and engine (I put mine up kerbs and into hedges and it never complained. Much).

Looks like a badly styled brick, but quick off the mark due to its transmission (I timed its 0-60 at 11.5sec), despite weighing just over a tonne with less than a litre and half under the hood. Sharp brakes too.

Handles like a lemon, especially in the wet due to suspension and rear wheel drive. This is how I know they are so durable!

Faults:

Carb needed replacing because of bad hot weather performance, £10 for a low mileage Webber 32 DIR from a breaker.

Fuel pump (common fault) failed after 85000, only cost £18 for a new one.

New front passenger ball joint (own fault, I kerbed it) and new rear brake components.

Apart from the above just general servicing and wear and tear items, just cost pence really.

General Comments:

Good, reliable car which is very comfortable, although not as much in the rear, but I am in the front so I don't care. Boot space is great for a small car.

The car grips well although the body roll is a little excessive, good for scaring people if u know the limits, can be evil in the wet setting off from right hand T-junctions or crossroads etc.

Torque delivery is incredible for such a small engine, it is very lusty and only struggles 5 up on sharp inclines, motorway cruising is good if a little unrefined. Acceleration is good although the engine is a little harsh at high RPM, but revving it is not required, just fun every now and then.

Brakes are amazing, they are not as 'grabby' as on some latter models, they stop strongly with little risk of locking unless required.

The steering is a little heavy and can feel numb at speed, although fairly direct, feedback is low so it can be difficult to tell exactly what the car is doing although this is rarely an issue.

Overall a great car, although costly to insure and run, MPG is not amazing (I average 33MPG) but it is worth it. I would certainly buy another.

Faults:

Leaky radiator.

Front right suspension `clunks` going over some bumps - it had recently had a new suspension unit put in just before I bought it, not installed correctly.

Oh, and it needed a new stereo =)

General Comments:

My first car, learned to drive in it and it was ideal.

Nice and comfy, next to no rust, plenty of space (and a large boot), and reliable. Heavy on those bends though.

Will start when cold, it doesn't like it though.

Faults:

Everything engine-wise. After 100,000 miles basically everything had to be replaced sooner or later. Alternator, starter motor, oil pump, head gasket (ouch), carburettor (double ouch).

General Comments:

High mileage means bad news even with Volvos. Volvos never go wrong? Rubbish. Don't be fooled into buying an older model purely on the basis of bodywork, like I did. Sure they NEVER rust, but beware of high mileage which basically means the engine is clapped out. Volvo parts cost a FORTUNE and second-hand parts are scarce. It'll be more economical in the long run to get a loan and buy a newer car. Even with an A1 engine they drink petrol. That said it's by far the most comfortable car I've even been in and for long distances, especially foreign trips, you can stretch your legs out and relax. Mind you it's so comfortable that when driving it you don't notice you're pushing it to the limits and damaging the engine - you feel very removed from the driving experience and keep cranking up the revs until the engine just gives out.