Faults:

Has needed two alternators.

One of the heated seats no longer works.

General Comments:

This car is deceptively quick and has surprised quite a few boy racers!

Very comfortable and well equipped.

Extremely reliable and sturdy car.

My first car since I passed my test and it has been a brilliant first car for me to have.

Shame about the boring image and appearance that they have.

Faults:

Very little - we had to replace the radiator when I couldn't fix a leak, but otherwise the car has been superb.

General Comments:

The car is perfect for a family of four. There is plenty of room both in the back and front, and the boot is spacious.

On the GLE model, we had plenty of "toys" to keep people happy - electric front windows, sunroof and mirrors, for example. The heated seats were a treat.

Faults:

So far, the only problem I have had with the car was a tiny oil leak which required a new sump washer, which stung me for 11p!

General Comments:

For a Volvo, this is a nippy and quite good looking car. As I am only 20 years old, I wanted a quick, insurance friendly car - and here I am. I am a boy racer, and I do get a few laughs and pointing fingers, but when I had my spoiler, alloys and 1250 watt stereo fitted, people stopped. Then, when I left an RS Turbo at the lights the other day, people started to get jealous!

For speed, the car goes. The only thing I heve problems with is keeping the needle at 30mph!

The comfort of the car is also second to none. The lumber control, the heated Recaro style seats and the blue/grey interior is really sweet. It goes well with the metallic blue grey paintwork.

All in all, it is a well equipped little "street Sleeper". For 500 squids, I`m not complaining!

Faults:

Coolant leak just after purchase.

Strange problem with the car cutting out, and then starting again moments later.

General Comments:

This car is better than it looks. For its age and the price paid it comes with everything you could ever want, electric windows and mirrors, heated seats and mirrors, central locking, electric sun roof, and power steering.

The driving position is good with the height of the steering wheel being adjustable, and the seats are heated and comfortable.

Handling of car this smacks any Ford Escort or similar priced/sized car round the face. It sucks itself to the road and corners well. Although it's a Volvo it is actually fun to drive and it's rock steady at speed. The ride quality is equally good.

The Renault 1.7 engine is fast when pushed, although it's not an injection. 0-60 comes up in 12 seconds when pushed to the red line in second. Third gear is well placed in the Rev range for quick overtaking.

The cabin trim though is poor, with rattles and squeaks coming from the dashboard.