A fast one off from Volvo
Information center plays up often.
Drivers door hinge has play in it.
Second & third gears not smooth.
This is the second 480 I have owned, the first was a 1.7, they are fun to drive with exceptional roadholding.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th March, 2004
You look (and feel) like you're piloting a Concorde!
The first obvious problem was that there was some rust at the rear wheel arches. (Virtually every other 480 I have looked at has also had this problem.)
One of the "day-glow" bulbs needed replacing and has continued to short out ever since.
The tailgate leaked despite it's elegant "rimless" glass. This was in part due to the tail light casements being cracked, allowing the water run-off to enter inside the car. I ended up neatly fiberglassing them to the body... which helped a lot and looked great... but somehow water still was getting inside! Again, loads of 480 seemed to have these cracked casements.
One of the hydrolic arms for the tailgate repeatedly poped out of it's housing whenever I opened the back until it finally stopped with no apparent reason.
The information display actually worked!...but the speedo did not so I always had to gauge my speed by other means.
I had to have the entire exhaust system replaced at different stages of ownership and a new cat-box fitted.
As my car was a limited edition, it had the half-leather seats, but the driver's seat was suffering some wear in the place where the seat belt gets crushed between you and it whenever you get out. (The arm that holds the belt for you to grab was broken like some others I've seen and exacerbated this.)
A seal between the cylinder heads and the ignition system failed, allowing oil to prevent proper engine firing frequently.
Finally, the gearbox began to have problems, making an eerie whirring sound and leaving me wincing each time I put my foot down as to what what might happen as a result. I realised as a 12 year old car, it could not have more money poured into it.
I bought this car for 1000 Sterling. I still feel this was a good price for a car with such exceptional proportions. It looks different from every angle.
Mine had the five spokes which I think look far chunkier than the six-spoke wheels.
The performance is excellent in a 1.7 so I presume new boxer shorts are thrown in with the 2.0 and Turbo editions!
Some have said the steering lacks feel, but I disagree. The overall responsiveness of the 480 is excellent. (I especially liked to downshift into third gear where I think you get the very best of its acceleration, handling and speed all at once. It's a great toy for the B-roads!
If you're buying, check all the areas I mentioned above as you'll definitely have some of those problems. Still, you will probably have the same love -hate relationship with the 480 as I had. I've just part exchanged it and feel distinctly "disconnected" now, knowing I'll not find the same distinction and snappy bite for a grand anywhere else - shame.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 17th February, 2004
Sporty and luxurious car with individual looks
Alternator went.
Drivers side electric window regulator blew.
A unique, sporty looking car that's quick and comfortable.
It has full leather interior, it's surprisingly spacious and has all the toys - such as heated seats and mirrors, digital fuel computer showing engine/oil temp/fuel and everything is electric.
Pop up headlights are always cool!
The car handles like a dream.
Averages about 38 mpg so it's very economical.
It's nice to drive something a bit different.
Mechanically very reliable, although the electrics can be a bit temperamental.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd December, 2002
Volvo's pocket rocket..... that'll be the Volvo 480 Turbo
Minor electrical problems.
Windsreen washer sensor replaced.
New battery.
New starter motor.
New catalytic convertor.
New clutch.
I love this car!! Everywhere I go, I have a big grin on my face! The Turbo is quick and capable, although I'm sure Volvo could have made it even more powerful. It's quite a rare car compared to other Volvos and still turns a lot of heads.
Make sure you go over any 480 with a fine tooth comb before you buy. Check all the electrics as they can cause problems - get a good warranty too, all my problems with my car were covered by Volvo's warranty which saved me a lot of money. Buy the best and newest Volvo you can afford to avoid reliability problems.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st December, 2000
I agree
Malcolm Bourton
Yeah the grins amazing!! have had a 480T for a year and still love it to bits. new alternator, head gasket, but well well worth it :)
I drive a 480 Turbo auto, tuned to 137bhp, and I grin lots!
Where can I buy tuning parts for the volvo 480 Trubo? I'm not going to tune it to 300bhp, but could change the ECU, exhaust manifold and air intake.
8th Jan 2006, 09:37
"The performance is excellent in a 1.7 so I presume new boxer shorts are thrown in with the 2.0 and Turbo editions!"
I own a 480 Turbo which has a standard output of about 120hp. I can assure you that it is by no means quick, nor is your 1.7. Unless your previous car was a Trabant then I cannot see how you can call the performance excellent.