Faults:

What can you say; electrics are dodgy, but that's because they were built by Renault, as are some of the interior parts... bonnet etc. The plastic body panels were also built by Renault, who at the time were the world leaders in that sort of thing.

Electrics are the only let down for this car; that's all you can say. Other than that, service it regularly and do all the usual routine things, and they just keep going.

General Comments:

People don't realise how quick they are, but again a Renault engine, same as in the Renault 19 GT... no more to say.

I was hit in the front a few months back. The guy reversed into me in his Mitsubishi; as he pulled forward his bumper fell off. I had to touch up 2 scratches on the paintwork; nuff said, typical Volvo tank like build.

Faults:

Accessory belt tensioning bolt sheared.

Alternator tensioning bolt sheared and mounting bracket fell off as a result... it's somewhere on the B481...

Anti-roll bar links needed replacing recently.

Rear boot/rear light seals have started to leak.

General Comments:

The GT-spec burgundy metallic paint and 15" alloys are still in mint condition.

The 2000cc engine has massive amounts of torque and plenty of power, which is delivered very nicely to the road through a lithe chassis.

Handling is stunning for the age of the car and considering it was Volvo's first play with a front-wheel drive layout. Over-steer is handled well. Under- and torque-steer is to be expected with so much shove being placed through the front rubber, but is well balanced and plenty of feeling through the steering gives fair-warning of pushing it too hard.

The brakes aren't as sharp as I'd like, but they're strong and effective and the ABS cracks in when things get slippery.

The car is a three-door, but, rarely, ingress and egress is simple, even for large adults as the doors are long and front seats + seat-belts get out of the way. Rear seats aren't a bench, but the same as the front - leather, comfortable and huggy.

The car is luxuriously equipped, everything is electric and there are five computers floating around the car dealing with the hi-tech. For the current market value - You'd struggle to do better.

Faults:

A whistling noise from the screen or sunroof in strong sidewinds or at speeds above 120mph (ahem) which of course I never did.

Heater manifold failed at 70 thousand miles and was a bit pricey.

Other than that it just goes like stink.

General Comments:

I love this car. I have to sell it and have waited for Volvo to get their act together and produce a decent coupe to replace it. But - it now has to go for an Alfa.

Love the handling, the comfort, the security, and will hate to see it go.

Oh, and the acceleration is pretty nifty too.

Faults:

The day-running lights have gone twice, but apart from that, no major mechanical problems at all.

Be careful with the car mats as they can get stuck around the clutch and accelerator, which can be a little scary!

General Comments:

This car has so much character it is unbelievable.

It really is a cut above the VW Golf set! It is really nippy and if you use all the rev range it will seriously fly!

Consider it more a hot hatch rather than an outright sports car and you will not be disappointed!

The ergonomics are excellent and the seats are so comfortable, especially if they are leather.