Faults:

Electrics can misbehave.

General Comments:

The 480 is an interesting reliable car that is pleasant to own and drive and fairly cheap on the gas (currently averaging 40-42 mpg).

But don’t buy one thinking you are getting a sports car, or a classic. Despite its aerodynamic looks and light weight (it has a better power/weight ratio than a Porsche 912) it just doesn’t have the mojo. The interior is dull and plasticky, pure 1980s Volvo. The 2-litre Renault engine pulls okay but is nothing inspiring. The handling is front-heavy and vague, the gearbox is obviously filled up with glue at the factory, while the clutch feels like you are flushing an old-fashioned loo. The best thing about the ride is that it is very grippy on the corners, which means it can be driven surprisingly fast on the twisties.

On the upside the Celebration model is well equipped (mine has air-con, full black leather, airbag, power steering, and some kind of traction control thing, but no sunroof although that doesn’t matter too much since the 480 sunroof is a bit useless as it does not slide back). The info centre has loads of gizmos and although it is said to be unreliable mine works fine. On the downside the seating is cramped for someone 6.1 (although headroom is just okay) and whoever said the seats are comfy must have an iron backside. Certainly not comfortable to get into and out of. Visibility is fair.

The electrics can act strangely. Example: the pop up headlights may suddenly start popping up unbidden. And then they won’t pop up at all. On the other hand if you just ignore the problem it will often sort itself out. Giving the dashboard a sharp blow can also help.

Over all and considering it is a Volvo, the car feels flimsy, especially the switchgear. But then I am used to the family Audi, which is almost the same age but light years ahead in build and materials quality. All the same, nothing has gone wrong with it yet, and at £850 (plus £240 for a service – tracking, brake overhaul and two new tyres) for a two-owner 54000 mile car with full history, no rust, and a moderate amount of grin factor, who is complaining? Not an investment, but definitely a bargain.

Faults:

Suffered from Turbo lag, but tuning-shop fiddling with the boost pressure seems to have sorted this.

Rear windscreen wiper seized up, easily repaired. CD player faulty, replaced twice! Left electric window intermittently fails.

Installed specialised GST dump valve, blacked-out windows, alloy wheels, engine management chip, stainless steel twin exhaust system. Car has been professionally tuned.

General Comments:

I was always impressed by the performance of the 480, from the moment I first sat in the front seat at 110mph I knew this was the car for me. It's our 6th year together now, and I haven't looked back once.

Reliability is sound, no major problems. Just the rear windscreen wiper. The ride is firm, but the seats comfortable and the fan-blower very effective.

I was impressed with the performance of this car even before I had it tuned. Now it is manic:

0-60 mph is achievable in 6 seconds ever since the engine management was chipped. The fastest I have had this car was 144mph (on a private road, of course.) I think it can do more.

Since the tuning it is the fastest car I have ever driven, I now use it for private rallies and seldom find a car as fast. It can easily leave behind my neighbour's Calibra, and my friend's Ford RS2000. I have yet to duel with an Impreza Turbo, but I await the day with bated breath, I'm sure it will not let me down.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

It's needed nothing but routine maintenance.

General Comments:

Best seats so comfortable.

Great performance; it really shifts in all gears.

Useful features such as the rear wipe that activates when reversing with the wipers on (a great deal more too)

Great web site the Volvo 480 club europe.