Faults:

Air conditioning didn't work at purchase, the cylinder is cracked. Quoted about $1000 to replace. No thanks!

The plastic in interior is brittle, especially the magazine holder in the doors, which cracks if you look at it the wrong way!

Metallic paint all but gone on all top surfaces of the body. Undercoat still there though so no worries about rust, it just looks crappy.

I had to rewire the lights to the tailgate. I have the wagon and the wiring runs through the tailgate hinge. Got a quote from my local mechanic for $1000 (!!!) but took it to the right guys and they did it for less than $100.

At the same time I had to replace a worn bearing in the steering column.

Timing belt snapped at idle a couple of weeks after purchase. I can't remember how much it cost to replace, but it was less than I paid for the car ($800).

After about 6 months of ownership the brake stop valve cracked and started leaking brake fluid. Had to replace it, the part was expensive because it was new and original.

Windscreen wiper motor blew up, replaced it with a second hand one for cheap.

New battery.

The bottom of the muffler is rusted out, but it's not particularly loud.

There's a small ATF leak somewhere but its not a problem.

The speedo is out by about 10%, but I won't bother replacing because in these cars the whole instrument unit is sealed and has to be completely replaced, which will be scarily expensive.

The fuel gauge is temperamental, after about half-way it doesn't read correctly.

I think the fuel injector is on its way out. It sometimes cuts out when you first start up unless you stomp on the accelerator and flood it. You can hear that the pump hasn't kicked in.

Both front seats are stuck in one position. They can move backwards and forwards, but the other 2 adjusters are seized.

To fit a stereo head unit you need a fitting kit. They are not expensive, but kind of hard to come by.

Replaced a head lamp. They are not sealed units, so it's as easy as changing a light bulb.

The glove box doesn't stay closed. A friend of mine had the same car and she had to glue hers closed. I just leave mine open, it doesn't bother me but my passengers get annoyed with it. After it falls down and hits them on the knees a few times though they see my logic.

General Comments:

This is my first car and I will buy Volvo for life! So comfy on long trips. My dad is a total car snob and he reckons my Volvo is a nice ride. High praise!

It is infinitely better to drive than these cheap tin cans you buy new. My mum drives a Hyundai and it is absolutely no comparison.

This car is solid as. I reversed into a pole the other day, and I mean I really hit that pole, not even a scratch. It has this big plastic buffer thing around the front and back so it's a great first car.

The turning circle is amazing, it can get around a smaller space than a car half its size.

She really goes too, especially when you reach the kick-down at the bottom of the accelerator. Talk about power! On the highway she cruises comfortably at about 135 km/h.

Its the perfect road trip car. With the back seats folded down flat the boot is just a bit bigger than a single bed mattress. The car doesn't loose heat at night and with 6 metres of fabric you can make curtains that fit perfectly.

I know it sounds like lots has gone wrong, but it's only ever died on me twice, and once it was the battery. Everything else is just part of its charm.

My advice would be, do your own maintenance if you are able. Buy the workshop manual of ebay get to know your car. They are simple to work on. I'm an 19 year old girl and I can do my own service. Buy second hand parts where you can and only fix things that need fixing, don't be a perfectionist.

Faults:

The blower motor for the heat and A/C went bad.

O2 sensor went bad.

Overdrive relay went bad.

The E.C.U (brain) went bad.

Replaced most of the lenses for the lights on the car, as they cracked and broke with age.

The odometer stopped at 213k, and a few other things; the list is too long.

I have put over $5 thousand in repairs.

General Comments:

I LOVE MY VOLVO! Despite all the things I have had to fix on this car, it has been a trooper. Including me it has survived 4 college students, been rode hard, put up wet and still usually doesn't complain. My friends and I affectionately call it "The Blue Beast", and it really lives up to its name. It is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned. The heated seats are a blessing in the winter.

As for the handling, it corners like it is on rails. I was shocked when I first started driving it. It's a big body sedan that will fit in places it's hard to get some smaller car, due to the fact it turns on a dime. The brakes are amazing, they are so responsive and stop the car very effectively.

The ac leaves much to be desired, it was built for Sweden. The A/C keeps it bearable, but not as cold as I would like, still and all it's OK.

As for acceleration, it's a little sluggish, but once it gets going, watch out. The car is a little underpowered, but at the same time has no problem doing 80mph down the interstate.

Another complaint I have about it, and it's a small one, the car seems to throw hubcaps. I have 1 original and 3 replicas. Luckily they are fairly inexpensive to replace.

I love the funky, boxy style of this car too.