1993 Volvo 460 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
If you can handle the old fart image, buy one
Faults:
Ignition fault in wiring harness immobilised the car at 50,000 miles.
Suspension failed for MOT a 55,000 miles.
Dog ate the back seats at 54,000 miles.
There's getting to be some rust on the wheel arches that I have to keep at bay - but it's getting on, and we salt roads - so what?
General Comments:
Low mileage, bought from a retired bloke who used it to collect his pension. These cars are not driven by loonies. Generally.
The car handles like it's on tank tracks. It's a tank. Tanks along all day feeling as solid as a rock.
Brill seats, even with my bad back.
Designed by a 7 year old child with an etch a sketch. Not a curve to be seen, but if you're inside the car it really doesn't matter. Zero street cred - if this bothers you buy something else.
Starts, goes, stops. In a word "reliable" - Parkers guide says it's Volvos nightmare. I've had lots of nightmare cars - this wasn't one.
Cruises at anything you want - though I've not gone past 90 as I like my licence.
Makes a lovely booming roaring noise from the exhaust when it's cruising. The BMW I also drive is much more subdued.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd March, 2009
5th Mar 2009, 20:34
"Dog ate the back seats at 54,000 miles."
Was it something going wrong with the car, or the dog?!
30th Jun 2009, 12:21
It's a 1.8 engine. I commute 64 miles a day and if the road is clear I put my foot down and it goes up to an (indicated) 90 quite easily - the speedo might be a bit out, but it seems to keep up with fast traffic quite well.
I don't know why anyone would feel dubious about travelling at speed in this car. It tracks like a train.
The mileage is less than 70,000 and the engine is quite healthy. I get about 35 mpg, which is the only thing leading me to a more up to date motor, as I don't think that's very good economy., but it works and is very reliable.
Still looks dreadful though. Volvo designer's (if there are such things) were stuck in a 1979 time warp.
1st Jul 2009, 07:28
"Was it something going wrong with the car, or the dog?!"
I really don't know. The dog just seems to find them tasty, so it first ate the covers and then proceeded to the foam.
3rd Mar 2009, 12:45
You don't say what engine your 460 has, it just says manual in the details, anyway, I'd be very surprised if it cruises at "anything you want", having owned a 440 with the 2.0i engine (the 2nd most powerful they ever did in these cars), about 90 mph is as fast as most people would ever wanna go in one.
Have a look at my write up, it's under 1996 model year and titled "widowmaker round corners" if I remember correctly!