1992 Volvo 480 Turbo 1.7 turbo intercooler from Netherlands

Summary:

Stylish GTI alternative

Faults:

Complete clutch renewed, I thought this was only the clutch cable as I saw it was open and damaged when purchasing the car. Very expensive.

Electrical system failed in two weeks. No high beam and no indicators. Also expensive.

Leak in boot (common).

Changed inner rear bumper,was very rusty.

Several minor problems.

General Comments:

On full acceleration the steering wheel sometimes locks up until 3th gear. I have never heard of this problem on another 480 so maybe someone can help me?

The rest of the car still feels like a new one! This was different on my BX.

It's comfortable on smooth roads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd June, 2001

1992 Volvo 480 Turbo 1.7 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Volvo's pocket rocket..... that'll be the Volvo 480 Turbo

Faults:

Minor electrical problems.

Windsreen washer sensor replaced.

New battery.

New starter motor.

New catalytic convertor.

New clutch.

General Comments:

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

3rd Jan 2001, 14:11

I agree

Malcolm Bourton

7th Mar 2004, 13:35

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 :)

10th Dec 2004, 07:33

I drive a 480 Turbo auto, tuned to 137bhp, and I grin lots!

23rd Oct 2005, 09:55

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.

1992 Volvo 480 Turbo 1.7 turbo from Netherlands

Summary:

Dutch dynamite

Faults:

Fingers crossed, so far so good.

General Comments:

A unique combination of Swedish safety, French power, Italian flair in a Dutch 'poldermodel' wrapper.

For the 'known issues' visit the various 480 fansites.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2000

25th Jan 2002, 13:23

What can I say, just passed the 230.000 km mark with this piece of dutch dynamite. And still as enthousiastic as a year ago ;) )

Con W. Cathalina.