Faults:

Three exhaust systems in five years.

Four Air Conditioner repairs in five years.

The manual selector lever head comes off in your hand if you try to put the car in reverse without pulling up on the sleeve on the selector shaft.

The car is a bust in snow. Rear wheel drive = no traction (tested in N. Michigan.

The Wilmington Delaware Dealer charged me a thousand dollars for stuff I did not need. When trying to drive back to Dover, the problem was not fixed. Add $200.00 more for replacement negative battery cable.

The 740 uses the brake system for the 240 and is always in the shop for adjustments.

Even when fully closed the sun roof leaks large amounts of water when driving through car washes (Homewood,IL Sonic Wash)

Although a real racer on new roads the suspension is non existent on secondary ones.

Following the Volvo maintenance plan will cost you a fortune.

General Comments:

This was my first and last European. I am now a born again Japanese (and a believer)

Yes it is a safe car and the seats are comfortable, but unless you are extremely wealthy go East young man go East!

Faults:

Turbocharger blew seals at 300,000 k

Rear Differential failed at 280,000 k

Air Conditioner failed at 380,000k.

All other major components are original.

General Comments:

This car is beautiful to drive. It has room for 4 adults, all their luggage (with their bikes or skis on the roofrack) and handles like a performance car. It will also carry a family of 7 in comfort (2 adults, 4 kids and a big, hairy dog) with the jump seat.

This car is so reliable that you take it for granted. The car starts at the coldest temperatures without complaint, has super climate controls, handles everything in stride and still gets decent mileage.

Parts for Volvos are less readily available than domestic makes, but larger stores carry most items or have next day service.

Dealer items are brutally expensive.

Having said that, Volvos need parts so rarely that this is not a major factor in operating one.

Also a consideration: these cars are made out of much better quality metal than most, so when you need to service them, the nuts and bolts have not rusted and you never strip them.

For example: I recently replaced the turbo charger on this car and the bolts, which have been in the same spot since the car left Sweden came out with no problem at all. Try that with your 17 year old Ford sometime.

Volvos are not cheap, but they are superior vehicles. They are very durable, very reliable and very safe. This one is also sparky and a blast to drive.