Faults:

Odometer recently stopped working (10 bucks off EBAY and a 30 minute fix).

Spark plug leads in bad shape, started to misfire (40 bucks and 5 minute fix).

Original Volvo radio cassette was faulty when I bought it, so I upgraded to a CD player.

General Comments:

This car despite being over 15 years old, it still drives absolutely superb, and feels very safe on the road.

Has given me two years of trouble free motoring, and I think it will last a lot more if regularly serviced.

Not the fastest car around because of the weight, but it's enough for normal daily use.

Steering feels very responsive, and has an excellent turning circle.

Faults:

Timing belt - Replaced for 2nd time at 160,000 miles (1st owner replaced at 77,000).

Tires every year - Blew about 4 tires in the first 3 years owned.

Brakes every year - have never replaced the rotors.

Heater blower had to be replaced at about 140,000 miles.

Sway bar (right side) just replaced at 190,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall, an extremely reliable car... has never left me stranded.

Some parts are a little pricey for repair, but labor is usually what is expensive, because not many places really work on foreign cars in my area.

Engine still fires right up, and still runs fairly smooth - is starting to eat oil, which can be expected of an older car.

Car has taken a beating over the 7 years I have owned it, but it's still truckin'... would recommend to anyone.

Faults:

ABS-module - Typical problem of cracked solder joints.

Door hinge driver's side - Typical Volvo problem.

Instrument panel - just went dead when jumpstarting the car after a long period of not being used.

Parts of the dashboard on the passenger side have started to warp.

General Comments:

It's very rust resilient. After many winters with salted roads, I can barely find any rust on the undercarriage.

Great seats and driving comfort. Lots of space.

If you are not willing to spend your hard earned money on the dealership, there are a lot of information on repairs online. It is relatively easy to work on.

It's a heavy car, therefore not the best fuel economy.

Conclusion: It's a great car. You can't go wrong buying it!

Faults:

Bought the car well used and with questionable maintenance.

Upon purchase I had to:

- Replace the park brake cables and shoes.

- Repair rust (fenders, front doors and liftgate).

- Replace window switch.

- Four new summer tires.

- Replace timing belt.

General Comments:

This is my second Volvo (I previously drove an '86 740 GLE, auto, non-turbo) and in both cases find the acceleration is better than the HP and torque numbers would have you believe.

The handling is great, and the ride is comfortable. Amazing how much of my family's things will fit into it.

Wish Volvo never stopped building the "box" styling, however these are great cars and I will keep driving them.

Faults:

I've had to get the oxygen sensor changed twice (first time mechanic installed a faulty sensor).

Brakes need to be replaced more often than other cars, probably since it is a little heavier.

Fuel pump needed a replacement, along with fuel filter, at 170k.

Handbrake cable needs a tightening every 30k or so.

General Comments:

My Volvo has an Eibach suspension upgrade, which lowered the front by 1.3 inches and the rear 1.1; it handles better than my old BMW 328i.

Great throttle and brake response, with plenty of room to gently accelerate/brake in the pedals.

Sound system is great.

Great for long highway rides, not the quietest, but will get you to your destination in a smooth ride.

The different driving modes (winter/economy/sport) certainly make the car respond to the driving conditions.

Fantastic winter car. The heavy build along with great handling certainly gets you through those heavy Canadian snow storms.