Faults:

Major issue with car engine cutting out. After having an inexperienced shop try to repair, which took a week of trial-and-error, took it to a Volvo specialist and had it fixed in a day: camshaft sensor.

The other issue with car is corrosion of the window frame on the driver's door where the frame meets the door body at the rear edge. Since I am the third owner of this car, can't complain; either of two previous owners had had body work done on the car, probably from an accident, and the work wasn't the best quality.

General Comments:

Absolutely the BEST car I've ever owned. In seven years' ownership, have put on over 100,000 miles and have done no major repairs to the car, other than the cutting-out problem described above.

The car averages 22 mpg city/highway, and runs daily at 65 mph (using cruise control) on a 50-mile round trip to work and back.

The car is solid, roomy, has a rear-facing third seat, sun roof, and, with rear seats folded, can carry a large amount of cargo.

This car rides and handles better than my old Buick Electra 225, gets better gas mileage than the Chevrolet Corsica it replaced (which cost me over five thousand dollars in repairs in the three years I had it), carries more people and cargo than the two Chevrolet Malibu station wagons we had previously, and costs less to maintain than any of the above.

The secret to owning a Volvo is to find a good, reliable mechanic or shop that specializes in these cars, and be willing to perform regular maintenance (oil and filter changes, tune-ups, and so forth.)

Faults:

Leather seats wear quickly.

Sun visor lighted mirrors fell apart.

Dashboard lights don't last.

General Comments:

This Volvo wagon has been the best car I have ever owned. With regular maintenance, which I can do, the car is very reliable and dependable.

The original transmission works fine and shifts easy.

I have replaced tires, fluids as needed, which I believe is the key to the reliability.

The car has been in 4 accidents with minor damage.

The other cars did not fare as well. The car is very safe

I would buy another.

If you are not somewhat mechanically inclined, I would buy a extended warranty.

If you buy a warranty, make sure you understand it thoroughly.

Faults:

Engine block and cylinder head failed at 142,000kms.

Transmission failed at 148,000kms (may have been low fluid).

Main ABS controller fuse blew, speedometer failed.

Courtesy lamp stays on flattening the battery.

Windscreen washer pump defective.

Factory radio played through only one speaker.

Rear springs are sagging (only by 20-25mm).

Rear dampers failed.

Factory radio and/or amplifier was faulty (played through only one dash speaker).

General Comments:

After solving most of the above gremlins, I have finally settled into loving my Volvo 960 and appreciating what a fine car it is. The engine is super smooth, the transmission is silky (Aisin Warner used the same 'box in the '82-87 Toyota Cressida).

The ride is somewhat choppy, but well controlled. The body rolls around a lot when cornering, but that could be the uneven ride height. The body is very tight, with hardly a squeak or rattle other than the leather rubbing together.

Volvo's first attempt at the timing belt in 92-93 was abysmal with an interval of b/w 42k & 56k (depending on whether the cam mod is fitted), so look for a '94 or above, or one that has had all the '94 onwards timing components changed into it if you are considering high mileage.

My previous Volvo was a 740 turbo wagon, which was no slouch, but this straight six eats it alive. It surprises other six drivers and can keep up with many V8s.

Fuel consumption is around 14L/100kms during city/combined highway driving, but I am a bit of leadfoot, and considering the plus 1,500kg weight, this is acceptable. Highway cruising gives 12L/100kms while using the cruise control at 102km/h. I suppose a Japanese engine would be more frugal with the same power.

The load space is huge. I have considered trading up to the 850 or V70 wagon, but the loss in width and length would be felt, as well as the "squareness" of the load space allows tall objects to be placed close to the rear glass.

After buying an aftermarket stereo/DVD and having it fitted, I discovered that all speakers were fine as it now bypasses the factory amplifier, which is next to the steering column.

After sales support is great from Volvo, as all parts have been available, though prices are sky high. There are so many export parts sellers that almost all service items can be sourced very cheaply, but that takes planning as their delivery can be 5-10 days. If you can bring in most water hoses and timing belt components, you will save real dollars from dealer pricing (this applies a lot in Australia).

One must be aware that this vehicle has hundreds of safety & comfort features requiring maintenance and occasionally, parts. I sincerely doubt that current vehicles will last as well 16 years on.