Faults:

Several bulbs in the tail light assembly have burned out. Really. That is it. The message was relayed immediately and I took it to the Volvo dealer; $4.95 for each bulb, free installation. The mechanic smiled and said, 'Don't get used to the idea that this is what repairs cost." But the really funny part is that this is the only repair the car has ever needed. So far, I should say, and knock on wood.

General Comments:

This Volvo S60 2.5T is beautiful, solid, and very quick, probably too responsive for a person with a tendency to enjoy speed, as I do. So far I've managed to stay out of trouble, that is, no tickets yet for enjoying its verve.

Maintenance & parts for Volvos are not cheap -- my new Pirellis (the ones it came with were done at 44K) cost $850 (from the dealer) - but the dealer has been helpful in keeping costs under control. I like having the dealer responsible for maintenance, seems to me an insurance policy in itself, and I don't see all that much value in going to mechanics who don't know the cars the way Volvo mechanics know them.

The one almost funny failing of the car is the wheel turning base - whoever coined the phrase 'turns on a dime' was not thinking of this car. Very wide. But I can live with that. This is so far and away the nicest car I've ever owned or been party to driving - feel so smart and safe and comfortable in it, always a pleasure to see it blinking hello when I push the unlock button. Oh, and it does not honk to say it is locked - just discreetly winks - a real plus in my book. That honking other cars do to say they are locked is so self-importantly dorky - I've always hated it, so I truly appreciate the Volvo's discretion.

I drive it about half in the city and half cross-country. It gets very good mileage, especially for so solid a car -- about 22 in town and 28 on the road -- the read-out usually is '26' current average mileage. Considering that it has had no repairs of any kind, it actually seems to turn out to be inexpensive to drive.

Its warranty will run out 6K miles before its 4 years are up; I've decided - after much waffling - to put the $3K in a savings account rather than give it to the insurance companies who sell the extended warranties. IF all the things that haven't gone wrong -- that is, everything, apparently -- suddenly do go wrong, well, then I lose. If it keeps up the good work of being a great solid car, I win. For my part, I will continue to take perfect care of this so far perfect car.

Faults:

I purchased the car used just over a year ago. Due to high fuel cost I needed to trade in my Ford F150. The Volvo was supposed to get better gas mileage than similar cars in the same class, which may be true, however the cost of repairs is almost as bad as paying for fuel when it reached $4.00 a gallon.

I've had to replace my front and rear brakes and rotors; $500.00 for the front and $480.00 for the back.

I have to replace my radiator, cost $1,080.

Other minor repairs include fuses (there are 4 fuse panels in this car), rear position lights (what ever they are), wheel alignment, $100.00 and tires about $660.00.

If I had to do it over, I would NOT purchase another Volvo. The maintenance costs are outrageous.

Faults:

Transmission needed to be fully replaced at just over 60,000 miles. ($5,500, without labor)

Trunk release needed to be replaced in order to repair blown bulb illuminating license plate. (~$280)

Seat belt receiver on drivers seat replaced due to fault. (~$300)

General Comments:

Over $7500 repair costs in first 1.5 years of owning car! I bought the vehicle brand new from the dealer, and absolutely loved the car. After about 60,000 miles things started going wrong, (including transmission!) and of course, warranty ran out at 50,000 miles.

Very poor reliability. Would not recommend Volvo.