Faults:

A/C stops working after 10 minutes. Found the fix online using plastic bread-clips on the A/C clutch.

Rear wiper motor doesn't work.

Some dashboard lights don't work.

General Comments:

I bought this car for less than $2000 USD about a year ago, and haven't had a minute's trouble with it. I do the minor repairs/maintenance myself and found a Volvo Tech that works out of his own garage on weekends to do the big stuff.

For maintenance I've replaced the timing belt and pulleys, brakes and rotors, front ball joints, tie rod ends, rear shocks, ignition switch, spark plugs and fuel filter. All these things were done rather inexpensively by myself or my mechanic. Lots of parts can be found online for these cars.

I don't understand why there are so many bad reviews on these cars. I have to think that a majority of the complaints are due more to crooked dealers/mechanics than poorly designed Volvos. Dealers are out to make money, ethics not withstanding.

Find yourself a trustworthy mechanic and these cars are a great used value.

Faults:

Things gone wrong with my Volvo:

Rear shocks went at 240,000 ($350 each!).

ABS module repair ($100).

Brake rotors front ($40 each).

AC condensor seized (from not using AC).

Motor mounts (upper and passenger side, $100).

Brake hoses needed replacing ($100).

General Comments:

Great car for the DIY'er. Volvo dealerships (stealerships) will take you for a very long ride in your Volvo.

This is a great car AS LONG AS IT IS MAINTAINED!

Very comfortable and reliable.

Not an off-road vehicle (more for gravel roads and muddy fields).

The turbo engine has more than enough power, and the AWD system gives plenty of traction in the snow.

Faults:

Rattles all over!! Replaced clips on interior tailgate cover, wrapped seat latches in electrical tape, adjusted hood, tightened/replaced body panel retaining clips... takes time, but not difficult.

Bulbs in the dash... took some time, but not difficult or expensive.

When you turn right, the indicator does not automatically cancel... I manually turn it off. I'll figure it out after winter.

Nothing else wrong with car; was maintained as per dealer recommendation (full documentation provided when purchased).

General Comments:

We were expecting out first child this year and therefore had to shop for a family car... no minivans.

A friend recommended buying a Volvo... I found this one that was well maintained and had low mileage (for a 12 year old car) for $4k Cdn.

This is the nicest car I have ever owned. Rock solid... extremely comfortable to drive.. handling is excellent... easy on gas (8L/100km, 75% hwy miles)... lots of features (A/C, heated seats, traction control). Acceleration between lights is not great... plenty of passing power though.

I am amazed every time I drive this car... I could not have done better for the price. Knowing my family is as safe as possible in this beast lets me sleep at night.

These cars are commonly available for very little money and there is plenty of support on the internet. They are simple enough for the home mechanic to maintain. You'll have to go the the aftermarket for reasonably priced parts.

This thing is a tank... I will keep it for as long as it wants to stay with me (General consensus is 400,000 km without major expense). Should it die tomorrow, I would not hesitate to replace it with another Volvo... drive one and you'll understand.