USED Volvo S60 Saloon (00 - 09)

My car

Great car, great value, great (48) mpg.

I can drive 400 miles and feel good enough to drive a further 400 miles.

My car

I have had the S60 TS auto from new, 02 registered. The car is comfortable, quiet, refined and very reliable. The downsides are, dealer servicing costs (£500+) for its first service and fuel consumption is high, though compared to similar performance cars, it's not too bad.

Problems have been minor, fuel sensor gauge and two blown rear cluster lamps are it.

Up to five years ago I was a car salesperson and worked at VW/Audi, Rover and Renault and to this point in my experience, none of the mentioned manufacturers have a porduct which would beat the S60 hands down.

My car

My reason for the poor overall rating is due to the following problems encountered since new. I have had this car new since Nov 2002 although I have now done 74k miles, however:

1. A tyre blew out in the first week. 2. Faulty Cruise Control 2. Faulty central locking 3. Turbo-intercooler required replacing - no reason given by the dealership. 4. Steering servo required replacing - no reason given by the dealership. 5. Engine hose came off. 6. Tensioning pin on cambelt came off - engine replaced (54k) 7. Fuel injection system required replacing - dealership attemted to charge £1,145. After my objection they called volvo UK, who said they would pay bill.

Unless you install top-of-range tyres, the front end can slides and wheelspin in the wet.

I have found dealerships defensive.

I am currently trading in for an Audi A4. I would never touch Volvo again.

My car

Bought my 2.0S auto at 2yrs/20k miles as an approved Volvo used car. Has now done 43k faultless miles. The car exudes class, is well equipped, supremely comfortable and even with an auto box, the 180bhp turbo means it is no slouch.

It is no sports car either mind you, even if has the looks. It always feels safe and predictable and, best of all, it is not one of the zillion 3-series on the road.

Only complaints: diabolical turning circle that makes parking an interesting exercise and, just like everyone else, I am always replacing light bulbs.

The Volvo dealership absolutely first class, and not as expensive as you might think. Fuel consumption is a bit on the heavy side, I only get around 23mpg on average (but rarely get to use motorways, where it will do around 30mpg).

Would I have another one? You bet. I am currently looking for an ex-demo 2.0S Sport (and have the comfort of knowing that the existing one has not depreciated like a brick (unlike my previous Omegas!).

Class act, Volvo!