Volvo 480 2.0 ES 3d (1993/K) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Cheap to buy. Get a 1995 model for best value.
Costs
Be prepared to spend a LOT of money to keep your 480 pristine. Some genuine Volvo parts are cheap, others expensive. Alternative parts can be sourced through the Volvo Owners Club.
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On the road
Driving
Fun to drive. Never steps out, rear anti-roll bar superb.
Performance
My 2.0 was above average, I think. Very nippy! Won't burn up more modern hot hatches, however. BUT - drives far better than the other 400 series cars.
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Living with it
Reliability
Reliable if maintained. Don't miss services!
Image
Funky, futuristic space-age styling - for a 1977 concept car (which is how the 480 started life.)
Comfort
Comfy seats all round. Good support for front and rear passengers, but limited rear legroom.
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Security and Service
Security
Car is fitted with Thatcham Category 1 Volvo immobiliser/alarm system as standard.
Service
Used a family-owned non-local Volvo dealer. Superb attention to car and customer.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Renault unit very reliable - ancilliary items such as water and power steering pump not so…
Other
Lots of little annoying design faults that were never really ironed out during the car's production life. Post-'93 models are better than earlier ones.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes