Volvo 480 2.0 S 3d (1994/L) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
A late and good one can be purchased for low-end laptop prices.
Costs
Not cheap to keep on the road, mine has had an alternator, full exhaust, brake pipes, tyres for breakfast, clutch ££££, wheel bearings, electrical problems and an en-suite boot for a while.
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On the road
Driving
It can be thrown into the steepest B road bends and handles like it's glued to the road, probably thanks to the Lotus chassis set-up.
Performance
Think fast, safe, comfortable grand tourer rather than sports car 60-80mph is fantastic though.
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Living with it
Reliability
Although lots of things go wrong now and then, its ruggedness keeps it going until the garage is in sight.
Image
Work colleagues dubbed it the Back to The Future car and retro 80's is now, apparently, very bling!
Comfort
Perfect driving position achieved through limitless permutations reclining rear seats very well received by passengers.
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Security and Service
Security
Thatcham 1 Volvo standard alarm/immobiliser very good and the Volvo badge deters joy riders who presume it to be too slow for thrills - it isn't!
Service
Although Volvo always mask a groan every time you take it in, the mechanics seem amused at its quirkiness compared to the average Volvo tank-mobile.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Solid as a rock Renault engine which has achieved 150K with near immeasurable loss of compression.
Other
Electrical things intermittently go wrong and often come right again, can be quite annoying.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes