• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    You can get admiring glances from other big car drivers. It's classy & understated. 2.0T badge also warns others of its power. Feels good to be in it, despite it being a Volvo.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    My family absolutely love it, especially the interior. Its looks good from every angle outside too. Girlfriend thinks its too slow & doesnt like the 'wandering' steering.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No. Too big, too thirsty, servicing too expensive. I would hire one no problem, but only if it was the diesel D5. I don't need this amount of luxury in my life.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Just picked up a 1.0L VW Polo, small nimble, economic, gets me from A to B

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £8,500

    When did you buy the car?

    March 2005

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Got a good part ex for my clio & they even dropped £1000 from the screen price as I quoted the internet price. 12 months MOT, 12 months warranty, full service done also

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    looks, colour, leather seats, cheaper compared with rivals,

    What was the dealer like?

    Main dealer superb, really good levels of service, very professional, showed me around the car including the controls before I bought it. Service costs are truely eyewatering. Think of your worst price, then double it and your near to what Volvo charge for everything.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Very smooth, very quiet, engine silent until you blast it. Steering has always followed the camber of the road. Main dealer said this happend, but it doesnt feel right on some roads as you can wrestle with the steering wheel - very odd

    What's it like to park?

    Long & large car is not the easiest. Power steering very heavy & gets worse a low speeds

  • Living with it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Master slave cylinder faulty & cruise contol wouldn't work when I bought it, but fixed under warranty. Radio reception hit & miss, but they fixed this also. Boot lock jammed shut - friend sorted for £20, boot strut sheared but left alone.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Huge boot, four massive comfy leather seats

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Superb CD sound with dolby pro logic, cruise control is nice to have.