• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Practical, sensible, country dweller.

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

    They all covet it.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, it has done everything we have asked of it and has been totally reliable.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Another Volvo, possibly a XC90 because we need even more room.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £24,000

    When did you buy the car?

    February 2006

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    We paid top book but did not mind as the car was exceptional in every way, and we got a very good trade -in for our old one.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    We wanted a 4x4 as we live up a long muddy track.

    What was the dealer like?

    Efficient, friendly and trustworthy - we have dealt with them for 17 years.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Initially the handling felt a bit ponderous, but we very quickly got used to it. Performance is good without being spectacular, it cruises at the limit on motorways in almost total silence. Fuel consumption is about 34 mpg on short local trips, rising to about 46 - 48 on long trips, we saw 53 mpg once.

    What's it like to park?

    A long front overhang requires a bit of practise, otherwise no problems.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    The alarm battery failed at 7 years old, otherwise has been totally reliable.

    What's most practical about your car?

    The good load space coupled with self-levelling suspension means that it can carry just about anything.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Too many to choose.