I got this car a month ago from Great Buy Autos in Cabramatta +61 406 312 522 .For a 20 year old car it runs like a pearl no issues and all original parts even the spare tyre in the boot is the original. Our mechanic Mic from Essential auto repairs was brilliant and came out for free and checked it over the car yard gave us free rego and free 2 years warranty and roadside assistance. So pleased with the value and quality of this purchase it even came with an up to date Log Book.

I am in love with this smooth vehicle, so refined and beautiful to drive, very posn and luxurious............................ immaculate, never missed a beat, took out for 5oookms trip.. but except a flat tyre.. everything was working as wonder... proud owner of volvo.. great for short trip as well.. thanks guys

The car looks good, but it is extremely heavy and despite the sporty appearance does not handle like a sporty car at all.
The interior is very good, but may not be the best in it's class.
I don't mind the seats which make me feel like a F1 pilot, in fact I feel very comfortable but I wouldn't feel like that if I was bigger.
I must say that these cars are not for the people on a budget, because the maintenance costs could run into thousands. You need to like the brand and the type of car in question.
from what I have researched the common problems are the transmission ( design flaw) and electronics, relating to engine performance. I concur these are the problems, on top of leaking oil, and numerous other issues.

Something expensive you can think of in your life. But if you love cars and feel difference you don't mind to spent money given the quality of the car. I always get this car serviced with Volvo but how I had end up in great trouble have no idea.
Any thing you can think of in an ideal car, I have drive 2010 Toyota Aurion but when get back to 2002 Volvo I can feel the luxury of Volvo
Super expensive

If you get a new one should have 4 years of trouble free driving; be carefull with any that have a bit of mileage as the dealers are reluctant to buy them back off of you and you could be stuck with a very expensive garden feature.
Buy new and upgrade every 3-4 years and you should be OK.
Volvos have a great safety record and are one of the best drives that you will find in a car of it's class; as well as a new shape and the sporty performance.
Costs are high for repairs and local volvo service centres can be 100km from home; when over 5 years old various problems with electrical systems and engine management became a very bad experiance which turned me from make of car i have had for the past 6 years.