Volvo 480 1.7 ES 3d (1991/H) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
I paid £75 for mine as it had hardly any tax and mot left. Cost about £200 to get it through an mot but it has been worth it. They go very cheap and are worth every penny!
Costs
35MPG average with a mix of around town and open roads. around 25 - 30 mpg just round town. 40mpg on the motorway! Group 12 insurance though and parts are pricey. Try GSF car parts and eurocarparts for repairs
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On the road
Driving
Drives like a dream. Never driven something that handles as well. You need to play with the seat adjustment a bit to get a good position but they are fully adjustable (height, angle, position to the wheel)
Performance
The standard 1.7 is so quick for what it is. Engine is a Renault block that's been tuned by Volvo and Porsche. 0-60 in around 9 seconds and a top speed of anything up to 125MPH! The quick feeling car. Turbo is even faster and has NO lag.
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Living with it
Reliability
So far it has been very reliable. Engines are very good and easily do 150000+ miles. Idles can be temperamental but easily fixed by cleaning idle valve. Electrical problems were sorted on 91 and after models.
Image
Looks very sporty and it is always fun flying past boy racers in a Volvo! Very safe. Computer and electric everything (windows, aerial, locks, power steering) standard on all models apart from S variants.
Comfort
Very comfortable. Seats are the best I have ever sat in. Very comfortable and heated. Handles like a dream. Feel a few bumps around town but is a true motorway cruiser. 100mph feels like no speed at all.
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Security and Service
Security
Standard Volvo alarm fitted to all models. Sounds horn for 30 seconds when a locked door is open. Very strong locks.
Service
Volvo are very helpful. Especially if you contact their head office. Dealer repairs cost lots though!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Ran out of petrol as the fuel computer had not been calibrated. Just filled up and calibrated in 2 minutes (explains how in manual!). New exhaust fitted.
Other
Handbrake needs adjusted quite frequently but I have no mechanical knowledge and can still do this is under 5 minutes!
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