• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Sophisticated, successful, can think for yourself

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

    I have to point out that some mock the car because of the badge. Those people are depriving themselves of a great car. People in the know think it is great and are very impressed by the performance, looks and comfort

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Not sure in view of high fuel costs,tax rises etc. If I could afford to I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of S60R, T5 or D5 (185bhp)

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Once they have depreciated to £8k mark maybe an Alfa Romeo Brera, although I would also be interested in Volvo C30 R-Design or another S60 (but would have to be even more powerful)

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £6,995

    When did you buy the car?

    October 2006

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes I part exed a 1997 3 dr Honda Civic and paid £5395 as I received £1600 for the Honda

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Sleek looks, power, value for money, good equipment levels

    What was the dealer like?

    Very helpful and keen to do business which is unlike some when they see a man in their early twenties looking at executive cars

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    I think it's very good although it does tend to understeer if pushed hard. Good engine which propels you along effortlessly and everything feels so serene until you look at the speedo and you're doing nearly 100! Engine sounds great around 3.5 - 5k rpm

    What's it like to park?

    Quite easy although I'd hate to be without the reversing sensors. They are a lifesaver to me at least

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Not as yet in two and a half years of ownership, although a minor point is the cloth seats have become quite tatty with use and the car has only done 79000 miles. The material has really faded on the driver's seat and I'm a fairly light guy

    What's most practical about your car?

    Large boot, very comfortable seats, great stereo and heated seats are great in winter

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Guess would have to be the reversing sensors couldn't do without them. Honourable mentions to the excellent stereo, heated seats and the 17" Thor alloys which make the car really stand out