• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    With a 'Y' registration mark, the car probably says I can't afford to buy a new one but at this point I don't care - I'm not looking forward to giving this car up!

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

    Most people still scoff at 'Volvo' mark but they soon change their minds when they've been in it, which I put down to the super comfortable chairs, tidy interior, quiet engine and rocket-ship performance.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    I'd love to buy an other T5 but the road tax for the later units is prohibitive due to CO2 emissions.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    With three childeren now I'm going to be forced to look at an MPV such as the Ford S-Max. I'd like a Volvo XC90 but its sadly out of my price range.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £7,000

    When did you buy the car?

    April 2007

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    The deal was ok - dealer agreed to take care of several service items, which he did.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Space, performance, safety & reliability.

    What was the dealer like?

    Average indie dealer.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Low speed understeer is a bit annoying and the clutch can get a bit heavy in town but on the open road the car is very stable and the handlingis reassuring. The remapped engine provides really decent torque and a load of power if you command it which makes for a rewarding drive. It goes without saying that motorway cruising is effortless...

    What's it like to park?

    Not the best but you get used to it. Rear visibility is easy but the steering lock is restrictive so a little more effort is required to squeeze into some spaces.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Usual suspension components for such a big car inc front a/r/b and drop links and front lower wishbone bushes. Electronic Throttle Module Turbo Control Valve Rear Exhaust hanger.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Space, comfort, cruising and warp drive.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    An ECU remap provided big gains in midrange torque, improving the driving experience. A 'USAspec' iPod adapter allows me to plug the iPod in - there is no longer a Volvo accessory available.