• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Old before my time? Aspirations to become an undertaker (it's black). Subscriber to 'Caravan Weekly'.

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

    Wife hates the leather seats as they're cold (should have got a car with heated ones) and slippy (rubber pants would probably solve that problem).

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Suprisingly, yes. I love the interior - beige leather, sand carpets (the colour that is - I don't live on the beach) - and the comfort and quietness once up to cruising speed and the layout of the controls. It's like a mobile lounge.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    V70 - probably a D5 or a 2.4T - definitely with traction control and the park assist thing as well as heated seats.

  • 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?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    April 2004

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Seemed like a reasonable deal. I paid less than half the value of a car when new and it was just 3 years old.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Possibly a slight over-reaction to the birth of my daughter and the resultant desire to drive a 'safe' car.

    What was the dealer like?

    Knew his stuff and I suspect would never knowingly sell you a lemon.

  • Driving it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Heavy. Handling was good but getting a bit vague now (106k miles and 7 years old). The auto box is not that great now (I'm not a fan of 'sealed for life' boxes as they don't define what 'life' is - could be 107k miles) and is a bit abrupt when cold.

    What's it like to park?

    You need a big space or the rear park assist gadget. Turning circle is comparable with that of a large oil tanker.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    I've had the car nearly 4 years (and submitted a review when I first bought the car) so here's are the ugly facts: Tail gate lock packed up (£230), starter motor (£300), ECU (final bill £1300), wheel bearing (£260). Apparently, each of these faults is unusual.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Great space for those up front and good load capacity with the rear seats folded down.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Fantastic stereo (HU-803 4-disc 9-speaker thing). Very load and superb quality.