• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Reliable, conservative, discerning.

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

    Friends have owned similar car before. They like it.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes. I want a new model from 2007. Will have no hesitation in buying Volvo again.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Same again.

  • 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?

    £8,200

    When did you buy the car?

    November 2012

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I thought I got a good deal. My old car was a BMW 530D Touring which was beginning to cost money and was not 4WD.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I wanted a 4WD car with good load carrying capacity, leather, and towbar.

    What was the dealer like?

    Helpful, accommodating, and offered a long warranty.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    It's a big car with a medium sized engine so it's not sporting. However the 2.4 diesel mated to the 5 speed auto box is excellent. My old beemer converted me to auto boxes. In traffic it is great, on the motorway it's even better. Cruising at 75-80 returns a mpg of around 43.

    What's it like to park?

    Parking is easy. It is square so it is simple to judge where the corners are. A useful addition would be sensors but I grew up without them so don't really miss them.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    There was a vibration when braking from hign speed, but that was cured by changing the rear discs. Otherwise no serious issues.

    What's most practical about your car?

    The load space is vast. It is easy to drop the seats and it also has tie-downs that secure unstable loads.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Heated seats.