The 1994 ones are pretty decent. Is this one with the 'new' bodyshape?

Problem areas:

- Not too hot on fuel economy and power for a 2.0L

- Sometimes electronics are a bit shoddy. Keep those contacts clean! Make sure all ground-points are OK.

- Coolant expansion tank/cap sometimes crack.

- Bulb-out detection can have a hair-trigger.. Make sure all bulbs are the right wattage too! It will signal a failed bulb if an incorrect wattage is used.

- Rear springs tend to sag pretty quickly. Volvo sells load-carrier additional springs which help.

- Struts for rear door can wear quickly, especially if spoiler is mounted on door. Volvo has higher-strength struts for rear doors with spoilers.

- Probably no problem on yours yet, but most engines need new front and rear seals when they get about 10 years old. Rear is especially labour-intensive on a FWD car (difficult to reach).

- Make sure timing belt has been changed at right times. Engine on these cars is an interference design, so broken belt == severely damaged engine!

- Seat cushion on front seat can get 'tired' and sag a bit.

- Check lower front suspension arm rubber bushings. If they crack you need a whole new arm (not replacable)

- Rust can develop underneath plastic covering under sides of car and in rear wheel arches. Keep an eye out.

- Handbrake cables can get stuck with dirt. May cause accelerated pad/disc wear on one rear wheel and/or bad handbrake 'grip'. Usually caused by disintegrating rubber boots at end of cable.

- Not enough tuning parts :-)

I'm not aware of any real major design flaws which cause problems. There are 2 1989 460's in my family. Both have done over 150K km's (one even with a ZF-autobox) and no real big problems, just wear-and-tear stuff (clutch, brakes, etc.) and regular maintenance.

Bye, Arno.