The real fact is that most of the reviews written here are isolated cases of some kind of disappointment is what it looks like to me. Having used Paulo Travels to and fro Goa for a few times now (both Volvo and Non-volvo non-a/c) I feel it is not that bad after all. I’m just back from my trip to Goa and my onward journey was with Paulo Volvo A/c sleeper. They have 3 types of buses to Goa from bangalore. 1st is a non a/c non Volvo sleeper. 2nd was an A/C Volvo Sleeper which I used this time. The 3rd is a twin Axle Volvo A/c which is not a sleeper but has Slumberette seats.
The Volvo A/c sleeper berths has adequate space for 2 average, not very tall people. I am 5.8 Ft and average built and I felt comfortable. The a/c is adequate and use ur common sense to use the shuters to open or close the vents because it works. The a/c is pretty cool and the temperature was set at average so that there was not much of complaints abt too hot or too cold. The bus was smooth and has good suspension. Even though we had a puncture on the way, none of the passengers were disturbed. Some dint even know the 45 mins half for repair because the engine was kept running with the a/c on. The driver, cant recollect his name immediately was pretty friendly and was a nice guy. They have 2 drivers and a helper for such long hauls. The volvo is an old bus, agreed, but please note that Paulo is an authorized Volvo body and engine repair unit by itself in Goa.
So The engine of the bus was pretty good. If you expect travel at better speeds, I would suggest the Volvo twin axle which starts at around 11:00 PM from Bangalore to Goa. Its a B9R and is very fast and has excellent ride quality.