1991 Volvo 240 Wagon review from North America

The fuel pressure regulator failed at 220K miles.

Intake manifold gasket at 225K miles.

I grew up thinking of Volvo as yuppie status symbols, driven by people who knew nothing about cars (but just how to stick all kinds of obnoxious bumper stickers on the back). Then I picked up this high mileage car cheaply, and I have been really happy.

It has run like a champ since the day I got it, with the minor hiccup of a failed fuel regulator, but $45 and 5 minutes later, all was well. The intake gasket failed because it had grown brittle after more than 200K miles and 17 years, but again, with little money ($7) and a few minutes, I had it fixed. Ridiculously easy to repair.

Everything works on it, even the heated seats and ice-cold A/C. I've driven it in snow and ice, and across the desert at 100+ degrees and still no failures or performance issues. I can't think of hardly any other vehicle you could buy at nearly 200K miles that works so well (maybe a land cruiser).

Of course it is no speed demon. It is heavy and has a small motor, but it does handle well, and is comfortable enough for long periods behind the wheel.

I would recommend one to anybody I know. They are easy to work on, reliable, and mine gets great gas mileage for as big and heavy as it is; 23 to 27 mpg (depending on conditions). I sold my 4 cylinder Jeep for this, and I have a bigger vehicle that gets better mileage, and even handles better on slippery roads.