1992 Volvo 245 review from North America

Air mass meter failed not long after I got the car.

A/C compressor (clutch?) quit last Summer, during a heat wave.

Fuel pump relay.

My mechanic last year replaced all 4 shocks, front brake pads, exhaust.

I did preventative maintenance when I acquired it (fuel filter, flushed the tranny, etc.)

What can I say about the Swedish Brick that has not been said before? I bought this car when it was already 13+ years old, from the original owner. She gave me the receipts of the many repairs she had done (totaled over $10,000 in the last 3-4 years alone!).

I wanted something more roomy than my old 90 Corolla, with cargo room as well. Found this Volvo with AC and everything working, it was a really good buy ($1700). My main intent was to drive it in the winter (salt) because I have an older Mercedes that I don't drive in the winter.

Now I am completing my 3rd winter (during which it has performed flawlessly), and am contemplating whether I keep it longer (likely some maintenance will be required this year, it will need new summer tires and some brake work in the back), or buy something newer.

However, I don't think there are many/any modern cars that are as reliable and cheap to own as this 245 wagon. A year after I bought it, I bought a 91 wagon that someone didn't want to fix, for $300. I stripped it of all the parts I could, then sent it to the junkyard. So I have lots and lots of used spare parts to keep it running. I will probably get sick of it before it fails on me seriously...