1986 Volvo 740 Turbo review from North America
"The most functional car you will ever own"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced water pump at 33,000 miles.
New timing belt at 50,000.
AC pump at 87,000.
Muffler at 88,000.
Air Cleaner housing + hoses at 105,000.
New timing belt at 107,000.
O2 sensor and distributer seal at 108,000.
Neutral safety switch at 122,000.
New fuel pumps at 125,000.
New impulse transmitter, valve adjustment and distributer seals at 133,000 miles.
Rebuilt turbo at 139,000.
New water pump at 139,000.
New heater/AC blower motor at 143,000
(still makes funny noise)
Rebuilt Master cylinder at 147,000.
New Main seal and Trans seal at 148,000.
Air cleaner lower housing, over pressure valve and windshield washer valve at 150,000.
Rebuilt Alternator and Starter at 157,000.
New timing belt + cover 157,000.
New intake hoses at 158,000 ($175)
New ball joints and shocks at 162,000.
Also replaced engine wiring harness parts & labor = $1200 No record of mileage, but it was around 155,000 watch out for bad engine wires on used 80-87 Volvos.
I have never been able to say that I felt the seat heaters working, but according to Volvo literature they don't turn on until temps get below 50 deg F.
General comments?
This car has been in our family since 1988 and has been maintained by my father who kept meticulous records of repairs he made over the last 130,000 miles and 15 years.
A 30 hp boost can be obtained by installing a "T" in the waste-gate line. This car will do 0-60 in about 7 seconds, but it is very slow off the line due to turbo lag.
While this car is far from sexy it is the most functional car I have ever owned. It is very fast and gets decent mileage. Little touches like a trunk light that can be turned off add to the versatility of this vehicle.
Rear wheel drive gives this car some advantages over your average Toyota...
A small turning circle so it can make u-turns easily
Easy to work on
No torque steer
Good weight distribution for good handling.
This car does ride quiet ruff and is less than ideal for long road trips with adults. I use this car for commuting and running errands because it lets me get where I am going in a quick, safe and economical manner.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1986 - 740 GLE Wagon 2.3L non-turbo Reliable and capable "stuff mover" |
| This is a safe heavy car with strong value |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 163000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 164000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Riviera |
| Date of Entry | 29th January, 2003 |