1981 Volvo 245 DL review from North America
"Reliable, slow, ugly, noisy vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Sucked in a valve seat, and needed to have the head machined, at about 700 bucks, when all was said and done. Rear main seal went bad, I mean, real bad, it was dumping oil out as soon as I poured it in. That was another 700 or so. Needs brakes, and front rotors right now. Tail gate wiring is toast, I think water leaked in. The seal between the exhaust manifold and downpipe is shot, so it's really noisy. I keep trying to kill this thing, so I can justify getting a new vehicle, but it's stubborn, and won't die.
General comments?
Slow, noisy, old, ugly, smelly, cumbersome. Reliable, boxy, safe, oh, and slow.
Recommended Reviews:
  | A rugged, reliable workhorse |
| Solid urban dependable BEAST |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.1 Gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 214000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 225000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 31st July, 2003 |