1980 Volvo 245 DL review from UK and Ireland

In nearly 300,000 miles:

Autobox rebuild at 200,000 (the first non-service or non-consumable action needed!!!)

Coolant expansion tank at 215,000.

Fuel level sender at 250,000.

Other than that, just the usual tyres, batteries etc.

We bought this car in 1982 as a two year old low mileage runabout-cum-load lugger. We still own it twenty two years on. Why? Because it still performs that function as competently, reliably and comfortably as it ever did, and while this continues, there's no point changing it.

The engine has never been out or apart, yet it still starts on the key and performs adequately. This was never a quick car even when new, but I can't say it's down on power at all these days. Oil consumption is about a litre every 2,500 miles which is more than it used to be, but still not exactly a chore, or at the point where I feel compelled to rip out the motor to investigate. I change the oil every 4k anyway, so just keep an eye on the dipstick around the half way mark.

What always surprises people about the old Volvo is its comfort. Volvo were fitting orthopaedically designed seats and employing skilled ergonomicists long before they became fashionable, and the 245 seats are comfortable for hours at a time. Driving position is first class, the dash simple and logical, and refinement inside the car is also good, with 70-80 mph cruising being as effortless and smooth as you could wish.

Downsides really are limited to fuel economy, which ain't too clever at about 25 mpg average, and the fact that it's turned into one of those infuriating cars that's so old manky and tatty that it really should go, but I just can't part with something that works so brilliantly.

Here's to 300,000 miles!!