1985 Volvo 340 GL review from UK and Ireland
"A reliable, comfortable battering ram"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Chronic carburettor problem which meant it stalled fairly regularly. I never had any money to sort it and.
Transmission belt snapped after being abused by myself at roughly 85,000.
Rust started manifesting itself in the front wings and started to eat into bulkhead.
General comments?
Really relaxing, comfortable drive; the 'Variomatic' transmission stress-free and easy to use.
Tight turning circle of 9.2m.
Tough running gear and engine (I put mine up kerbs and into hedges and it never complained. Much).
Looks like a badly styled brick, but quick off the mark due to its transmission (I timed its 0-60 at 11.5sec), despite weighing just over a tonne with less than a litre and half under the hood. Sharp brakes too.
Handles like a lemon, especially in the wet due to suspension and rear wheel drive. This is how I know they are so durable!
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  | Great cruiser and fun in the right conditions |
| If looked after, a good, durable and reliable car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 79957 miles |
| Most recent distance | 89995 miles |
| Previous car | Volvo 240 |
| Date of Entry | 20th July, 2004 |