1990 Volvo 240 DL review from Netherlands
"A very reliable, safe car, that will run forever!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The usual Parts that wear out:
- The clutch at 230.000 Km
- Braking disks all 4 replaced. 230.000 Km
- Exhaust, some parts. 180.000 Km
-Suspension bushings replaced. 230.000Km.
Other parts
- Broken crankshaft position sensor, car wouldn't start. Replacement was 20 euro. Usually installed in 45 min.
-Oil seal from the engine replaced.
-Headlight reflectors replaced.
-Monroe overload suspension dampers, air pressurized.
General comments?
Overall quality is very high.
The car is very safe and the bodywork is also quite strong. When I reversed into a big three a few years ago (with 15 km/hr), no damage was done! Other small crashes with cars and road signs, not a scratch.
The engine runs smooth and has lots of torque and it gives a decent acceleration. The fuel consumption is also quite good. 1 liter for 13 Km is not bad for such a large and old car. The engine uses no oil or coolant, and it requires very little attention.
The gearbox shifts smooth, but the stroke of the gear leaver is rather long compared to modern cars. Sometimes the gearbox wouldn't shift to the first gear, but after a small repair that was fixed.
The road holding of a standard Volvo 240 isn't that great (huge improvements can be made with aftermarket parts though). It is a very comfortable cruiser, but not really fast on the mountain roads.. The suspension makes the car float over the bumps of the road. The high riding height makes it possible to go where other cars can't. The turning circle is very small for such a big car.
The brakes are very good. With its ventilated front disc's and solid rear disc's, and a triangle divided braking system (Even when a brake line snaps, the car maintains it's stopping power), the brakes never let you down.
A very nice car, a future classic and a very suitable car for transporting heavy goods.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1990 - 240 DL Sedan 2.3L 4 cylinder An unbelievably reliable car |
| For the money this has been a reliable, stylish, classic car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 CC SOHC Fuel Injection Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 80000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 230000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 21st August, 2004 |