1986 Volvo 240 DL review from North America

When purchased, the engine had a rod knocking due to the front seal blowing and losing oil on the freeway, which in turn spun a rod bearing. Thankfully, the engine didn't seize up. As a mechanic for many years, I was quite amazed at the difficulty in pulling the engine. It took nearly an entire day, mainly because of the way the wiring harnesses are routed through the engine. I originally intended to pull the engine in tact, with the intake manifold still on, but because of how the wires run through it, I found I needed to remove the intake. As much trouble as it took to replace a rod bearing, I sure hope I don't have this problem again! Volvo sure made the bolts on this engine hard to get to!

I've noticed from the original owner's records that she had a major cooling problem. She has receipts for having the cooling system pressure tested several times, flushes many times, and other tests done to determine why it was running hot. No problems were ever found, but eventually she had a new radiator installed, and the problem was cured!

As with most Volvo's I've seen over the years, the brakes squeel a bit, but this is easily fixed with new aftermarket pads.

This car is in extremely excellent condition on the interior and exterior! I bought it from a retired school teacher, who was the original owner. She maintained this vehicle like nobody I've found has in the past. She had regular detailing done, had regular oil changes, kept it mechanically top-notch, and never smoked in it. This car looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor!

Interior is in excellent condition!

Exterior (white) looks like a new car!

The trunk looks like a new car!

Like I've read in others' surveys, this car is a bit underpowered for being so heavy, but it is a very sound car. Like so many other people, safety is what I feel is the DL's biggest atribute.