1988 Volvo 340 GL review from Netherlands
"Not bad at all!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Exhaust.
Radiator.
Timing belt replaced when buying the car.
New distributor cap (solved starting problem and stall of the engine upon the application of power).
Rear tyres replaced (normal wear).
General comments?
Plus:
+ Solid build quality, no rust.
+ Pleasure to drive on the highway (comfortable long distance cruising at 120-130 km/h).
+ 1.7 engine sufficiently quick and quiet (much better than the 340 1.4 CVT),
+ Unexpectedly economical with fuel (approx. 13.5 km per liter).
+ Comfy seats (relatively soft compared to new cars like the Volkswagen Passat/Opel Vectra).
Minus:
- Harsh ride on bad roads.
- Heavy downshift to 2nd gear.
- Dashboard rattles when the engine runs idle.
Verdict:
If you don't care about the image and don't want a racing car, this will do the job. Get a 1.7 or 360 to keep up with modern traffic. Considering the amount of 340's still on the road in the Netherlands, production halted over 9 years ago, this car apparently is built to last (in line with the Volvo tradition).
Recommended reviews
  | Perfect for first time drivers, if you can drive a 340 you can drive anything! |
 | You can't get a better car for this type of money |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.7 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 100000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 112000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Escort (Mk II) |
| Date of Entry | 23rd September, 2000 |