1989 Volvo 740 Turbo HP Intercooler review from Australia and New Zealand

Heater hose burst at 215,000kms, causing fast loss of coolant. Small part and easily remedied - $5 hose, 20 minutes of my time to replace.

Nothing else.

A real luxury/sports sedan - I've never driven anything like it.

My car has all the options except a sunroof and climate control (that said, the regular air conditioning system is less annoying anyway). Leather on the seats seems extremely high-quality, after all these years and KMs not one scratch exists on any seat. Extremely supportive, comfortable seats, the lumbar support is excellent.

The interior possesses both a simplistic/wipe-clean feel and a luxurious, expensive ambience, and I really like the two-tone black/tan colour scheme. All controls are simple, easy-to-find and within reach of the driver.

The car handles great for the size & weight, although overly enthusiastic acceleration through corners throws the rear end right out and delivers an impressive smoke show.

Goes like a total rocket - mine has the dealer-fitted Turbo+ system, which controls boost more effectively and increases it by about 35% on wide-open throttle, for a huge power/torque increase. Blows off the majority of cars on the road from the lights when running on the right fuel (98 octane).

This car has been phenomenally reliable; it runs just like new, everything works as it should, and after putting 15,000kms on it since I bought it I don't need to do anything, but an oil change & general tune-up.

I paid AU$8500 for my vehicle, which is at the upper end of the scale- and I can tell you it was worth it, most cheaper examples have a few problems, ratty interiors etc.

Would recommend one of these cars to anyone who wants a big, safe, cushy, reliable, safe and above all, quick car. Unless fuel economy is a concern - it doesn't use as much as similar cars with bigger engines (about 3 litres/100km less than a 4-litre Fairmont), but the need to use 98 octane premium makes it a bit pricey to run when fuel costs rise (has never bothered me, however).