1988 Volvo 740 GL review from Australia and New Zealand
"Slow, but deadly"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The kickdown cable came loose and the transmission failed, but a basic transmission service was all that was required to fix this.
The instrument panel is failing, one dial at a time - I have a reliable temperature gauge and speedometer. Seriously, though, what else do you need?
After replacing the rotors, the brakes make a noise like a Stuka dive bomber, but I've learned to enjoy the terror this noise inspires in other drivers.
General comments?
Solid as a rock. Tough as The Rock. They uses to crash test these cars by dropping them off a fourteen metre high drydock, nose first onto concrete. The crash test dummies survived.
This car is more comfortable than my living room.
The heating is designed for a country where it snows 3 months of the year, and is like a furnace.
The boot - in fact, the whole interior - is huge. You won't believe how much Ikea you can cram in there.
Other drivers truly fear the Volvo. I don't ask why, I just enjoy it.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Stylish and nostalgic eighties machine |
  | My Swedish (made in Belgium) Panzer. Built like a brick, tough as nails |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 Fuel Injected Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 172000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 180000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Holden Camira |
| Date of Entry | 8th September, 2006 |