1988 Volvo 240 DL review from North America

Catch up maintenance when purchased with 216,000 miles to include tie rods, ball joints, drive line carrier bearings.

Routine 5,000, 10,000, and 70,000 mile servicing after initial repairs.

Printed circuits at rear tail lights replaced at 285,000 miles.

5 speed manual transmission, got 27-29 mpg highway at 70-75mph.

Handled super after IPD anti-sway bars were fitted.

Lack of cup holders a minor annoyance that made me smile.

This (was) one solid, reliable sedan. As it happens, a good size boulder 18-22 inches fell onto the roadway right in my path at 65 mph. Rainy night in the mountains with traffic at freeway speeds with too little time and space to react. I hit the boulder dead center under the bumper. The Volvo shuddered as the large rock went under. Inspection showed front steering trashed, which explained the stiff steering to the shoulderof the highway. The engine was knocked back to the firewall. The trusty 240 was then towed to a Volvo wrecking yard, so it's parts now.