1974 Volvo 145 L B20

Summary:

True workhorse

Faults:

Changed brake pads, some bushings in the rear axle, rear muffler and burnt wiring for the rear lamps. Changed radiator after the front was hit by a stone and it started leaking. Some rust in the doors and wheel arches, but nothing serious.

General Comments:

Used as a work car for building materials and garbage. Extremely robust and well built, can take a lot of abuse. A lot of room. Paid 800 Euro for it back then, now these go for 10-15 times that. Crazy to think about, considering we used it as a disposable object then.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2026

1971 Volvo 145 Deluxe B20A

Summary:

Cheap and simple ride, endless space and style

Faults:

Rust around windshield leads to leak.

Rear brake calipers need overhaul.

Windshield wiper motor was short-circuited when it fell apart, could easily be fixed. But lots of work hours, hidden behind dashboard.

Valve troubles, probably need replacement. Car drives anyway.

General Comments:

Unusually much space - little technology to hide, so you can actually stretch your legs everywhere, or carry 1 passenger + dining table with eight chairs inside the car.

It is very comfortable!

Style - everybody loves the car, and forgets that its performance is still that of a basic 60s car.

Very, very easy to maintain, any farmer anywhere can help you when in trouble.

Cheapest car I have ever owned! But the to-do-list is growing, so I need to upgrade to something else.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2010