1988 Volvo 340

Summary:

I'm with Jeremy Clarkson on this one...

Faults:

Given to me as a courtesy car whilst my Ford Escort was in for repair (again).

During the few hellish hours that I was forced to drive it...

The dashboard dial cluster fell back into the console (literally).

Wipers failed.

Fuel gauge stopped working.

Speedometer needle kept ticking no matter where it was on the dial. So from what I could 'accurately' deduce, I was doing somewhere between 20 and 30mph.

Brakes grabbed to the left.

Whichever gear it was in, the gear stick had the same amount of lateral movement as it did when it was in neutral, so it was a case of hoping I'd find a gear in there somewhere, and then hoping it was the correct gear.

And that was in the space of about six hours.

My Escort was a truly awful car, but I never wanted that car back so much as I did whilst I had to drive that Volvo. I'd have more street cred travelling by bus.

General Comments:

Calling it a heap of junk would be paying this car a big compliment.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th June, 2017

19th Mar 2022, 16:47

Totally agree, neighbor had one of these 340's back in the day, and to this day says it was still one of the worst cars he ever had. Later Volvo 440 was almost as bad.

Oddly enough, most other Volvo's from this time period (1980s/1990s) had quite good ratings for quality and reliability, probably the best time and cars for Volvo that built their relatively good reputation; certainly most people I know that had an 760 or 850 or whatever back in the 80s or 90s says it was a solid car.

As for post year 2000 Volvo... usually gets a debate going on here as opinion is very divided, some say they are great, others say they are expensive and over complex, certainly electronics wise. Also in recent years they were acquired by a Chinese company, which does not seem to have helped.

1988 Volvo 340 GLE 1.7

Summary:

I love this car; when it breaks down I break down

Faults:

The distributor cap is prone to corrosion and needs replacing frequently.

Generally at the age it is, parts are simply wearing out.

And I can't get spare parts.

General Comments:

One time. It was parked up and got hit by an artic lorry. It got dragged but it stopped the lorry.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2008

1988 Volvo 340 GLE Limited Edition 1.7 petrol

Summary:

RECOMMENDED! Limited Edition Quality Bargain, one to keep!

Faults:

Bought car "as seen" of ebay really cheap... found out it hadn't been serviced for years! Drove well despite needing a new radiator and hardly having any oil in it!

Clutch slipping in high gears at 3000rpm+, copious oil leaks from engine.

Mileometer (but not speedo) ceased to work after 2 days of picking car up!

Heated (leather) seats don't work

Some rust on door bottom corners, slight bit on rear outer arches, and (more annoyingly) steel sunroof panel.

General Comments:

Replaced all engine gaskets and seals, even rear cam seal. Clutch slip was due to oil leaked onto it, cured itself after a long, hard drive.

Plan to cure mileometer and heated seats, and (eventually) sort out the rust.

Fantastic car to drive, quite heavy, but enjoyable. A limited edition GLE (of only 300!) this has alloy wheels, full leather interior and all the usual GLE gizmo's.

I don't know why, but I love driving this car. It's old (always a bonus), stately and (to me, anyway) exudes quality. These cars where slated back then, but compared to a Mk3 Escort and suchlike, feel like a Rolls Royce!

I have many different cars, my main car is a mint BMW 520i 24v... and I love these Volvo's. Praise indeed! Most left nowadays are neglected sheds, give it a couple of years and there will be hardly any left. Grab yourself a bargain battleship whilst you can!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th March, 2004