Faults:

Struts.

Bearing control plates.

Window switches.

Heater blower motor.

Paint fading heavily.

General Comments:

If you asked me to buy a high mileage, european, touring car, it would be the Volvo 240.

This old car (we call him "Max") Has the highest mileage of any car I have yet to own, and It still sings a pretty fast tune!

I can get a good scratch in second gear, and cornering is as good or better than a Benz coupe!

The mileage of gas is incredible, and it just does not want to die. A possible member of Volvos' 500,000 mile club, and a real testament to this fine auto company, and their striving for complete excellence!

I can't get over the steadfast nature of the car, or its ease of maintenance.Why, I have even run the car just about on no struts, and bad bearing plates, and the car refused to fail, in travel.

The nostalgia value is tremendous,when you consider how many families have owned, and loved, the mighty little car!

Look out for the belgian version, it does not do as well as the swede car!

All in all, the Volvo 240 is, and always will be, one of the finest import cars ever to come to America!

Faults:

Got the car as a gift recently. Only problem is badly worn tie rods, but the tie rod ends seem okay.

Hand crank shaft for the sun roof is shot, but I'll figure out how to replace that.

General Comments:

Very roomy and feels heavier than it actually is.

Not impressed with the cumbersome seat reclining mechanism.

The car, for it's age, handles and drives well considering the bad tie rod.

Faults:

The only problems that I ever had with this car is a relay to the rear fuel pump blew, which put it out of commission until we figured out that that was all it was.

Right after that (the next day) the ignition solenoid went.

General Comments:

This car is an indestructible tank. I have tried to kill it through a series of torture tests from the day I got it, and have been unable to get it to the point where it isn't easily reparable at home in one day, even through 3 crashes, and countless rollicks in the woods and fields, as well as countless times being stuck in snowbanks and mud-holes.

I love that fact that these cars are built more like trucks than cars, and I have never felt better brakes (four-wheel disk).

The engine has plenty of power, and is the only part of the car that runs without problem still. But that's not the poor cars fault.

Faults:

Tailgate electronics have all failed.

Bulbs in taillights have all been replaced at least twice.

Muffler fell out at 185000 miles.

General Comments:

In addition to the lack of performance and the fact that the steering wheel doesn't pivot, this has been a very reliable car. The lack of room in the drivers seat has been a bit annoying, and the fact that you can't just turn off the climate control is annoying.

Overall, in spite of these minor inconveniences, this is a good vehicle and has not given me any serious problems. It has always started and has never given me any reason not to want to buy another Volvo.

Faults:

Since purchase in August 2002 has required the following maintenance:

New Battery. Although previous battery was not dead, was done under routine maintenance.

New Fan Belt was required at 230,000.

Air Conditioning was re-gassed on purchase, but cooling fan motor has since departed and I cannot justify the $550 replacement cost for a $3500 car.

Power Steering Pump Hose cracked and was causing the car to stall, replaced by local mechanic for $148. (Volvo hoses are significantly longer than 'normal' fit hoses, hence custom fit).

Rear muffler just replaced at 240,000 for AU $110.

General Comments:

Car has been very reliable on the whole. It has never let us down even though my wife puts the incorrect fuel in occasionally. Works perfectly as a 2nd car which is what we bought it for.

It is great for highway cruising and the seats are very comfortable. Driving position is good as is vision from the car.

Boot space is excellent (ours is the sedan) and has come in great handy when we have moved house.

Fuel efficiency has been impressive despite the fact it runs on more expensive leaded petrol. Unleaded makes it run VERY badly.

I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a safe, reliable daily driver.