1986 Volvo 240 240DL 2.3 Liter from North America

Summary:

Low tech and reliable

Faults:

This car is an anonomly. I bought it with only 30,000 miles on it.

After a few months, it began running really rough. A local mechanic couldn't figure out what to do. I thought it was going to to get expensive. My local Volvo dealer figured the problem out quickly. The mass air meter was shot.

A tune up and mass air meter later I was back up and running. Total cost: $600.

I'll keep you all informed about the upkeep costs I incur in the future. By all accounts, this is a good car. It runs as well as my Nissan did. It looks great. It just feels safer.

General Comments:

The downside is easy to find. This thing is boxy and slow. Plastic parts crumble and fall off daily. But it chugs along faithfully and cheerfully.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st June, 2003

1986 Volvo 240 DL 2.3 from North America

Summary:

SOLID, and safe

Faults:

Had to replace the Timing Belt, but this is an expected service every 50,000 miles. Other than that, no other problems.

General Comments:

I am very pleased with this my 3rd Volvo 240, the others were taken over by family members when they saw how good the vehicle was in bad weather, and how safe they felt. I decided to buy a Saab. Another great car, but my love will always be the Volvo 240 series, and then the Saab. While other cars have airbags and other new safety features, the 240 has been saving lives with out the use of them. Good design, smart thinking, and manufactured by people who care what comes off the manufacturing line.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2003

1986 Volvo 240 GLT from Netherlands

Summary:

The best car I ever owned

Faults:

The car (station wagon) is regularly moth balled as I work abroad.

Once I had a leaking water pump seal. I believe because it did not run for a years and there was some corrosion.

The whole exhaust is still original after 15 years.

General Comments:

Its an extremely reliable car.

It does not corrode. After 15 years the only corrosion spot is inside and a pinhead size.

It gives a very solid and safe feel.

The seats are as in no other car I had, they support the back very well and you don't get tired.

The alluminium wheels are difficult to keep clean and corrosion took its toll too early.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2001

1986 Volvo 240 DL Wagon 2.3L from North America

Summary:

Hail to the Volvo 240

Faults:

Fuel relay replaced (expected).

Alternator rebuilt.

Battery replaced.

Exhaust repair.

General Comments:

This is my third Volvo (240 series) vehicle and I am convinced that the 240 is one of the best vehicles ever to be produced.

When regularly maintained, these cars will last forever. Our wagon still drives and feels like new at 240,000 km when most other vehicles are making their way to the junkyard.

Hail to the Volvo 240. It's a shame they stopped producing them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2001

25th Mar 2006, 00:01

I love my Volvo. I have only been driving it for about a year now myself, but I was a passenger for many years before then. I can truly support the longevity of these Swedes, my 1986 240 DL has 220000 miles and the odometer has been broken for the past 3 years. But while my reliable 240 is still a great car I am in college and I do find my car lacking in horsepower. I have been in several instances when my inability to accelerate has put me into some dangerous situations, especially with 5 people in the car. It is for this reason that I am beginning a project to revive the powerhouse of my stout yet lacking car with a Volvo engine of the same year and specs, but hopefully after tuning with ~160-180 horsepower. Hopefully some of these modifications and an engine rebuild will give me some better mpg too. I was looking into buying the new C30 for Volvo it looks really nice, but a little out of my price range and until I can get the money my 240 will get me wherever I need to go. Volvo for life.

14th Apr 2006, 14:20

You must have a lot of time on your hands if you are going to start a project to put a new engine into a 21 year old car!

14th Sep 2007, 00:28

I just bought one of these, I don't find them terrible underpowered, it's not a speed demon, but I've gotten it up to 160/170. I don't see why I'd want to go much faster. It runs very nicely at 140 which is all you'd really want to consistently do.

I love my baby and hope she lasts forever. I bought it about 2 months ago now, and have taken it almost 4000 kilometers with no problems at all.

19th Sep 2007, 15:27

Hello out there in Volvo Land, I will learn to drive a car soon. I may possibly buy a Volvo. Please say a little prayer for me, so I will be a good and safe driver, and my travels will be safe from crummy drivers.

Thank you,

Pat, from San Diego.