1988 Volvo 240 DL 2.3 4-cylinder inline from North America

Summary:

I love to drive Volvo and plan to continue doing so.

Faults:

There is a little bit of rust on the bottom of the car and on the right windshield wiper. The rust is a non-issue.

The driver's seat needs to be replaced. It was damaged at the time of purchase.

General Comments:

The car is in great condition considering its age. I bought directly from the original owners, who had raised one child in it.

This car runs like a dream in snowy weather. I was quite surprised at its ability to navigate the icy streets.

I think that the seats are fairly comfortable. The primary purpose of a car is to get you from Point A to Point B and this car does that time and again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th November, 2004

1988 Volvo 240 DL 2.3L gasoline from North America

Summary:

If they still made them we would get another

Faults:

Water pump failed at 80,000 miles.

Steering rack replaced at 150,000 miles.

Starter failed at 170,000 miles.

Steering box replaced 230,000 miles.

Air conditioning compressor failed at 200,000 miles.

Otherwise, only normal wear and maintenance items.

General Comments:

This car always starts in all weather conditions. It is the most solid and dependable car I have ever owned.

Handling is acceptable; braking is very good. Acceleration is a weak point, but it climbs hills well.

At its current mileage, the engine, transmission, and clutch are all original. With regular oil changes (every 3,000 to 5,000 miles) it uses less than 1/2 qt of oil between changes.

The interior upholstery and carpet have held up very well for 16 years and two children.

Front seats are not the most comfortable, but are OK.

Trunk is big and square so it holds a lot of luggage.

Though the car is in a high-salt state (Minnesota) it is only showing small amounts of surface rust at the bottoms of doors and around the rear wheel openings. There is no rust perforation.

Fresh air supply is good, heating is excellent (seat heaters included), but the air conditioning has always been a problem. It is currently inoperable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2004

1988 Volvo 240 dl from North America

Summary:

Very safe and dependable

General Comments:

I have a 1988 240 dl, and I love my car.

Now experiencing minor difficulties, but still very dependable. My 18 yr old son drives a 86 240. He was involved in a car accident, where the other driver ran a red light, causing my son to T-Bone the car. My daughter and neice, (ages 16 and 18 were on the back seats.

Thank God they were buckled up, and came home the same day after the wreck.

I will recommend this vehicle to anyone

!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd February, 2004

1988 Volvo 240 from North America

Summary:

Safe, reliable, and fun, with some quirks

Faults:

A/C is out and fixing it would cost $850 (lowest estimate) due to old system.

Overdrive is broken.

Light for a burnt out headlight is always on even though it isn't.

One tail light is burnt out, can't be fixed.

Alternator and belts broke around 125,000 miles.

Back seat belt covers are busted up from sun/rotting.

General Comments:

This car is super reliable. It steers smoothly, handles nicely, accelerates like a demon, and gets me where I need to go without a fuss.

Its seats are comfy and when you drive it you feel in total control of it - great visibility, great handling.

My only complaint is that there are no cup holders, and the air conditioners are notorious for breaking - I bought this Volvo because the fan in my 78 went out and the price to fix was more than the car was worth, and sure enough the a/c in this one went out too... it's really a hot and sticky car without a/c.

Nice feature for an 88 - power locks, heated seats, really nice stuff. The seats have held up great - no tears, still gorgeous.

I feel safe in it, and it takes a lot to beat one up. I learned to drive in it and the many poles/curbs I hit didn't phase it. Volvo's ROCK!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th June, 2003

26th Jan 2004, 12:34

After reading your list of problems, I relived owning my old 1982 240 Vo... which I miss to this day... despite the list!!!

But I might be able to help with one mystery: 'Light for a burnt out headlight is always on even though it isn't.'

My Vo did the same due to using halogen headlights... which older Volvos can't quite figure out... they work, but car doesn't register the halogen for some odd reason... I hunted and found non-halogen head lights... lo and behold the dash light went out...

Hope that solves the mystery!!!

Also...any screeching Volvo brakes out there??? Try Italian brake pads! I swear by them!!!

23rd Nov 2005, 06:22

The headlight out issue has to due with resistence. The sensor is looking for a certain resistence which the halogens are diffeent than stock.

This info is as reliable as the old man (my father) who told me. If it's wrong, blame him.