1989 Volvo 240 DL review from North America

Occasional rough starting.

Windshield wiper motor replaced.

Overdrive switch had to be replaced.

Exhaust pipe between two mufflers rusted and broke off at one end.

Tail lights go out constantly.

I love this car. It has been owned within my family since it was pulled off the lot eighteen years ago. I inherited it several years ago as a college student, and have had minimal problems. Despite the electrical quirks, it has treated my family and I extremely well!

Most problems with this car have been electrical. Overdrive switch was malfunctioning, randomly taking my car in and out of overdrive (not enjoyable when you're donig 70mph on the highway). Tail brake lights go out constantly, which I believe is due to moisture... this isn't a huge problem because they're cheap, easy to replace, and the inside break light always works.

The stock radio/tape deck stopped working a while ago, which I replaced with a Sony stereo unit.

A few other electrical sensors have been replaced to solve a mysterious problem where the car would occasionally not start. Numerous mechanics were stumped by this, but the problem seemed to go away after we replaced the sensors.

This car is roomy, classic, and is more fun to drive than expected. While it doesn't have any safety features per se, it's an absolute TANK, so I've never been worried about what would happen in an accident.