1986 Volvo 240 DL Wagon from North America - Comments

Fuel relay replaced (expected).

Alternator rebuilt.

Battery replaced.

Exhaust repair.

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.

I couldn't agree more! The 240 has got to be one of the best all around cars ever made for the person wanting value (i.e safety and qualiity engineering). My 240, although not trouble-free, has been a safe and relatively reliable daily driver. Most repairs have NOT been expensive and are usually quick and easy fixes. My tranny is slipping, which is a big let-down for me, but the engine will no doubt last well past the 200k mile mark. Because the 240 was such an exceptional automobile during it's entire life of production, I really think Volvo should have reconsidered killing off the model in the early 1990's. A modern make-over of its exterior sheet-metal and a redesigned interior based on the same chassis and mechanicals would have been great! All we have to stick with now is older models...bummer.

From: Swedish 1987 240 GLT Owner.

This car is one of the most liked

cars that Volvo has ever produced.

In Sweden it is still very common

due to the high quality and practicality

that is engineered into these cars.

I`m a proud owner to a 1987 GLT

with 110000 km on the meter and it is my

goal to run this car for a very long time.

I therefor only run it in the summer because

the salt used on the roads may eventually lead to

corrosion.Mine was imported from the south of England in 1998 and is subsequently totally free from corrosion.

The engine, although not at all that refined

will last forever if you service it frequently.

It will most certainly last for 400000 km if you

change oil every 5000 km`s.

OK, the engine is noisy and rev`s extremely reluctantly

but it was never built to be a sporting machine.

Cherish and maintain your 240 well because it represents

more than engineering. It was constructed and built as a

"peoples car" for everybody. It is constructed to last.

No part in it is made without that consciousness.

The character and the concept is built with quality

for ordinary owners.

I think that no such no-nonsense car will ever be built again. Those values have gone from most manufacturers

list of priorities I`m afraid.

I doubt there will ever be built a car such as the 240 again.

Surprisingly, to my absolute astonishment, my car is extremely frugal as concerns petrol:

Under 8 liters per 100 km`s when highway driving

and 8.6 liters per 100 km`s overall is below

Volvo`s own figures.

I always drive with rev`s under 3000 rpm and try to

go to top gear overdrive is quickly as possible.

The overdrive unit fitted on the AW 71 auto transmission

is mainly responsible for this economy.

I guess engine life is prolonged very much by low revs.

I also think that the stronger engine on the 240 GLT,

with 129 hp DIN is better overall for consumption is it gets quicker of the mark and up top overdrive gear.

The Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical injection also gains

economy and drivability.

The stiffer suspension on the GLT is better than the normal version, with no penalty in harder ride whatsoever.

The 240 will take a lot of beating, and I guess if you use

it with silk gloves it will last forever!

Change oil every 3000 miles and it will last forever

if you protect it from corrosion.

Peter from Volvo`s country.

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.

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!

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.

.

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.