1987 Volvo 240 GL review from UK and Ireland

Only things to go wrong with the car.

Tail gate electrics packed up completely.

The clutch slave cylinder blew, easily repaired.

I bought this Volvo as a cheap hack and intend to run it into the ground towing large car transporter trailers around the country. So far the swedish brick has defied all my attempts at its destruction. The engine still runs like it is new, consumes no oil and never overheats.

Fuel economy is also excellent, I get atleast 30 mpg if I keep the revs very low and drive gently (not towing of course!). These cars have a bad reputation for drinking fuel, but mine is not at all bad in my opinion.

The cars I tow with the volvo are for racing and frequently I race other volvo estates. They are fine for relaxed cruising, but drive on agressively on a track and you run the risk of it rolling over! These cars can become very unstable when abused!

240000 miles and still going strong, I am amazed at this car. The abuse and weight it has to carry and it still comes back for more. At this mileage it is on borrowed time, but still shows no sign of dying. It has covered many thousands of miles towing more than its own weight without needing to stop to cool off or breaking down.

Soon the car will be consigned to the banger track like its cousins as serious rot in the door pillar and top of the sills has taken hold. Rust on these cars is uncommon, but for some reason 1987 models seem to be a lot more rot prone.

They are very comfortable cars, quite fast and very roomy. Driving the 240 gives you a lot of confidence. The brakes are excellent and so is the steering. Easily the best car I've ever owned. Only problem is, they are slightly boring!

As soon as this one is consigned to history I'm going to buy another. I would reccomend them to anybody.