1985 Volvo 240 review from Netherlands

In fact this model didn't exist. When I got it the engine was totally worn out. The space between the pistons and the cylinders was quite suitable as a mailbox, newspaper size. I started to replace the original 1900 engine (B19K) for a engine of an 740 (B200K). There was very much work to do to make this engine suitable for the 240. We had to remove the ignition from the back of the engine and put another type in the place where it has to be on a 240. We did a lot of modifying on the ignition, the carburetor and the vacuum system. We put Koni load adjusters in stead of the original shock absorbers on the back and so on. When it all was tuned the car ran about 200 kilometers an hour. And it still looked like a standard 240!

The car could run on petrol and on Liquid Gas (LPG). When I look through the years the total cost of ownership was just a 22 Eurocent per kilometer!! Off course, doing the maintenance almost by myself it's not quite fair in comparison with the cost of ownership of a car that regularly is visiting the garage, but subtract the amount of money for the costs which are not the costs of the spare parts and you will see the light.there's the truth..!

I kept a database of every repair and all the spare parts needed. Some remarkable facts turned up. At 580.00 kilometers the cylinder head needed a revision, I replaced the gearbox for another (second hand) one at 520.000 kilometers and we replaced the floor of the car underneath the front seats. This was due to an leaking rubber on the place where the electrical wiring came into the interior. I replaced at that time also the electrical wiring on and around the engine. This was a poor construction, due to the temperature of the engine the isolation of the wires was just crumbs. I made a new cables around the engine on the body with cables from the body to the engine. Much better. In later types like the 940 Volvo did the same thing. Following the maintenance scheme oil changes, spark plugs, belts and so on were replaced. Never one problem. I found out one thing, just like the former Volvo's I owned. Spare water pumps last longer than 20.000 to 30.000kilometers. Only the original Volvo water pump lasts longer than 180.000 kilometers. Using original spare parts is essential for good functioning. Third party gaskets always caused trouble, only original brake pads or pads from Lucas (which are made under the name Volvo too) were satisfying. The best tires for overall comfort and safety turned out to be Kleber tires.

I'd liked to make at least one million kilometers with this car, but my White Lady died in an unfortunate accident in which she saved the life of her owner. There were three cars fully destroyed, I was the only one who came out healthy, with not even a scratch. The front and the back of the of the car took the trouble, but the doors opened and closed like new ones.

There was too much repair to do, so I bought a 940, The 240 sedan is hard to become in Holland. But this special one, which made 50.000 kilometers a year without serious troubles on the road will last in my memory forever The 240 is one of the safest and greatest cars I know.