When I first got it most of the seals were shot and the ball joints needed replacing. 78,000 Miles.
Fuel Line Broke 79,000 miles. Closest thing I've ever had to a "breakdown" even though the car had been parked at the time.
I am now 17 and I bought my Volvo last year for $700. The poor thing had been neglected by its former owner and only had 78,000 miles (not bad for a 22 year old). It's a little heavy to be considered a speed demon, but since it is a manual transmission, it is endlessy fun to drive. The clutch is solid, and the engine roars like a thoroughbred. I've driven the automatic DLs and they are seriously sluggish compared to the manuals.
I've put a lot of money into it in the last year, but most of it was just catching up on the maintenance.
The one complaint I have about it was that it looked pretty worn when I got it. The paint had oxidized (long ago) and it had been sitting in the sun for about 10 years so the inside was a bit faded. But since then I've gotten it painted, had it detailed, and decked it out with a nice stereo and now it is the ultimate cruising machine.
I love my Volvo very much, and I expect to drive it into the ground. I hope by then I will have enough money to buy a new Volvo.
Hi there! I have a 1985 240 GL and its almost in excellent condition and its 4 speed overdrive. Keep this Volvo you got now and don't buy a new one!
Cheers!
Ken from Alberta Canada.
Hi, I was wondering if you still have your 1981 Volvo. I have an 1981 DL - I am the original owner. My Volvo has never left me stranded anywhere in 28 years. It is a wonderful simple car. It has 192000 original miles. It has always been in a garage and is in amazing shape. I had all of the services done for all of these years. These old Volvo's are the best.