1990 Volvo 240 GL Estate from UK and Ireland - Comments

Mainly, IT DRINKS, nothing major.

It is big and solid, a strong box and can take heaps and heaps of punishment as everyone says. But it takes a lot of petrol, 11-15 mpg. If you can afford it go for it, or a BMW will work out cheaper.

I have got 8 Volvos and not one of them is heavy on petrol. And I think they are a really nice car to drive, even though the one I am driving at the moment is an A reg it is the most safe car in the UK and other parts of the world. And when I put a gallon of petrol in the beast it lasts for 3 days.

Yours sincerly,

Mr John Joseph Percival

I have a Volvo 240 DL 2.3l automatic, and I use it frequently for hauling my kids around town. It gets excellent mileage, something must be wrong with yours.

Barbara, Ca. USA

I agree, something is seriously wrong.

I have had a 2.1L carburettor model, which did 27mpg normally, 30 mpg on a long run.

Now I have a 2L injection model which does 30mpg normally, up to 35mpg on a run.

Cliff.

There must be something mechanically wrong with your Volvo. I have owned three 240 wagons and a 740 sedan and the worst mileage (18.8 MPG) I got was on my first 240 which was a 1978 which didn't come with overdrive. All my later Volvos have averaged 22-24 MPG. As for 240s in general, They're built like army tanks and cannot be killed. I once drove that 1978 240 wagon from LA to Denver and back (2200 miles) with a head that cracked near Las Vegas and drank 2 gallons of water every 60 miles for the rest of the trip. A week after returning home, a piece of the head broke off and fell onto the street and I drove the car to the mechanic on steam vapors. The mechanic replaced the head and the car stayed with me another 15,000 miles. I doubt any "Beemer" would be so tough or forgiving.

Richard G.

Los Angeles, CA.

We have owned two Volvo 2 series wagons and both have returned high twenty miles per gallon, even the first being a 265. Your brick was probably suffering from a shot fuel pump or dirty injection system which can just about bring these things to a grinding halt. We also use our current Volvo for towing the family boat and still get fuel figures way above yours. Being a cubic inch man I found the Volvo lacking in bottom end power under load, but this vehicle works on revs not torque so it might be that you were laboring the motor... Who knows? But when you work out how to drive these thing they are a pure 10 / 10 vehicle.

Regards Dale Harvey.

Australia.

Something is really wrong with the car. I Love Volvos. My brother, his G/F and I all have Volvo's. Mine is a 1990 2.3L Auto and it drives great. Not Acceleration, but in handling. Took a turn labeled 25 MPH once at 75MPH. NP. Dead stock. I want to fix it up with suspension mods from IPD soon. Here comes 90 MPH!!! First car, but barely broken in with 153,000 Miles. 300,000 will be an achievement.

My wife and I have a1998 240gl estate it has 1160.000 miles on the clock it has a automatic 4 speed gear box with over drive we get about 25 to the gallon we also tow a caravan with it and we get about 15 miles to the gallon they are heavy on petrol, but they are worth the extra because you now you will get to your destination safely

To the person with the 8 volvs-

Is the petrol lasting 3 days good or bad?

If your car has a carb do this. Remove the top cover off the top of the carb. If there are any splits or tears in the rubber diafram replace. If this is damaged it will cause horrendus fuel consumption.

I put a gallon of petrol in my lawnmower last year. I think its still there.

My guess is that you have a problem with your O2 sensor. That can kill your gas mileage. Mine's at 350,000 km and it still gets 25 miles/gallon in the city and over 30 on the highway.

Hi I just bought a used 1990 240 DL. It seemed to be OK, but now the engine light is on and it is currently only getting 6 to 7 mpg ($40 tankfull gets 85 to 95 miles).

The diagnostic indicates that the O2Sensor needs to be replaced. I am short on cash, and I am hesitant to invest in the O2Sensor and labor. Will changing it really get the mpg up into "normal" ranges?

I bought the 240 because of it tank-like safety, but I am short on cash, frustrated and even wondering if I shouldn't just forget about the Volvo and try to get another car.

Thanks for any advice.

I have a 1990 240DL. I get mid 20's per gallon fuel economy.

My wife has driven this car for 3 years. Have replaced tie rod ends at 250,000 miles, rack and pinion at 350,000 miles.

This car still drives like new, and it looks new as well. No rust anywhere, original black paint is in exceptional condition. Seats with no splits or tears. Engine purrs like a kitten.

It's been one of the best investments I've ever made. I bought it reasonable, have put very little into it. I hope to get a half million miles on this beauty!

Like any other car, taking care of it helps its longevity.

Yes, a malfunctioning O2 sensor would cause horrible mileage, and fixing it should resolve the problem. It's a pretty simple thing that shouldn't be too expensive.

The 1990 Volvo 240 just about the most long-lasting and dependable car model ever made. If you want to buy something else, buy something else... but all modern cars have O2 sensors, and O2 sensors go wrong from time to time on all models.