1977 Volvo 242 DL 2.1 from North America

Summary:

The Swedes can build em

Faults:

When I bought the car, it had been sitting for 6 years. The previous owner never took care of it and basically left it to die on the streets of Manhattan. However the car was cheap and I loved it. After some analysis, I replaced the following: spark plugs, fuel filter, fuel pump, plug wires, vacuum hoses, all belts, valve cover gasket, air filter assembly, battery, steering rack, grille, wipers, blower motor, motor mounts, transmission mount, u-joint, all shocks, exhaust system, tires, cap and rotor, all brake calipers, all brake discs, brake lines and pads, brake master cylinder, tail lights, clutch return spring, ignition coil, coolant hoses. All in all a serious amount of work, but the parts were all reasonably priced, and in the grand scheme of things the car runs better than it ever has. Since I did all the work myself, parts and time were my only fee. Even without replacing these parts, the car still ran and got me where I needed to be without any trouble. Even the gas mileage is incredible between the age and only being a 4 speed.

General Comments:

I love this car, when I bought it it barely ran. Now with all the work I have put into it, the car runs great and is more reliable than my 740 wagon ever was. Even in its worst state, the car never overheated or gave me any trouble. There are still some parts I plan to replace in the near future, but at this point I am convinced this car will outlast me. I am actually scared that this is the last car I will ever own.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2008

1977 Volvo 242 dl from North America

Summary:

I love my Volvo

Faults:

I have only had to replace the alternator once I got it. that was 4 yrs ago.

General Comments:

I think it is going to out live me!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2006

1977 Volvo 242 L 1.9 from Norway

Summary:

I might need to wreck it - or it's going to be my life's all-time-restored classic; I love it

Faults:

The shock absorber in the front right was already broken for 4000km when I bought the car; I still use it because I cannot afford a shift and the car runs well anyway.

Battery was ancient and being empty one morning in the mountains resulted in being towed with a tractor whose big wheels threw stones on my window. I may replace it soon.

Somehow the gas tank broke when driving over a big stone.

Shifted the timing belt.

A trip to Germany resulted in 800 km completely empty for motor-oil; I forgot to check. Amazingly, the engine works, but since then it consumes about 1 litre oil per 500km.

Some rust.

General Comments:

Amazing and outstanding seats and driveability.

Low gas consumption at sporty driving - though the company's not known for building sportscars longer, especially the 240.

Long-life qualities: The interior looks better than in a 10-year-old Volkswagen, the maintenance- and driving costs are very low so one can focus on upgrading the car little by little.

Excellent light quality in the dark - before this car I never liked to drive in the dark.

Easy to park because of it's square-design.

... I even think it's beautiful! No toys such as in modern cars and everything is just like it is supposed to be to make it a good first car for me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2004