1977 Volvo 242 DL review from North America

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.

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.