1977 Volvo 242 L review from Norway
"I might need to wreck it - or it's going to be my life's all-time-restored classic; I love it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
Recommended reviews
| Simple design but I doubt there's a tougher, more enjoyable, roadworthy, reliable car... period. |
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| The Swedes can build em |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1978 |
| Year of manufacture | 1977 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 290000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 308000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 11th October, 2004 |