1982 Volvo 244 GL review from Australia and New Zealand
"Cheap, reliable, fast. Why ask for more?"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
- Nothing major as of yet - however I only bought it 4 days ago.
- It leaks a bit of something oily in the morning - however there is always only one drop and we think it might be from the gearbox.
- Coming home recently, the gearbox would not engage into gear. When it eventually did, the car ran extremely rough. After five minutes, the car ran fine again till I got home.
We think this problem might have been due to the reverse gear lock malfunctioning and locking the gearbox.
- The left hand rear seatbelt is terrifically reluctant to engage. It is stuffed.
- It idles both highly and a little roughly - this is nothing cleaning the points and plugs and changing the leads can't fix.
General comments?
- This is an absolutely spectacular car. It is built like a tank. I feel very safe in it both as a driver and a passenger.
- Don't ever let anyone tell you this car is slow. The 2.3L engine goes like the clappers and accelerates like a dream, in the manual at least. It also has a go forever reputation, and I can testify for that so far.
- Economically wise, I can't complain. It is a family car, so consumption figures of around 10L/100km for city cycle and around 9-9.5L/100km highway is not to be sneezed at for a car this size. With prices at what they are, it takes around $50 to fill a tank.
- It is a good learning car. I found the clutch to be nice and light, as was the accelerator. Four wheel discs stop the car in a hurry.
- The lack of power steering is noticeable, but not annoying.
- I would recommend it as a first car, second car or family car for anyone who is seeking it - a reputation I am sure Volvo drivers everywhere could testify for.
Recommended reviews
| 1982 - 244 GLE 103kw, 2.3L, B23E, naturally aspirated A decent performer, a useful all-round all-purpose vehicle, B23E motor is pick of the bunch |
|
| Amazingly good - regardless of age and mileage |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1982 |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3L petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 212110 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 212160 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 23rd December, 2007 |