1984 Volvo 244 DL review from North America

The previous owner didn't keep up with the maintenance on it, so I've had to fix a number of things as a result of this neglect.

First the clutch, rotors, calipers, exhaust, water pump, alternator, and overdrive relay.

Then, I retrofitted the air conditioner for R-134a coolant.

After taking care of these things right off the bat, I've only had to have normal maintenance done.

Great car. I've put over 60,000 miles on it without a breakdown, driven from Indianapolis to Toronto several times as well as commuted sixty miles one-way to work, six days a week.

It gets good gas mileage, has enough pick-up for the highway, and is fun to drive.

My only real complaint is the high price of parts and repairs.

And I know these cars are safe. I wrecked my last Volvo, an '81 240 GL, running off the road, over a gulley, and up a tree. I was driving at about 40mph, and only bumped my head when the car flipped over on its side. After the tow truck had pulled it back onto the road (right-side up) I started it, drove it for another 30,000 miles, and finally sold it with 283,000 miles on the odometer.

I was sufficiently impressed by that experience that I was not turned away by the large amount of repairs this one needed. Being about a $2000 investment (including purchase price and repairs), this car has paid for itself several times over.