1983 Volvo 244 GL review from North America
"This is a wonderful, solid, classic car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
As would be expected for a car with > 200,000 miles, some work has been required. Normal maintenance has been done, including timing belt replacement.
Clutch replaced at 105,000 (still on 2nd clutch now)
A/C failed after about 10 years, never repaired.
Main engine wire harness replaced.
Multiple exhaust and muffler replacements.
Overdrive repaired once.
Sun roof mechanism failed after 20 years.
Heater fan noisy, but works.
Cruise control inoperative.
Windshield washer inoperative.
Clock inoperative.
Leather now cracking, but was good for 20 years.
Fuel pumps replaced (both of them, at different times)
General comments?
I bought this 1983 Volvo 244 GL new in Sunnyvale California in October of 1982. I love this car. The engine runs perfectly, has good power and very smooth, and with 203,000 miles the head has never been off. Once drove four men plus luggage from Palo Alto, CA to Los Angeles and then drove around LA for 2 days before filling up the tank - about 35 mpg with overdrive and 4 speed. Original white paint is still glossy and smooth. I constantly enjoy the way it feels when driving it - it still feels tight and solid. Kept in California only so zero rust. It is quite likely I will restore it rather than parting with it, and continue to drive it, hopefully for many more years.
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| Affordable and economical motoring at a ridiculously cheap price |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1983 |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 1982 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 litre 4 cylinder gasoline EFI Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 203000 miles |
| Previous car | Jaguar XJ6 |
| Date of Entry | 28th January, 2007 |