1988 Volvo 340 Reviews - Page 2 of 5

I've had s light problem with the distributer cap - although its my own fault as the car had stood outside unused for 6+ weeks.

The electrical system seems a bit erratic - sometimes the electric windows or windscreen wipers don't work, but try them again five minutes and they work again.

I would thoroughly recommend this car as a good, solid, reliable basic car which is good driving short distances in town and on the motorway.

Much better than an escort, astra etc - how many of those do you still see around?

I actually like the styling - its different.

Starter failed.

Head gasket failed at 95000 miles.

Various carb problems - seems to shake itself loose and needs regular tightening.

Fuel leaks throughout system.

CVT drive belts failed. These are a nightmare to replace unless you can get hold of the special tool or knock up one yourself.

Niggly electrical problems.

An extremely comfortable car to drive, with good seats and a spacious cabin.

Feels solid on the road and handles reasonably well if driven sensibly.

We have had a lot of niggly faults with this vehicle, but it is very easy to work on (with the exception of the CVT belts) being mechanically simple. The engine bay is particularly accessible.

It is very suitable for the cost conscious owner who prefers to his/her own repairs, although parts from Volvo can be expensive. (Try other specialists first and then ring up Volvo for a laugh!)

Starter motor died, replaced myself in an hour.

Pneumatic boot struts failed (Have to hold boot open with hand!)

Lumbar support control fell off driver's seat : (

Rear shocks failed after 101000 miles.

A few problems with the carburettor.

Rear-wheel drive with enough power to enjoy it when it snows :)

A wonderful motorway cruiser - seems to drive itself provided the front wheels are in good balance.

Keep the shocks in good order and the handling isn't bad.

A small urban tank designed for nuclear winter with a quirky character that should be ugly, but is oddly appealing...

Bad wheel vibration at 65mph was sorted by new tyres and wheel alignment.

Heated seats and lumber adjust haven't worked since I've owned it.

Some rust on passenger door where it was re-paneled 10 years ago. All other panels are immaculate.

Difficult to down shift to 2nd gear.

The previous owner spent over £1500 on it over 4 years. Parts inc. clutch, carb, front struts, exhaust, ignition, brake cylinders, brake pipes...

Will change the cam belt ASAP - just to be sure.

The car was bought for £220 as a 2nd car/work horse for lugging stuff about.

But its so good I've sold my other car and use the Volvo everyday.

Comfortable hard-wearing interior.

With a mix of SENSIBLE town and motorway driving it returns 35mpg.

People have said that the handling is a bit scary in the wet. However, with half decent tyres and if you don't drive like a complete lunatic, you'll be hard pushed to lose it. But you can put the back end out if you want, and its quite good fun.

The brakes are amazing for a car this age, on a par with new cars.

Cheap spare parts are readily available from breakers.

Its not the prettiest car in the world, and has absolutely no credibility what-so-ever. People point and laugh.