1990 Volvo 340 GL review from UK and Ireland

Leaking O/S/R wheel brake cylinder about three years ago - replaced in 15 minutes on my drive for £10.95.

Apart from that, nothing at all.

Don't expect sparkling performance 'cos you won't get it! The fuel economy is reasonable for such a heavy car. The 2 litre variant is harder to find but is worthwhile having as it offers a great deal more poke.

The entire car is absolutely bomb-proof in all respects and will give sterling service if looked after. It is quiet, well built, comfortable and capable of a decent turn of speed once wound up on the motorway.

Be warned that the car is rear wheel drive and the whole suspension setup is vague and squashy so don't even think about razor-sharp handling. If you're planning on taking a bend at a daft speed then you'd best get a couple of cans of touch up and a decent-sized tin of body filler 'cos you'll need 'em..

A word of warning though - visit a Volvo dealer at your peril. They are ill-mannered, charge the earth, perform shoddy work, fit second hand bits as new and have no compunction about sending the spotty apprentice for the Friday lunchtime chips in your motor (I saw them do it). Better to find a decent independent garage and stick to them. If you fancy performing the servicing yourself, then you can look after these cars with a minimal toolkit and only a bit of knowledge as the mechanics are about as basic as you can get.

And finally, after having ridden many, many miles on all manner and description of motorbikes, there's nothing like the grin factor of rumbling down the road with damn near two numb tons of pig iron wrapped around you on a freezing cold morning.