Faults:

Heater hose burst at 215,000kms, causing fast loss of coolant. Small part and easily remedied - $5 hose, 20 minutes of my time to replace.

Nothing else.

General Comments:

A real luxury/sports sedan - I've never driven anything like it.

My car has all the options except a sunroof and climate control (that said, the regular air conditioning system is less annoying anyway). Leather on the seats seems extremely high-quality, after all these years and KMs not one scratch exists on any seat. Extremely supportive, comfortable seats, the lumbar support is excellent.

The interior possesses both a simplistic/wipe-clean feel and a luxurious, expensive ambience, and I really like the two-tone black/tan colour scheme. All controls are simple, easy-to-find and within reach of the driver.

The car handles great for the size & weight, although overly enthusiastic acceleration through corners throws the rear end right out and delivers an impressive smoke show.

Goes like a total rocket - mine has the dealer-fitted Turbo+ system, which controls boost more effectively and increases it by about 35% on wide-open throttle, for a huge power/torque increase. Blows off the majority of cars on the road from the lights when running on the right fuel (98 octane).

This car has been phenomenally reliable; it runs just like new, everything works as it should, and after putting 15,000kms on it since I bought it I don't need to do anything, but an oil change & general tune-up.

I paid AU$8500 for my vehicle, which is at the upper end of the scale- and I can tell you it was worth it, most cheaper examples have a few problems, ratty interiors etc.

Would recommend one of these cars to anyone who wants a big, safe, cushy, reliable, safe and above all, quick car. Unless fuel economy is a concern - it doesn't use as much as similar cars with bigger engines (about 3 litres/100km less than a 4-litre Fairmont), but the need to use 98 octane premium makes it a bit pricey to run when fuel costs rise (has never bothered me, however).

Faults:

Water pump needed to be replaced when first bought.

New Rear axle exhaust pipe.

New resonator (also known as first muffler).

New custom done headliner.

New hood (people dented up the old one).

General Comments:

Very, very reliable and rugged car. I've gone into a ditch at 50km/h backwards, and once I was towed out, started up right away, no damage except a little rocker panel dent. Made it out where 4-wheel drive vehicles mainly go.

Fully loaded tank. Power everything except sunroof.

Love this car, big and roomy and not too hard on gas.

General Comments:

If I had to recommend it to anyone I would and I have if you think the same please leave your comment.

Faults:

So far since the purchase, the car has required a new fuel pressure regulator, as well as a replaced Air Mass Meter. Both repairs were quite inexpensive, and were done quickly by reputable Volvo mechanics. Electrically there are a few gremlins which make their presence known every once an a while (i.e horn decides to not work every once an a while, random warning lights may flicker while driving around turns) Interior headliner has gone the way of many Volvo's, in that it has sagged, and in some places has come completely off of the board it was tacked onto. Not a problem though, as it takes only a few hours, and a few bucks to have it entirely replaced. The car seems to have a rare rust problem along the door seems, and the drivers door window frame. I have only seen this issue on a few other 700 series Volvo's, however 17 years of Canadian winters will have their effect on anything, so I cannot fault the car for the rust issue.

General Comments:

I haven't even owned the car for an entire year, and can honestly say that I will more than likely purchase another Volvo product again, and again after that as well. This car has been a safe, quick and comfortable performer that has been great for use to haul my friends and I around to work or anywhere else. It's held up well for the 16 years prior to my ownership, and takes on the mileage very well for its age. Apart from the rust on the exterior of the car, it still looks fantastic when its detailed. The interior is in immaculate condition, not even suffering from the common plastic cracks, and torn seats of typical 80's Volvo's.

The car has never left me stranded, and has never cost me more than what should be expected of a 17 year old car. Many people discredit Volvo's over maintenance costs, however if you pay attention to the upkeep of your car, and find yourself a great independent Volvo mechanic, the repair costs can be kept low, while you still rack on the mileage.

I'd love to keep the car long enough to see 500,000KM on the odometer, but I think I'll treat myself to a newer model sometime in the near future. However, being 18 years old, it's still nice to be able to have so many power features on my first real car. The heated seats even work too!

Overall the Volvo 740 Turbo is a great car to own. While its not the cheapest car to keep around, it is still a solid performer, with decent fuel economy, not to mention great safety and durability. An excellent starter car for any teen, as long as they like their cars boxy!