1989 Volvo 740 GL 2.1 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Volvo is the best - mid class BMW

Faults:

Air heater leaks water.

Water shutoff switch fell apart.

Clear coat peels off of the hood.

Fuel indicator works intermittently, as well as mileage count, so it is not 160K, but close to 200K I suppose.

General Comments:

Awesome car for $1500.

I drove it all across America: Texas to California and back, Texas to Seattle and Seattle to Florida. No problems whatsoever.

Engine overheated in California mountain pass, but still worked well with air heater on.

Steering wheel a bit stiff and tends to turn right.

Too little engine, but very durable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2005

1989 Volvo 740 GL B200E from France

Summary:

One of the best cars ever made. I am 53, in good health and it will probably outlast me.

Faults:

The clutch master cylinder got a small internal leak at 180000kms - cheap and easy home repair.

One of the handbrake cables broke (under the hand of an athletic friend) at 240000kms.

Alternator brushes died at 290000kms (again, extremely cheap home repair).

Warning lights switch broke at 180000kms.

Ceiling fabric is beginning to get loose at some places (not very serious for the moment, but this will have to be fixed some day).

Replaced two steering ball joints at 230000kms (easy home repair).

Replaced both headlights at about 150000kms - they are dead again (reflector gets dull).

All the rest has only been normal maintenance (engine and transmission lubricant, brake pads, bulbs, tyres, fan belts, timing belt replaced at the recommended intervals).

General Comments:

This car took an unusually high mileage before the engine gave its full power. The 2.0 litre injected engine is a bit of a limitation, but it is very smooth and reliable, and will give a good push if revved up.

The overall design is very good, and build quality exceptional. Unlike more recent models of the same make, this design allows a reasonably competent owner to perform about every maintenance operations without special tools and with fast, easy mechanical access.

Excellent ride and comfort on long travels. Among the most comfortable cars I know, although the seats are not quite as good as on the Volvo 140.

On the snow, it needs some extra weight in the boot and will not hold quite as well as its volvo ancestors.

My only serious criticism is about the headlights: low quality and bad lighting.

In spite of this couple of issues, this car runs like dream, works and looks like new and is a delight to drive. If I broke it in an accident, I would not buy anything, but the same model second-hand.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th November, 2004

1989 Volvo 740 GLE 16v from North America

Summary:

I love this car and wish they still made them

Faults:

In 1994 the computer was replaced. Paid $1000.00 including diagnostics.

1998 Air conditioning system totally replaced after finding multiple leaks.

1999 Positive Battery cable melted (fire hazard) replaced without incident.

Headliner hanging in 2003. Replaced with a "do it yourself kit" It looks like the original from the factory & I saved $300.00.

All other "things gone wrong" are typical of a car needing routine maintenance, such as Brakes & Tires.

General Comments:

Solid, dependable & comfortable car with good visibility.

Survived without a scratch in a 5 car pile-up. All other cars were heavily damaged.

Leather seats and exterior finish are still looking good.

Four studded snow tires make this car handle beautifully in the snow.

Does not leak or burn oil, has had no major engine work, and has no rust.

This is the nicest "old car" I have owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th October, 2004

27th Nov 2004, 15:32

Hello!

I'm a fifteen year old boy from Goteborg, Sweden.

I totally agree with you. I think the Volvo 700-series is the best car series ever made. The best ones are the 780 and the 740 Turbo -90. I have been grown up with Volvo cars and I can't find any car that I love more than the 740.

1989 Volvo 740 GL from North America

Summary:

Lovable, despite warts.

Faults:

Excessive vibration.. Had motor mounts replaced.

Rear Headliner sagging... Used 8 small powerful magnets to hold liner up to roof. Works great!... at least until liner starts to tear. My previous 740 had same problem... liner sags, rots and tears..

General Comments:

Not quick off the starting line!!

Comfortable highway ride.

Rolls with luxury feel. Feels massive and safe.

Interior plastic parts snap, crackle and pop...

Exterior paint and trim is excellent. Looks great with a polish!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th August, 2004