1988 Volvo 740 GL review from Australia and New Zealand

Nothing serious. However, it is presently sleeping at my friend's house. Yesterday, it would not start, though it is turning over. This is the first time it has broken down. As a preventative measure, after I initially purchased it, I replaced a number of worn and tatty parts with those from the lovely 740 I previously owned.

This is my second 740. My first one was an immaculate looking automatic '86 GLE which unfortunately had gremlins in the electrics. When I decided to get rid of it, this 5 speed '88 model happened to come up. I grabbed it, as these later models have better electrics; also it is VERY unusual to find a manual non-turbo 740 in Australia. While the car drives in a much more spirited and satisfying way than the auto; unfortunately, I have discovered that this car really hasn't been very well looked after. It's interior was very untidy (I replaced it with the gorgeous leather from my other one), which suggests it had had a hard life. And now that I have owned it for three months I have learned more about it. This one rides very rough and there are a few odd mechanical noises coming from beneath the car. So, I will replace the shocks all round and take it from there, I feel this one will be gone soon and that will be the end of my Volvo life. Anyone considering one of these 'simple' 20 year old Volvos, should prepare for the costs of old age. It's time to go Japanese I think.

Update two years on:

I still have this lovely old 740. Sometimes I want to replace it with something cuter and newer, but my love for it seems to be enduring. I have done many things to it over the past couple of years, possibly spending too much money on it in the process, but all in all, it's been a very worthwhile car to own and I don't think she would think of letting me down anymore. Major things repaired have been the heater matrix (now good) and aircon (still bad). I did replace all the shocks too, but it still travels quite harshly, especially compared to my previous 740, although on the highway it is fine. I fitted lovely 205/60 R15 Bridgestone Turanza tyres last year which helped a lot with grip as this manual 740 likes to get up and go!