1988 Volvo 740 GL Turbo Wagon review from Australia and New Zealand

Some faults turned up at vehicle inspection, and I used them to lower the price substantially:

Exhaust needed replacing - fixed.

Windscreen wiper washer not operating - fixed.

Oil leak at transmission - fixed.

Prop shaft centre bearing carrier rubber was worn, causing vibration on acceleration (new $900), 2nd hand $100.

Rear shock absorbers worn - new replacement.

Badly worn timing belt & 2 seals - New belt 80,000km use.

Wheels wrong size and tyres $150 each - replaced wheels and tyres to standard & front end alignment.

Recently:

(1) Lost gears, replaced shifter swivel pin & extension arm, reset starter inhibitor switch & position rods.

(2) Lost gears, replaced top rod on gear linkage relay unit & reset.

(3) Park lock forced. Car in motion while selecting park (cost $320 to fix). Must stop car before selecting reverse or park with the gear shift!!

Honda's cost $4,000 to replace the park lock!!

This car is a muscle car when the turbo kicks in - unfortunately I have been clocked exceeding the speed limits twice, with fines and demerit points. It is hard to keep an eye on the road and the speedometer at the same time, and the performance needs to be monitored carefully, especially when overtaking slow cars.

The lost gears were due to fair wear and tear, however I did not realise that changing gears from reverse to drive in auto, while the car was in motion, however slight, would cause the parking lock to be forced - causing loss of gears and another tow job.

The car is spacious, leather seats and in good nick for its age. It's great for large families with seats in the back under the rear luggage space carpet for 2, and great for moving furniture & stuff.