1990 Volvo 740 TD review from UK and Ireland
"A sensible choice of cheapy banger - as long as you know a good and cheap mechanic"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Drooping headlining, non functioning dash lights, non functioning seat heater, non functioning dash gauges. Electrical faults like this are common on aging 740s.
Some jobs are tricky on this car - the timing belt is a job best left for those who really know what they are doing, as is adjusting the tappets.
General comments?
Make no mistake, this is not a car you buy for performance and handling prowess. It excels as a straight line motorway cruiser. Big, lardy, squishy seats and suspension, it's very much like a Granada but with better build quality. The body is amazingly good for an 18 year old.
So far the engine - which I have read bad things about - seems to be doing fine. It's the D24 VW 2.4 straight six turbo as used in the LT vans. It hasn't used a drop of oil or water and I think it sounds amazing.
0-60 is nothing spectacular, but the mid range pick up when the turbo kicks in is exceptionally good for such a big heavy car.
It has the 4 speed manual box, with unusually, an overdrive-type button to engage 5th. I find it too low geared in 1st and 2nd.
If only the electrical system was put together with the same care as the rest of the car.
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| Reliable, comfortable and BIG! |
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| Great, Heavy on fuel, but the 2.3 engine is powerful enough to cope with everyday driving |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 90000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 120000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Sierra |
| Date of Entry | 1st November, 2008 |