1990 Volvo 740 GL review from Australia and New Zealand
"Mostly reliable, long-lasting and safe"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Steering links (both sides) had to be replaced (used independent garage, parts cost NZ$140 each as opposed to NZ$800+ quoted by agents).
Headlining falling down (slowly but surely).
Central locking expired.
Speedo slow to react (kicking in around 40km/h), but fixed at home by dismantling and cleaning.
No engine or transmission repairs needed.
General comments?
Strong mechanically, but ancillary devices (power aerial, central locking) and some interior trim flakey. Bulky to navigate in city traffic, but superb on open road (surprisingly economical too).
Great passive safety - had the misfortune to write the car off (September 2009) after losing grip on diesel spill and colliding on the open road with a heavy-duty fence. Car held up well and I was unhurt. Would have been a different story in my Mazda 323!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1990 |
| Year of manufacture | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 106000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 245321 kilometres |
| Previous car | Pontiac LeMans |
| Date of Entry | 4th October, 2009 |