1985 Volvo 740 GLE review from North America

Transmission, at 180,000 miles, cost $2,300.

Starter, 3 times in 7 years.

Water pump, 3 times in 7 years.

Sunroof, 3 times in 7 years.

Voltage regulator at 230,000 miles.

Universal joint at 238,000 miles.

Fuel pump relay at 233,000 miles.

Air conditioner, nearly every summer for 7 years.

Cold start problems nearly every winter for 7 years.

Power steering rack stiff in cold weather when first started, returns to normal in 5 minutes.

Rust problems for 7 years.

Clear coat peels off hood.

Though the car has had very poor reliability, it has still been a pleasure to drive.

The seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in. The head rests are positioned so that you can actually use them - novel concept.

The steering is precise and never wavers, which spares me a lot of fatigue on long drives.

The doors and other body panels still fit perfectly at 19 years old, though the interior trim rattles quite a bit.

I absolutely love the appearance of the car. (black is the only color that this model looks good in, due to the standard black bumpers, but when it looks good, it looks great) I've always gotten many complements on it, and people still seem to be too impressed to notice the numerous cosmetic blemishes that have accumulated recently.

As long as I stay away from the dealership, costs for individual repairs are low (with the exception of the transmission). Its only the frequency that gets expensive.

With what I've spent to keep it running over 7 years I could have bought a brand new entry level sedan, which wouldn't be nearly as comfortable or classy.

With what it would take to keep it in top cosmetic shape, I could buy a midrange family sedan, which still wouldn't be as much of a pleasure.

Though it's been temperamental, I fall in love with it again every time I get it back from the shop.