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1989 Volvo 780 4 cyl turbo from North America

Model year1989
Year of manufacture1989
First year of ownership2009
Most recent year of ownership2009
Engine and transmission 4 cyl turbo Automatic
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 9 / 10
Comfort marks 10 / 10
Dealer Service marks 3 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.8 / 10
Previous carHonda Legend

Summary:

Best bang for your buck

Faults:

Rust spots seem to be the biggest problem. Whoever bought the car lived up north as the salt had its way with the car. The body and the interior are holding up very nicely.

The previous owner used it as a race car because the gas tank is in the trunk. It's super quick and responsive on the road.

This is my second 780, and they all seem to be just alike with the same problems.

Overall, I cruise with the best automobiles on the road everyday. The only difference is I have my title (car is paid for) and the BMW's and Mercedes I pass do not. LOL.

General Comments:

Where else can you own a vehicle built by Bertone. The car says Italian coming down the street. The cabin is super cosy and inviting. If I could buy up all the Bertone 780's I would. Bottom line.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th December, 2009

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8th Jan 2012, 11:56

I'm looking for a 1989 Volvo Bertone black, front end lower cover plate. Not sure of name, it is the plastic cover under the bumper it is like a spoiler. Please advise if you can help. edwin.mckesson@gmail.com

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In reply to 8th Jan 2012, 11:56

9th Jan 2012, 13:33

This is called the front 'air dam' and are hard to find. You might try http://www.vandsautodismantlers.com/ since they are most likely to have or know where to find it. Good luck, I have a 91 Pearl Blue with charcoal interior, great car, 232K miles, and still runs & looks like new.

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1988 Volvo 780 2.8 from North America

Model year1988
Year of manufacture1988
First year of ownership1998
Engine and transmission 2.8 Automatic
Performance marks 5 / 10
Reliability marks 2 / 10
Comfort marks 6 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 1 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
3.5 / 10
Distance when acquired89000 miles
Most recent distance121000 miles

Summary:

Probaby not the car's fault. The previous owners absolutely did not care for this car

Faults:

Failed items:

R/H window motor

Power antenna

Power seats

Dome light

Transmission

Unknown source battery drain

Unknown source electrical power cutting completely out

Water still leaked into interior after many attempts to find the source

Oil pan gasket

Timing chain cover gasket 2X

General Comments:

The BIGGEST POS I have ever owned. It drove and handled very well, I have to give it that. I liked driving it, that's the only reason I kept it so long.

I took it off the road twice for months and attempted to fix the electrical issues. The Swedish schematics left a little to be desired. I should have gotten rid of it after the transmission failed. After the second timing cover gasket failure, I could not justify putting more money into it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th November, 2009

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25th Nov 2009, 16:54

This is a 21 year old car, what did you expect?

I had a 740 and had a lot of issues, but she was 18 years old and had 175,000 miles on it.

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26th Nov 2009, 00:31

If you have owned it from 1998, and all that has gone wrong is what you stated, it was a highly reliable vehicle.

I'm sure you needed to replace tires and other routine wear parts like brakes, coolant, oil,... etc.

As for the electricals, you should have found a good automotive electrical specialist and they would have found your issue.

I have a 91 turbo 4 with 226,230 miles and it is in near perfect condition, mechanically, and cosmetically after nearly 19 years. It has its original paint still, Blue Pearl (407). These cars were built by Bertone in Turin Italy and yours probably sold for $39,000 US dollars when new in 1988. The materials and quality of construction reflected this price tag. The entire interior was covered in leather, including the side panels with real wood inlay panels. It was a top notch touring car, and as you noticed the ride and handling reflected this fact.

With ordinary proper care and maintenance, these cars are nearly trouble free, but the V6 needed meticulous oil changes and gasket checks as you found out. My Volvo mechanic loves mine nearly as much as I do. So, you're right, it's not the car's fault...

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1991 Volvo 780 Coupe B230FT+ from North America

Model year1991
Year of manufacture1990
First year of ownership2001
Most recent year of ownership2009
Engine and transmission B230FT+ Automatic
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 10 / 10
Dealer Service marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 10 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
9.2 / 10
Distance when acquired153234 miles
Most recent distance224706 miles
Previous carHonda Civic

Summary:

Bulletproof durability

Faults:

Alternator bushing at 156,000.

Brake pads at 170,000.

Ignition ballast at 198,000.

Transmission center mount 210,000 (found at 210K service).

Fuel pump at 212,000.

Plastic heater valve blew at 219,000.

Normal routine maintenance plugs, wires, wire clips, oil changes, tires,...etc.

General Comments:

Great handling and riding and quite peppy for a 2.3L four. Not so great gas mileage, 18 town, 22 highway.

Interior is roomy, luxurious and comfortable for four.

The Blue Pearl exterior paint is original and still looks brand-new.

Rock solid reliability. The best car I've owned, and I've owned a Lexus LS400, Cadillac ETC and have owned Honda, Toyota, Nissan and other Volvos.

The turbo in the car is the original as are the Nivomat rear shocks. The dealer was amazed that these were still in good condition when they inspected it at its 210K servicing. I use nothing other than Mobil 1 Extended 5-30 on a 1yr/12,000 mile change interval.

I love driving this car, and intend to own it until either it is totaled or I am...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2009

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