1984 Volvo DL Wagon review from North America
"Overall a mid to low end vehicle, rugged, with a roof rack it is a good alternative to a minivan"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine bottom end went at 280,000.
Universal joint failed at 315,000.
Seat lumbar support broke at 268,000.
Power steering rack, leaked badly at 270,000.
Radiator blew-up at 290,000.
Floors and rear quarters rusted through.
Hatch door rusted badly around glass.
One rear brake caliper seized at 268,000, then other at 314,000.
Ignition coil failed at 298,000.
Some gears hard to shift into, 2 from 1 under acceleration.
Carburetor top blew off from a random backfire.
General comments?
Luggage storage space is huge, especially with the rear seats down.
Seats very comfortable when intact.
Interior simple on the edge of austere.
Excellent visibility all around, but for a taller person.
Strong trailer puller, due to high rear end ratio.
Fuel consumption declining as mileage increases.
Strong and stiff body.
Mediocre handling with standard size tires.
Very strong suspension, it handles 3x the recommended load rating.
For an European car, parts are extremely affordable and easily available.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1984 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.1L carburated Manual |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 265000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 315000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Mustang |
| Date of Entry | 23rd August, 2004 |