Water pump packed in at 18000, clutch pedal broke at 235000, apart from a couple of clutch slave cylinders and blowing sidelight bulbs every month there have been no unexpected bills other than the usual tyres, exhausts etc.
Most reliable car I've ever owned, even with over 200,000 on the clock I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a long run.
Turbo makes it a bit thirsty, I get 280 miles on a tank-full, I'm looking to change it for a late 940 when something serious happens to it. Not as nice looking as a V70, but by all accounts much more reliable.
If you think 200,000 miles is bad your wrong these cars will do half a million I know because I have 1 sat on my drive that has done that,they will last 4ever if looked after.
I'm the second owner of an '88 740 GLE, which I purchased with 130K original miles. I've driven it about 18 months and would not hesitate to drive it long distance. The car has never let me down. I tire out (especially in my back) after a long road trip; but after driving non-stop one way for 4-5 hours, I don't feel the impact of the road trip. This is one car that I look forward to driving..it's fun to drive, and I love the way it navigates, even after 18 years. My daughter is 16 and just getting her license. Although she doesn't like the so-called "old lady" sedans, she says she loves driving the car because of the feel of it and the way it handles. The original dolby radio still works great. It picks up every interval. I've even picked up clearly stations in other states hours away. I like the square wide body, and the square straight windows mean no blind spots. The car is definitely not a sport model, but it is definitely one that is easy to easily become adjusted and attached to.
I've got 350,000 on a Turbo wagon. It is still very fast, but the motor oil has to be checked every week. Some blow-by is exhibited from the dipstick tube. The motor and turbo (probably due) have not been touched other than regular oil and filter changes, plugs, etc.
Volvo parts are pricey and there is not the non-original range as available as say Merc spares.
Apart from the normal stuff, watch the hoses, heater tap, etc, and change before they fail.
Electrics can play up, mostly due simple faults that can be hard to trace without the help of something like brickboard.com.
My wife drives this 740T, but I have been impressed enough to keep with it and bought a near perfect 940 sedan with 205,000 for myself. I converted the 940 to LPG/gasoline and I expect 500,000 on that.
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