The radiator had failed but I knew that when I bought the car so I was able to knock £100 off of the price. The new rad was £113 but I fitted it myself and got £15 back from the dealer when I returned the old part.
Clutch master cylinder started spewing fluid down the clutch pedal. The new part was £96 and I fitted it myself.
Rear number plate lights were inoperative when I accquired the car but a quick clean up of the connectors in the tailgate cured that.
The rev counter an clock intermittently fail to function (although the clock comes back to life with the ignition off) - probably an iffy earth somewhere but I'm not too bothered as it doesn't really affect driveability and I didn't expect a Rolls Royce for £450.
The rear exhaust is starting to blow slightly and an area about 3" square needs welding on the floorpan under the drivers seat (although Mr M.O.T. wasn't concerned with this and recently passed me with a clean bill of health...) which I will repair myself.
I wanted a cheap car with a large carrying capacity. I was attracted to the Volvo as you get the most car for your money and I learned to drive in an older 2.1L 240 estate.
It is very comfortable with heated seats, power steering etc.
This one is equipped with the auxiliary seats in the boot so it could seat 7 - I don't need these so I may remove them and sell them on as they are advertised for £150-200 in the Volvo Owners Club Magazine classifieds.
The upper body is in very good condition with no rust or dents and most people are amazed that this car is 16 years old.
It drives very well with no rattles or knocks, although the heater fan can be noisy to the point of annoyance. Other 200 owners I have spoken to say this is common.
I'm very happy with the old girl and will definitely get another Volvo next, possibly a 740 or 940 estate.
The only fly in the ointment for me is fuel consumption in the low 20's about town and low 30's on a run - if you drive like a nun.
I defy anyone to find a new car with the same spec, engine size, carrying capacity or status (hey, its a quality car remember) for significantly less than £20,000.
HEY! here I am with what seems to be the oldest volvo 245 in Birmingham maybe uk, body almost immaculate except for slight rust to rear wheel arches which is in the process of being rectified, new brake pads all round, tip here, remove the boots that cover the caliper pistons and greese generously with red rubber greese and you shouldn't have problems with seizing pistons (pricey) replace boots. new engine oil seals (were all leaking) 129,000 miles soldered connections for overdrive relay easy job! new rear rubber bushes on trailing arms tough job! had to make pulling tool to fit them and you have to make sure you fit them the right way around that is from the centre of the car outward!. decoked engine had new injector seals fitted new clutch (because of leaking rear engine oil seal) clutches seem to last indefinately on these mean machines! new clutch and brake master seals replaced slave replaced on cluth, had to fill with fibreglass rear bottom wheel arches to sill, should have fitted as standard arch guard same as front! new timing belt, new exhaust, a shear must do to greese all window winder mechanisms!
The car is amazing comfy powerfull stylish spacious my only down part of the car is to the fuel consumption and that the power steering has given up to boot need 300 pounds to get recon pump and rack, but desperately needs doing as the car is heavy it is an old T registrated car making it 1980 produced since overhaul in 2000 car drives like new! 144,000.
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