1991 Volvo 240 Wagon from North America - Comments

A type of electronic fuel dispenser (not the injector) required replacement one month ago ($400)

Various exhaust-oriented components and a mass air meter required replacement five months ago ($2100)

Muffler and tail pipe replacement last year ($600)

Various electrical problems (lights going on and off, dead things) traced to wiring ($300)

Water leaked into car through front ($400 in diagnostics and putty type repairs) ; not sure this is fixed, so I park the car nose downhill.

Minor water leaks into car from right vent.

Electrical safety on shifter has required replacing ($500 -- what a waste, but we live on a hill and cannot risk disabling)

Parking brakes need constant adjustment.

Minor water leaks into car from top of tailgate.

Tailgate cylinders required replacing ($200 and my own labor)

Naugahyde seat covers are worn and torn on driver's side (95,000 miles)

Minor fluid leaks.

Oil apparently leaks from engine seals, causing belts to slip and make noise -- but minor small quanitities.

Nice solid ride, roomy and comfortable.

Parts extraordinarily expensive.

Qualified repair labor expensive and hard to find.

Cargo space excellent.

Engine sounds and feels good and has not needed any repair other than normal maintenance.

Not a turbo -- slow acceleration.

The prices you cited are high. You could have bought parts from "buyeuroparts.com". Some of the repairs should be done by the owner with the help of a manual. I do not suggest the older Volvo's for those lacking basic mechanical knowledge. "it is way to expensive to retreat to the dealer for every little problem."

Hope this helps others,

John V.

USA.

Volvo parts can be expensive, but usually not because of the part in and of itself. Old volvo parts are still fairly common, and when no used parts are available, there are places that offer reproduction or upgrade parts for a very reasonable price. If you feel like your parts are expensive or the labor is at a premium, find another shop. Check with volvo clubs or with other owners.

Lets put it this way:

I purchased my '88 240 about 5 years ago. 2 years in, the alternator went out. I was a starving student, so my shop gave me two choices: rebuilt for $120 or junker for $60. I chose the junker. When it went out last year, I had recently moved and didn't know anyone. Somehow I got charged $200 for a rebuilt part. Don't let it happen to you. find a good place.