A/C is out and fixing it would cost $850 (lowest estimate) due to old system.
Overdrive is broken.
Light for a burnt out headlight is always on even though it isn't.
One tail light is burnt out, can't be fixed.
Alternator and belts broke around 125,000 miles.
Back seat belt covers are busted up from sun/rotting.
This car is super reliable. It steers smoothly, handles nicely, accelerates like a demon, and gets me where I need to go without a fuss.
Its seats are comfy and when you drive it you feel in total control of it - great visibility, great handling.
My only complaint is that there are no cup holders, and the air conditioners are notorious for breaking - I bought this Volvo because the fan in my 78 went out and the price to fix was more than the car was worth, and sure enough the a/c in this one went out too... it's really a hot and sticky car without a/c.
Nice feature for an 88 - power locks, heated seats, really nice stuff. The seats have held up great - no tears, still gorgeous.
I feel safe in it, and it takes a lot to beat one up. I learned to drive in it and the many poles/curbs I hit didn't phase it. Volvo's ROCK!
After reading your list of problems, I relived owning my old 1982 240 Vo... which I miss to this day... despite the list!!!
But I might be able to help with one mystery: 'Light for a burnt out headlight is always on even though it isn't.'
My Vo did the same due to using halogen headlights... which older Volvos can't quite figure out... they work, but car doesn't register the halogen for some odd reason... I hunted and found non-halogen head lights... lo and behold the dash light went out...
Hope that solves the mystery!!!
Also...any screeching Volvo brakes out there??? Try Italian brake pads! I swear by them!!!
The headlight out issue has to due with resistence. The sensor is looking for a certain resistence which the halogens are diffeent than stock.
This info is as reliable as the old man (my father) who told me. If it's wrong, blame him.
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