1988 Volvo 740 GLE from Norway - Comments

The car stopped the second day I had it. I first felt that the engine was vibrating a lot, and was trying to find a place to stop to check what was wrong. Then it stopped, luckily I could roll out of the road without getting assistance. After looking under the hood it appeared that the cap on one spark plug had come off. The most likely reason for it is that somebody looking at the car had taken it off and not put it properly back on.

It has not happened again.

This car seems very modern and looks very fresh for a car that is 15 years old and has almost 350.000 kilometers on the clock.

It is not a fast car, and is a bit clumsy in city traffic. But when you're cruising along on open roads, it feels like a much more expensive car.

The seats are very comfortable, they seem as good as new. Steering and gearbox are both tight and fine after all these years. And the engine just hums along on low revs.

Now that I've had the car for a bit over 2 years I can add some comments.

The car has now rolled 361.000 km, and is still rolling.

It's had a few repairs done. Timing belt has been changed, and brake pads changed once. Some exhaust parts as well. Nothing but normal wear and tear.

One time the car failed me, because of a slack belt to the generator resulting in no electricity. Managed to get off the road before the car stopped, and got help from passers by who had had the same car before.

I'd still recommend this car, especially as a first car, as it's so strong and trustworthy for very little money.

Bought my 1988 740 Gle 1999. Runs like a top... always starts on first crank. Had to replace some parts; motor mounts, timing belt, radiator, muffler, catalytic convertor. Some wear on leather seat on drivers side. Feel safe, quality car and comments on how good it looks; paint has held up well. People are surprised when I tell them how old it is because the inside looks like new. I will run it until the engine stops. Use same volvo mechanic; no one else touches the car.