1990 Volvo 740 GL from North America - Comments

Replaced the battery, cost $70.

Replaced the alternator, cost $45 after core return.

Replaced the Catalytic Converter, cost $125.

Replaced brakes, cost $20.

Lubricated power antena.

The lever that controls the AC is broken. (Not fixed yet)

Replaced all belts, except the timing belt, cost $60.

I am in love with Volvo's. Before I bought this car I didn't know anything about them. I was a little skeptical about purchasing a vehicle with 133000 miles on a 4-cylinder engine. I am glad I did. The car rides as if it was new. There are no creeks or noises, and it is roomy enough for a 6'2", # 230 driver. It is a little sluggish from the start line, but it flies on the highway. Gas mileage is not great, but that is expected for such a heavy car. I average 24 miles per gallon on the highway, and around 20 miles per gallon on the city. This car is easy to work on, there is plenty of room under the hood. I think the only thing you need to do to this car is change the oil, and make sure the timing belt is replaced every 50000 miles.

I could not agree more with this review! I purchased the same model Volvo with 140-thousand miles on the engine and I have not had a single major issue with this automobile. This

is one of the most dependable automobiles on the road.

I am the proud owner of a 1990 240 DL Volvo. Love every moment of "under the wheel."...bought it new... and would buy another in a heart-beat, if I could find a new one!!!

161,000 miles.

Problem: A rattle under the front part of the car. Is it the converter ?

I see one comment on your Web sit of $125.00 tag to repair. One local repair shop suggested knocking the converter out, but that affects the environment, doesn't it?

Help...

Also, how many times should my car change gears from O mph to road speed?

I am fearful that my car is not changing into it's top gear. How do I determine this changing of gears? My overdrive light is red.

Third, the windshield wipers, last week, starting making a "grinding" noise. What to do?

Thanks...and how do I get an answer to these questions?

To the above comment - I think your overdrive solenoid has gone bad ($142 after-market part). If you are driving 55mph and the rpm is at 3000, chances are you are only driving on 3rd gear.

The relays go bad far more often than the solenoids... about $40. The can be re-soldered. Also, the wiring to the solenoid needs to be checked, especially corrosion in the plug.

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/TransmissionAuto.htm#AW7071OverdriveRelaySwitch.

I have a 1990 Volvo. The AC lever control is Broken. Any idea the cost to fix this problem.

I was just given a 1990 Volvo 740 GL. I know Volvos can handle a lot of miles, but mine has a crazy amount of miles. (250K).But the car rund good and strong. On the same note as the guy whoz car might not be changing gears, my car goes 40mph at abt 3000 rpm. is that OK? also, I just found out that it is good to change the timing belt every 50K miles. I don't know when mine was changed last. How do I get it checked/changed?

I own a 1990 740 GL wagon. For the shifting problem, on my car, I have to let off the gas for the car to shift to any other gear other that first. What do you think the problem is?

If you decide to sell your 240 Volvo, let us know!

$225 catalytic converter: cost: to replace and did

replace ALL the brake lines as they were the originals: $344.

Replaced fuel tank on the 240 due to previous owner letting it go: cost: $740.

Don't know who got their cost to be only $70 or $60, but I laughed aloud as you must have done the labor work yourself! Parts aren't that expensive, it is the labor!!

The 1990 240 also started making an odd noise on acceleration and they never figured out what it was ah!