This is the fourth Volvo that we have owned, and it is by far the worst. The other three have been wonderful reliable cars, until my sister totaled the 242, and we sold the 244 and the 245. This is the first GLT model that we have owned, and we're becoming to think that we got a lemon.
Odometer never worked.
Loves to eat gas.
Needed new wiring harness.
Pre fuel pump (in tank) went out.
AC doesn't work.
Pretty much every seal on the engine was leaking.
Clutch needed replacement.
Distributer went out.
Turbo seals went out.
Exhaust pipe hangers snapped.
Brake rotors were grooved and needed to be replaced.
Overdrive turns on and off as it pleases, if it turns on.
When this car runs, which it hasn't for a couple of months, it drives beautifully.
Despite such a horrible engine bay, the interior of the car is immaculate.
The turbo, at only 8.9 psi, adds a much needed boost to this slow car.
The previous owner installed IPD anti-sway bars, this helps the rolls in the corners by a large factor.
Totally agree with you! The 240 series is one of the most solid and 'bulletproof' cars ever made, but like any car, if it's neglected and thrashed around, you're going to get problems. Perhaps being a Turbo model meant that the previous owner thrashed it more than usual?
Best of luck, hopefully you may be able to 'rescue' the car and bring it back to good condition - if so, you'll probably see it through to 300,000 miles!
David
(member@carsurvey.org)
The one thing I have to say is this: how can you have replaced the clutch and the overdrive doesn't work? I just thought I'd throw that out there.
It was a rather simple fix, the overdrive relay went out.
What I was going to say is, I have the same problems with mine. I have a brown 1984 240 DL and have come to find out that all the wires are coroded, yay! Also the gas got siphend out of my car and something er other happened and now it seems the pre pump has gone in cause, so my father spent the whole day replacing a fuel pump for no reason, because the thought of a pre pump is well abserd to him, not used to wroking on Volvos. But ya, I feel for ya brother. Boy do I!
I have a 1983 Volvo 244 turbo with only 90,000. The car was my mother's, and it wasn't driven much. I only put about 3000 miles a year on it. The car drives like a dream. I had the option to buy my sister's 2002 Volvo v70 XC; I would rather keep the 1983. My only problem is that the rust is starting to creep out. I hope to keep it as long as possible.
Hey, can anyone out there give me a helpful hint? I was looking at a 1983 Volvo 242 GLT. Yes or no?? Currently I drive a 1999 Ford escort (ick). I would like to get something with less anonymity. Is it a decent, reliable car?
The 242GT is a fantastic car. You need to watch out for the bad wiring harness tho as it's common on all Volvo's up to 88. Also you need to do a very thorough inspection on the body, as these cars tend to get really eaten up by rust if their not cared for appropriately.
Aside from these things, these cars will last you forever (no joke)
I know how you Feel. I currently own a 1983 Volvo 240 GL Station Wagon and I couldn't be happier. This wonderful car has been in "the family" since 1989. I have had it for three years and will see it go to 300,000 miles in a few weeks.
These cars will go forever, but maintenance is very important.
In addition, the same problems have occured with: the exhaust hangers falling off, overdrive being hormonal, wiring harness problems, fuse box problems and pre-fuel pump issues. At least half of this comes from old age. The other half could possibly be malfunctions in the initial design of the car.
I have test driven a variety of new cars and surprisingly would still prefer a Volvo. I would recommend this car to
everyone. They are excellent "learning" cars and are bullet-proof.
One other important factor- Volvos are a deterrent to cops (I kid you not). Cops will ignore you if you are in a Volvo (even if you are breaking the speed limit).
Excellent, Excellent cars! Well built. Too bad they aren't made as well anymore.
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