1988 Volvo 240 GL 2.0L petrol

Summary:

A great classic

Faults:

The odometer does not seem to be working.

Aerial does not go up and down.

Mass air-flow meter does not work. Because of this, the car is sometime hard to start when cold and the engine is prone to stall easily (when cold).

Right-hand loudspeaker "died" soon after purchase. Fixed for $40 by the mechanic who sold me the car.

General Comments:

This car is fairly quiet, rides well and is a pleasure to drive.

The wireless has remarkably good sound. It is also quite sensitive, receiving radio stations from near, and far. The A-M section is remarkably good, with wide bandwidth allowing for a rich bass, and clear treble.

The paintwork is remarkable, and has held up well. Looks almost like a new car!

The heater works extremely well, although the air-conditioning does not seem to be working.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd October, 2010

1988 Volvo 240 GL

Summary:

Great and reliable

Faults:

There is some kind of water leaking into the passenger side (left) floor which is causing some electrical problems.

Some plastic buttons and leavers are falling apart and the side door pockets are completely gone.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable and well built.

A little bit slow to accelerate...

The seats are quite comfortable. Although the drivers seat is a little loose.

The air conditioning is not so good but the heating is HOT!

I love that there is so much room in the back once you fold the seat up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2008

1988 Volvo 240 GL 2.3

Summary:

You've got to be joking!

Faults:

Wiring harness needed replacement.

Bulbs blown.

Air conditioning dead.

General Comments:

That is what thought when a mate offered to sell me his 240!

No, not for me. But at the price I couldn't knock it back.

Now I actually like the car. It is a bit underpowered, and doesn't have many options, but you can actually enjoy working on it because it is logically put together.

Not too much has gone wrong. Wiring harness in engine stuffed.

Understeers a bit.

Think the fuel pump might be going- does anyone know if this car has two?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th October, 2006

13th Jan 2007, 04:23

Hi mate, just wanted to let you know that yes those cars do have two fuel pumps. An external and one located in the petrol tank.

17th Jan 2007, 13:57

The car has two fuel pumps, the under car pump is easy to replace, the in tank pump is a little trickier, but by all means an easy fix if you are at least somewhat mechanically inclined. Before replacing fuel pumps though, I would suggest testing the fuel pump relay, and giving the throttle body a good cleaning with a carburetor spray. The throttle body can sometimes become gummed up and will stick not allowing the proper amount of fuel to reach the engine. This would cause sputtering, and typical running out of gas type symptoms.

The only thing that I really can legitimately complain about about Volvo's is the wiring harness, the insulation on the wires becomes brittle and flakes off, grounding out so components won't work. I am unaware of any after-market wiring harnesses that are made with a superior wire insulation. It's a good idea to keep a roll of electrical tape, and a small can of brush on electrical tape in the trunk or glove box.

Good luck.

30th Oct 2007, 07:45

The car was designed to understeer for safety reasons.