Faults:

Air conditioning didn't work at purchase, the cylinder is cracked. Quoted about $1000 to replace. No thanks!

The plastic in interior is brittle, especially the magazine holder in the doors, which cracks if you look at it the wrong way!

Metallic paint all but gone on all top surfaces of the body. Undercoat still there though so no worries about rust, it just looks crappy.

I had to rewire the lights to the tailgate. I have the wagon and the wiring runs through the tailgate hinge. Got a quote from my local mechanic for $1000 (!!!) but took it to the right guys and they did it for less than $100.

At the same time I had to replace a worn bearing in the steering column.

Timing belt snapped at idle a couple of weeks after purchase. I can't remember how much it cost to replace, but it was less than I paid for the car ($800).

After about 6 months of ownership the brake stop valve cracked and started leaking brake fluid. Had to replace it, the part was expensive because it was new and original.

Windscreen wiper motor blew up, replaced it with a second hand one for cheap.

New battery.

The bottom of the muffler is rusted out, but it's not particularly loud.

There's a small ATF leak somewhere but its not a problem.

The speedo is out by about 10%, but I won't bother replacing because in these cars the whole instrument unit is sealed and has to be completely replaced, which will be scarily expensive.

The fuel gauge is temperamental, after about half-way it doesn't read correctly.

I think the fuel injector is on its way out. It sometimes cuts out when you first start up unless you stomp on the accelerator and flood it. You can hear that the pump hasn't kicked in.

Both front seats are stuck in one position. They can move backwards and forwards, but the other 2 adjusters are seized.

To fit a stereo head unit you need a fitting kit. They are not expensive, but kind of hard to come by.

Replaced a head lamp. They are not sealed units, so it's as easy as changing a light bulb.

The glove box doesn't stay closed. A friend of mine had the same car and she had to glue hers closed. I just leave mine open, it doesn't bother me but my passengers get annoyed with it. After it falls down and hits them on the knees a few times though they see my logic.

General Comments:

This is my first car and I will buy Volvo for life! So comfy on long trips. My dad is a total car snob and he reckons my Volvo is a nice ride. High praise!

It is infinitely better to drive than these cheap tin cans you buy new. My mum drives a Hyundai and it is absolutely no comparison.

This car is solid as. I reversed into a pole the other day, and I mean I really hit that pole, not even a scratch. It has this big plastic buffer thing around the front and back so it's a great first car.

The turning circle is amazing, it can get around a smaller space than a car half its size.

She really goes too, especially when you reach the kick-down at the bottom of the accelerator. Talk about power! On the highway she cruises comfortably at about 135 km/h.

Its the perfect road trip car. With the back seats folded down flat the boot is just a bit bigger than a single bed mattress. The car doesn't loose heat at night and with 6 metres of fabric you can make curtains that fit perfectly.

I know it sounds like lots has gone wrong, but it's only ever died on me twice, and once it was the battery. Everything else is just part of its charm.

My advice would be, do your own maintenance if you are able. Buy the workshop manual of ebay get to know your car. They are simple to work on. I'm an 19 year old girl and I can do my own service. Buy second hand parts where you can and only fix things that need fixing, don't be a perfectionist.

Faults:

Only a blown taillight bulb.

Recently the engine has started to ping, it is terrible when I use regular unleaded and so I now have to fill up with premium. This helps, but even still under strong acceleration and up hills the car pings. It drives me nuts! I have asked other 240 owners and the mechanic and people tell me that these cars don't normally have pinging problems so if anybody could assist me with this please leave a comment!

General Comments:

This car is great because it is so reliable and also has some distinction compared to other cars. I think its clean, strong design is timeless and classic. That's one of the main things that drew me to the model.

The upright, sturdy driving position is very comfortable. After driving other cars, even new model Volvos, I always like to get back behind the wheel of my 240.

The car slops around corners (when empty) and the brakes are quite severe, but these are things you get used to.

I really love this car, but I have to admit that sometimes it's boring to drive. It really does accelerate like a snail. I think a manual would be better. Its good to take this car out on a long drive in the country with a full load. In fact the car seems to handle much better when it's full of passengers and luggage.

I love the sensible, understated and rather utilitarian design of the dashboard and fittings. This is a very well designed car and everything is of high quality. It shows in its appearance despite its almost 20 years age. The only interior problem is the brittle door pockets which crack easily. There are also two inconspicuous cracks in the dashboard.

I love the crazy fasten seatbelt sign which flashes and ticks with such urgency until everyone's buckled up! And what about the orange safety triangles with exclamation marks that show when the doors are open?! I mean, as if anyone couldn't see it for themselves! Watch out guys! The doors open! Hazard!

But really I love my Volvo. I thoroughly recommend this model.