Faults:

The exhaust has rusted out, perfectly normal for 20 year old car, been replaced with 2 inch system.

Had complete clutch servo failure after engine bay caught fire due too bad injector seal.

Interior showing wear, but still presentable.

Headlight reflectors were replaced last year after losing effectiveness due to age.

Air conditioning compressor has been replaced after original lost all effectiveness due to being 18 years old.

General Comments:

My bright yellow 244GLE has the B23E, 103kw motor with fuel injection.

It had some engine modifications recently, with a new exhaust, cylinder head, high compression pistons, and stage 3 camshaft all helping the drivability and performance of the vehicle. With original 103kw output, this 244 already had class-matching performance, and often beat similar age commodores and falcons off the line from (highly irresponsible) traffic light drag races to the posted speed limit. This is due to the GLE's surprisingly low kerb weight of approximately 1.2 tonnes. Estimated power is now in the region of 127-130kw, with 150-155ft/lbs of torque (approx. 200Nm) and this car will cruise comfortably on the unrestricted speed zones in the NT at 160-170kph (100-106mph) all day with 3 passengers, fully loaded boot with luggage and half the rear seat carrying more luggage, without problems. (have had experience here) Will tow a 770kg trailer with a boat at 150kph without straining.

Top speed is above 215kph (128mph) (possibly 230kph (134mph), but speedo ends at 200kph) and while the front spoiler helps stop the car from becoming a domestic air service, it is still rather unstable at speeds above 180kph (approx. 115mph) and probably would not be safe for extended periods above 180.

4 speed manual with electronic overdrive (5th) is quite useful around twisty bits of road, and this vehicle handles with slight understeer unless under full throttle, in which case it produces remarkably controllable power slides. Still no mini cooper S in the handling department, as suspension is rather outdated, although it does have coil springs all round.

This vehicle also stops extremely well thanks to 4 wheel disc brakes and racing compound pads. Brake cooling is assisted by directed airflow from the front spoiler. Although it would be nice, ABS is not really required due to the excellent job these brakes do, and the excellent amount of feel in the brake pedal allows one to hold the braking before the point of complete lockup.

This vehicle has power steering, air conditioning, and heated front seats. Most passengers are impressed by the idea that the clutch is not required in shifts to 5th from 4th and vice versa, due to electronic overdrive. This car can be used as a quiet, refined, comfortable car to take your girlfriend for a gentle scenic drive (once she gets past the idea of being seen in a volvo),will carry anything (for example past loads include full bootload of firewood, sails, masts, and other such awkward gear) or to kick the pants off many 6 cylinder family cars and anything with a 4.2L holden V8 at the traffic light drags. (extensive research done here) Although expensive and socially irresponsible, this vehicle will remain stopped during static wheelspin for as long as the rear tyres hold out. A very spectacular sight, due to most people assuming that Volvos are complete slugs.