Faults:

Power steering unit leaked for a while, but sealed threads with teflon tape and it's still holding 3 years later.

The front seats needed to be replaced - $45 from a wrecking yard.

Timing belt went at 260K - $175.

Replaced factory rotor cap and wires 6 months ago.

Fan motor started making noise for a while, but stopped - fixed itself.

Has leaked a tiny amount of ATF since purchase, but has never worsened.

General Comments:

I am the third owner of this Volvo. Other than fuel, regular tuneups and oil changes, the car has cost me almost nothing in repair costs. Also, most of the DL model parts are interchangeable - this makes finding inexpensive parts a breeze.

It has passed tough California smog inspections without any problems - sometimes producing ZERO measurable emissions!!! - This car is over 20 years old and is still cleaner than almost all new vehicles...

Faults:

When I first got it most of the seals were shot and the ball joints needed replacing. 78,000 Miles.

Fuel Line Broke 79,000 miles. Closest thing I've ever had to a "breakdown" even though the car had been parked at the time.

General Comments:

I am now 17 and I bought my Volvo last year for $700. The poor thing had been neglected by its former owner and only had 78,000 miles (not bad for a 22 year old). It's a little heavy to be considered a speed demon, but since it is a manual transmission, it is endlessy fun to drive. The clutch is solid, and the engine roars like a thoroughbred. I've driven the automatic DLs and they are seriously sluggish compared to the manuals.

I've put a lot of money into it in the last year, but most of it was just catching up on the maintenance.

The one complaint I have about it was that it looked pretty worn when I got it. The paint had oxidized (long ago) and it had been sitting in the sun for about 10 years so the inside was a bit faded. But since then I've gotten it painted, had it detailed, and decked it out with a nice stereo and now it is the ultimate cruising machine.

I love my Volvo very much, and I expect to drive it into the ground. I hope by then I will have enough money to buy a new Volvo.

Faults:

I replaced both fuel pumps after having a intermittent stalling problem. The problem came back a month later. The overdrive switch, front seals, etc... Car never ran well and had electrical problems. The power windows were a problem from the beginning.

General Comments:

I don't blame Volvo for the problems I had with this car, but rather the former owner who did nothing to maintain this car and drove it to the ground. Currently I run a 1984 DL which my sister gave to me. This car is trouble free and a pleasure to own.