Faults:

Ac, brake cylinders, transmission, brake drums... the stuff you'd expect from a 20 year old car.

General Comments:

When I first purchased this car sometime in 1982, I only thought I'd keep it for a couple of years. Little did I know that decades later I'd still be driving the same set of wheels, in almost the same condition!

All I can say is this: thank you Volvo. The 240 was a dream come true. I hope to keep her for another 10 years yet!

If you are considering a used 240, stop considering and buy one! You'll thank me later.

Faults:

Very little, aside from ongoing maintenance items (e.g. tire failure once because a low tire wasn't noticed).

Steering rack leaked after we flushed it out (big mistake!). Not recommended.

Had to replace most suspension parts (aside from springs) over the ten years we had the car.

Rust was a minor, but persistent problem.

General Comments:

Very, very solid car. Was rear-ended twice at low speed, and could not find a mark on the bumper/trailer hitch each time.

Volvo seemed to go the extra mile every time in terms of safety and solid construction. I was continually impressed by the thoroughness of Volvo, and that they seemed determined to build a very safe and strong car.

Faults:

The U joint was replaced as a condition of purchase.

Various suspension parts were replaced around 115,000 miles.

The shifter knob popped off at 140k.

The overdrive button failed 170K.

The air conditioning failed at 182K.

General Comments:

The car is solid, heavy, and a bit sluggish at lower speeds. Newer models I have tried (I.e. the 1989 240DL) are a bit more sprightly and fun to drive.

The car has an incredible turning radius, better than any car I've owned except perhaps the VW Bug. It also has a narrow "track", making it more of a world class vehicle, and maneuverable than its wider siblings. It has an incredibly usable cargo space, better than the Saab 900 (although the Saab is quite good too), or the Land Rover we bought recently, and is therefore indispensable as a utility vehicle.

The interior space is airy, with an exceptional view to the sides and rear (minimal blind spots). The car is comfortable for long highway journeys, and gets good mileage.

The car has never failed to start, nor has it ever stranded anyone, at any time.

Faults:

Engine freeze plugs, and nothing else.

General Comments:

Possibly the most reliable used car I have ever bought - virtually no repairs in 40K miles of driving.