Faults:

Starter went around 275,000 miles, replaced the distributor cap around.

The same mileage along with the spark plug wires. general things like oil.

And filters... all in all a reliable solid car... oh kind of a rust problem as.

Well.

Faults:

The heater blower motor was replaced under warranty at 25,000 miles.

Replaced the water pump at 64,700 miles.

Replaced the ball joints at 80,300 miles.

The odometer quit at 114,500 miles and I replaced the gear.

I replaced the tailgate struts at 115,000 miles to keep from getting hit in the head any more.

Both windshield washer pumps went south and I replaced them at 115,500 miles. The internal gears were gunked up and seized. Lesson -- use windshield washer liquid and exercise the pumps once in a while.

I'm not including normal stuff like batteries, bushings, mufflers, windshields.

General Comments:

I bought this 1986 240DL Volvo wagon new. It is my first Volvo. I chose it partly because Toyota priced me out. Having owned three Toyotas previously, naturally I went shopping for a Toyota in 1986. And I wanted a wagon. I never did get into the SUV craze.

Disappointed with the huge price increases of the Toyota wagons from 1977 to 1986, I took a look at the Volvos. After comparing prices, features, and reputation, I went with Volvo.

This car has turned out to be the best car I've ever owned, considering price, reliability, endurance, and performance. Perhaps the word performance should not be applied to a 240 Volvo. But, hey, it's a little 2.3L four-banger engine and it performs better than expected.

Some of our friends made fun of "the box" when we first got it. But 21 years later the box still runs like new.

The B230F engine doesn't burn any oil and easily passes periodic Calif. smog inspections. The AW70 automatic transmission has been flawless.

The original factory radio is terrible, of course, and needs replacement.

Not a speck of rust on the body courtesy of the Calif. weather. However, the exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, and muffler were all replaced at around 85,000 miles due to corrosion.

We have driven this car only 11,000 miles in the last 10 years. So most of the maintenance items recently are due to age rather than mileage.

I expect this Volvo to be my daily drive because my 1993 Ford is falling apart. I'm thinking of improving the handling of the Volvo by beefing up the suspension, lowering the car an inch or two, and replacing the steel wheels with alloy.

With proper maintenance I'm confident I'll be able to drive it another 115,500 miles. But the car might outlive me.

Faults:

I replaced the alternator.

A wire broke and I had it replaced.

I replaced the water pump.

One tail light cover broke so every time it rains I have to replace the bulb.

General Comments:

This car drives like a tank. I ran into a light pole and the light pole fell down.

Faults:

This car has had mostly typical problems for older high-mileage cars. Alternator replaced in early 2000 with rebuilt model, and replaced again in 2005. New master cylinder. All brake lines replaced and two brake jobs. Rotors ground down, all new brake calipers. New struts (one new strut housing dew too bad pothole), spark plugs, muffler, exhaust piping, and catalytic converter. New taillights (due to cracked lenses) and front turn signal. New rims. Motor mounts replaced due to engine shaking. New radiator. New overdrive relay and solenoid. Numerous fuses and wire repairs. Most major repair was having the original automatic transmission rebuilt (overhaul) and reinstalled.

General Comments:

The transmission was rebuilt in 2002 for a bargain price of $1200. However, I must take personal responsibility for the damage necessitating the repair. The car was stuck in a snow drift, and I foolishly stripped the gears while trying to rock the car free (i'll never make that mistake again) The transmission now performs absolutely flawlessly as it did before the damage I caused. The car was one owner when I bought it and not everything was maintained perfectly, but the engine was. The engine is still cleaner and more pristine then most cars less than 5 years old. And the engine has never had any internal trouble and performs like new, never stalling and still getting 26 mpg highway. The body is heavy and rock solid. Aside from annoying wiring problems and the short life of the rebuilt alternators, this car is a real gem and aside from the routine maintenance required to keep the car running perfectly and safely, the car is extremely cost effective. Even including maintenance and the more major items like the tranny and radiator, this car is undoubtedly much cheaper then leasing a new car, and is much heavier and safer as well.