Faults:

Timing chain in 1995.

Harmonic balancer in 2009.

Recirculating heater hose in 2000.

Driver's side door handles and driver's side window have failed (currently need to go to a parts yard and fetch some components!).

Radio died in the mid-to-late 1990's, and was dead up until 2 years ago (replaced).

Dash cracked from heat within 6 months.

Headlights and tail lights need to be replaced due to age.

New radiator in 2009.

New cap, rotor and wires and plugs in 2009.

Odometer broke in 2000. Mileage estimates based on yearly travel.

Center console broke in 2010, fixed it in 2011!

Hood latch stopped working properly in 2011.

Small electrical issues have arisen in the last few years.

Wiring insulation has started to crumble away; fixed with electrical tape and heat shrink tubing.

General Comments:

This car is a tank, it has survive careless drivers rolling into it, and it has survived an accident with no real damage (can't say the same for the other car).

It has taken a real beating over the years, been exposed to the elements, and was driven across the United States, twice. I was practically raised in this car, and now I'm driving it.

It just doesn't quit, and whenever it does, it will be rebuilt to go another 24 years. My children will likely be driving this car at some point in time.

Shame Volvo doesn't make these like this anymore.

The interior is just beginning to fade, plastics, well these have rotted away.

Contrary to many people who claim these cars are expensive to maintain, this car has been very cheap to fix over the years. Many parts are no more expensive than parts you'd get for a Honda. It's just that many shady mechanics tend to charge you an arm and a leg because it's "European", when in reality, these cars have the simplicity of a 1950's car. Most parts are incredibly cheap, and make me cry when I look at the parts for my '96 BMW. Sadly, many of the same mechanics will intentionally break things or neglect potential issues to soak you. My mother learned that the very expensive way, and almost got rid of the car.

All it needed were some cheap components and about 30 minutes of work, and it has been running strong since.

I heard a Swedish saying about these cars years ago.

"All you need to keep a Volvo 240 running is oil and a hammer. Oil to keep things lubricated, a hammer to bang out the rust." Luckily with the 1987 model year, the hammer is no longer necessary :)

Faults:

Tierod.

General Comments:

It's a tank, but not to good in the snow. I have jumped it and off roaded it and she still is running strong.

Faults:

Short in back left lights. Short in interior light.

General Comments:

Bought a this car for my teenage daughter. Was an older person's car who did not know how to back up. There were a few cosmetic dings to show this (mainly back bumper). Paint only has mild oxidation. Took to a Volvo certified mechanic to look over. He was laughing stating "he wanted to make money off me, but could not find anything to repair". He said he gets ask constantly for this model because of it's simplicity and durability. He has one customer that has over 400,000 miles on it. We picked this puppy up for $2900 and with this low mileage and excellent mechanical shape. Should get through BOTH my kids with routine maintenance. We have a 1998 S90 Volvo and this older model is just a comfortable to ride in and it gets better gas mileage than my newer one! Found websites to replace the missing door pocket, etc. if we want, but our main concern was mechanics, etc. This cosmetic stuff will come later.