1990 Volvo 240 DL

Summary:

A spectacular, safe, comfortable mini tank

Faults:

The plastic pieces (side compartments, sun visor clips, middle console, and back break light cover) have all broken due to sun damage.

Needed a new muffler upon purchase.

Front seat padding under the cloth seems to be deteriorating.

Air conditioning blows hot despite a working compressor (possible clog).

Fog lights do not work.

A few burned out lights on the dash.

Since the car operates on fuses, they blow at random times.

General Comments:

I was 18 when my parents saw this car for sale on the main street of our town. They knew I as a teenager would want something that fit my age a little better than my Crown Victoria, so they bought it for me, and I have loved it ever since.

This car is very special, so much so that I decided to drive it instead of a Volvo 960 with leather! I love the 240.

It looks brand new.

It is a safe and very smooth ride.

The burgundy paint job looks like new, and the lights are not yellowing yet.

The plastic in the car breaks a lot, but they are easily replaceable, and the cost is worth it.

The interior looks like it is a new car.

In Florida, it is vital that we have air conditioning, and I am in need of getting that fixed.

I love my 240 and will drive it forever if I have to.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2004

1990 Volvo 240 DL Sedan 2.3 Liter, 4 cylinder

Summary:

A safe, logical car that will probably last forever

Faults:

Makes strange whistling noise after long trips on the freeway, but it goes away once the car has been at lower speeds for awhile.

Driver's seat leans toward the center of the car considerably, but it's still very comfortable.

General Comments:

The Volvo 240 is my first car, so it's difficult to judge, but for the money I spent, it is definitely a good buy.

Although the 2.3 Liter 4 only has 114 HP, it has reasonable low end torque, and this, coupled with the great manual transmission, means that the car has decent acceleration.

The interior of the car is well thought out and comfortable, even for a 6'5" "young adult". The seats still have working heaters, and it makes a great winter car due to the heater, which will melt plastic. The air conditioning, however, is at best polite.

Overall, I love the styling, reliability, and rock-solid engine that this car has. Although the exterior is kind of boxy, I like the simple elegance. It gets good gas mileage on the freeway (28 m.p.g.), and has never burned oil. I hope to keep it till it hits 300,000 miles, and I honestly believe that's possible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th March, 2003

25th Feb 2004, 11:49

I too, have a 240 DL. It has 366000 KM, It is a 1990 and it is in perfect condition. I love my 240DL for its dependability...

2nd Mar 2004, 07:29

I share your enthusiasm about 240 Volvos. I have an 87 with over 300,000 on it. I'm the third owner. The first owner started a log the day he bought it and kept all records of work done. That helps me to track how long parts last.

For example, the original clutch lasted 150,000 miles. The first owner had it changed at 150,000. When I purchased the vehicle, I would never had known it was replaced. At 300,000 during a routine oil change, the mechanic smoked the 2nd clutch. Since I knew it had 150,000 on the 2nd clutch, I was'nt that upset. I changed it, now I'm good until 450,000. :-) Love my Volvo. I drive my Volvo as if it were a truck. It is an SUV in the true sense... (Specially Utilized Volvo)

30th May 2004, 18:49

My first car is also a 240DL Volvo. While it's not the performance car everyone else my age likes to have (I'm still in HS) or the nice SUV's, I love the fact that with these high gas prices, I pay about $20 for the highest octane (at the time it was $2.05 at the time) gas. My speed demon side may not be pleased, but the more important wallet side loves this car. When I buy a new car, a Volvo is probably going to be the first I look at.