Faults:

The solenoid went bad at 200,000 miles. I thought it was either the timing belt, fuel pump or head gasket. Because it's a Volvo, I thought that if the car went dead, it had to be something serious. I spent an entire day checking all the major components. After replacing the solenoid, I drove the car away.

Other items that were repaired are the clutch and steering rack. The plastic over the parking and driving lamps tends to let water leak in and the trunk seal is bad. The power window switches also go bad and the headliner commonly falls. The sunroof has it's problems with the gear handle stripping the gear. Nothing really major.

General Comments:

My first Volvo was totalled in a rear collision accident. The rear of the car was demolished. After filling out the accident report and replacing the bulbs for the driving lamps I got back in the car and drove the car for another week! The car is now parked but it does still run. I bought another 1985 Volvo 740 GL with my settlement.

Even though the car had 190,000 miles when I bought it, the engine idles like a new car and runs just as well. The manual transmission is what I think to be one of the best. It shifts well and I have had no problems with it.

Faults:

The transmission was rebuilt at around 185,000 miles. However, the electric overdrive unit has been far more problematic.

New clutch at 275,000 miles.

Driver's side taillight assembly fills with water if driven in heavy rain.

Air conditioning compressor replaced at about 85,000 miles (no AC problems since this replacement.

General Comments:

I am the original owner of this vehicle and overall I have been very impressed with its build quality and reliability. With nearly 300,000 miles on this vehicle, it still has never had any requirement for major engine work. It even still has the original turbo!

However, I wish that this car had a proper 5-speed manual transmission and not this silly electric overdrive monstrosity.

Nevertheless, it is still a very quick, safe, and comfortable car.