Faults:

Basic maintenance items, i.e. : Front brakes replaced inclusive of front rotor, new fuel pump. Other than the basic maintenance issues, I love this Volvo, crazy about my 740 GLE. Excellent prestine motor, terrific body and exterior. Interior seats are slightly worn, leather has withstood all conditions, leather seating has held up very good despite the years. My 740 GLE has not let me down, and it continues to get attention everywhere I go. There are absolutely no leaks, and mechanics get upset because they cannot find anything wrong when I take it in for the usual oil change!!

General Comments:

My Volvo 740 GLE handles extremely well on the highway, the engine has power which is a rarity for a 4 cylinder.

The cabin is luxurious, and very comfortable.

Faults:

Replaced water pump at 33,000 miles.

New timing belt at 50,000.

AC pump at 87,000.

Muffler at 88,000.

Air Cleaner housing + hoses at 105,000.

New timing belt at 107,000.

O2 sensor and distributer seal at 108,000.

Neutral safety switch at 122,000.

New fuel pumps at 125,000.

New impulse transmitter, valve adjustment and distributer seals at 133,000 miles.

Rebuilt turbo at 139,000.

New water pump at 139,000.

New heater/AC blower motor at 143,000

(still makes funny noise)

Rebuilt Master cylinder at 147,000.

New Main seal and Trans seal at 148,000.

Air cleaner lower housing, over pressure valve and windshield washer valve at 150,000.

Rebuilt Alternator and Starter at 157,000.

New timing belt + cover 157,000.

New intake hoses at 158,000 ($175)

New ball joints and shocks at 162,000.

Also replaced engine wiring harness parts & labor = $1200 No record of mileage, but it was around 155,000 watch out for bad engine wires on used 80-87 Volvos.

I have never been able to say that I felt the seat heaters working, but according to Volvo literature they don't turn on until temps get below 50 deg F.

General Comments:

This car has been in our family since 1988 and has been maintained by my father who kept meticulous records of repairs he made over the last 130,000 miles and 15 years.

A 30 hp boost can be obtained by installing a "T" in the waste-gate line. This car will do 0-60 in about 7 seconds, but it is very slow off the line due to turbo lag.

While this car is far from sexy it is the most functional car I have ever owned. It is very fast and gets decent mileage. Little touches like a trunk light that can be turned off add to the versatility of this vehicle.

Rear wheel drive gives this car some advantages over your average Toyota...

A small turning circle so it can make u-turns easily

Easy to work on

No torque steer

Good weight distribution for good handling.

This car does ride quiet ruff and is less than ideal for long road trips with adults. I use this car for commuting and running errands because it lets me get where I am going in a quick, safe and economical manner.

Faults:

Three exhaust systems in five years.

Four Air Conditioner repairs in five years.

The manual selector lever head comes off in your hand if you try to put the car in reverse without pulling up on the sleeve on the selector shaft.

The car is a bust in snow. Rear wheel drive = no traction (tested in N. Michigan.

The Wilmington Delaware Dealer charged me a thousand dollars for stuff I did not need. When trying to drive back to Dover, the problem was not fixed. Add $200.00 more for replacement negative battery cable.

The 740 uses the brake system for the 240 and is always in the shop for adjustments.

Even when fully closed the sun roof leaks large amounts of water when driving through car washes (Homewood,IL Sonic Wash)

Although a real racer on new roads the suspension is non existent on secondary ones.

Following the Volvo maintenance plan will cost you a fortune.

General Comments:

This was my first and last European. I am now a born again Japanese (and a believer)

Yes it is a safe car and the seats are comfortable, but unless you are extremely wealthy go East young man go East!