1988 Volvo 740 GLE 2.3

Summary:

A worthwhile investment... very reliable!

Faults:

Brakes.

Exhaust from Cat.

A/C.

Tires.

All Belts.

General Comments:

I bought this car from a family that had owned it from the dealer. They took good care of it so far as I could tell. Other than taking care of all the general maintenance issues that a car needs... It runs great. I replaced the brakes, muffler, all belts, tires, and air conditioning system as I has no record of what had been done the past couple of years.

In the past 3 years I've owned it, it has never stranded me or let me down... it does have the usual problems... everything plastic in it is disintegrating... I just break or cut off whatever is poking me... the heated seats don't work... the trunk leaks... the sunroof leaks...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2004

14th Feb 2006, 11:07

I agree, I own a Volvo 740 myself, and the plastic parts get pretty flimsy. Hey well, after all we're talking about cars that are 80% recyclable.. :P.

1988 Volvo 740 Turbo Intercooler 4 cylinder. 2.3L

Summary:

A luxurious, high performance bargain

Faults:

I got the car used for a great price, so I don't bother complaining about the absence of a headliner, or small blemishes on the exterior paint. Being sixteen, I feel lucky to have such a luxury vehicle with accessories that still function. I cannot, however, figure out why my service light won't go off- the car's been checked out and there are not any problems with it. Also, there is a small oil leak, but not a big deal. So far, no major complaints.

General Comments:

Sitting in this car feels as though you're driving in a leather recliner. I set my seat to be in a racing style bucket position, and love it. The car handles excellently on all surfaces with the exception of fresh snow (the rear wheel drive causes me to lose the back end around corners, but hey- that's fun) Acceleration is excellent after the initial turbo lag, and I feel safe in side all that thick metal. The thing's a tank!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2004

12th Jan 2004, 10:18

Hello,

Glad you like the car. I really like mine too, as I have got a manual 1986 740 GLE estate. I am in the UK.

Your service light, as far as I am aware, it is normal, and comes on every five thousand miles as a reminder to service it. You have to use a pencil on a knob on the instrument cluster to push the button in to reset. On early models, you had to remove instrument cluster and press the reset button behind the cluster, or remove the cover above the pedals and look up behind the dash to locate and push the button.

Have a look at www.brickboard.com, click RWD 700 left hand side. Use the search button at bottom, and type in service light reset button. It will bring up results, or use the drop down menu at the top as well. You can also post a message when you have registered, which is free.

Good luck and safe motoring, James.

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1988 Volvo 740 GLE 2.3

Summary:

A geek-chic inexpensive workhorse

Faults:

As a novice mechanic, regular maintenance is pain free.

Sagging headliner and cracked turn signal lenses are common.

Brake pedal effort is often, too light.

Electrical problems with distributor, hall effect sensor, and fuel pump relay.

General Comments:

This car has a nearly bulletproof engine and transmission. Power and handling are excellent for a 4 door "family car." The leather seats have outstanding comfort and support. The only downfall is the electrical system; it can be difficult to find mechanics to work on a Volvo of this age.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th November, 2003

1988 Volvo 740 GLE 2.3 Liter

Summary:

A purely whimsical automobile!!!

Faults:

Absolutely nothing. I only replaced the timing belt which is normal car maintenance.

General Comments:

Very reliable. On average these cars will last between 200000 and 400000 miles. Some have been known to go higher. Very comfortable leather interior. I Definitely have nothing to complain about and probably never will!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 2003

15th Jun 2005, 11:50

Hi I have placed an advert on my Volvo 740 gle estate on hear a wile ago and my Volvo has now reached the 350,000 mark, but it is showing, but even tho it looks a bit tired its still fighting and won't give up I would expect another 50,000 out of her be4 she gives in as we purely use her as a work horse, but I'm sure she will reach the 400,000 mark be4 she gives up I'm sure your Volvo has years of live left in her yet!