Faults:

I own a ‘90 740 with 326K miles. (yes, miles not km) With the exception of a head gasket at 245K, a cruise control unit at 75K, a fuel pump at 220K, and a conversion on the AC to R134a at 300K, this car is rock solid.

General Comments:

Though it now is in the shop for a problem they can't find, even if it's the end of my beloved 740, I will buy another Volvo to replace it.

The statement about saving serious money by having a non-dealer mechanic do your major work couldn't be truer. Mine saved me over $1000 on the AC conversion.

Faults:

The sunroof motor began to have problems at 130,000 miles.

Replaced water pump at 115,000 miles.

Replaced overdrive solenoid at 150,000 miles.

Replaced a strut at 95,000 miles (my fault, too many potholes)

Sunroof drains clogged.

As you can see, nothing major.

General Comments:

This car is absolutely incredible. This car is fourteen years old and looks and feels as if it were on the showroom floor. The leather is soft and comfortable, and the heated seats still work. The carpet is still plush and clean. With a dab of super-glue here and there, the interior trim is still like new. The gages and instruments are in perfect working order. My headliner is in need of replacement, due to the clogged roof drains, which can be fixed with a blast of air. The engine is a bit slow off the line, but once the turbo spools, the car is up, and gone. I can get close to 30 MPG on the highway if I drive conservatively, but the car is too fast for driving like that all the time. This car has class. From the analog clock to the rear armrest. This car is safe. I have been rear-ended, (approx. 20 MPH) and I walked away with no injury, and the car only needed a new bumper cover. I feel so safe in this car. In the snow and ice, a set of snow tires and some rear axle weight will take you anywhere. (I frequent the mountains of Colorado for skiing) Even with the front seats all the way back, the rear seats have plenty of room. This car never ceases to amaze me.

Faults:

This is my second 1989 740GL!

I love the car!

Headliner falls on both.

Leather seats wear at entry point (driver's side).

General Comments:

Highway ride is creamy-smooth, firm and luxurious.

It feels solid and safe.

The 4 cylinder is strong and reliable, but acceleration is barely adequate.

Some plastic interior parts become brittle and crack or break off.

On most 740's I've seen, the headliner droops in the rear and eventually tears and rips. No easy fix, but I'm going to try magnets strong enough to hold the material to the metal roof. Any suggestions, fans?