Faults:

One wheel bearing had to be changed.

Broke a hole into the gas tank under excessive driving. Used gas tank found and installed for a smile at an independent local shop.

General Comments:

Very nice ride for the comfy-minded - the car is a sofa with wheels, built for long distances.

This is an engineer's car, as opposed to accountants (GM), race drivers (BMW) or marketing people (the French bunch) - meaning: Everything is dimensioned to last forever! Mechanically, this car is undestroyable, but mind the rust! This is a serious problem, especially around the wheels. Try to clean the water-run-off-holes in the doors every once in a while.

Though old Volvo engines sound like tractor machines, the 242 is significantly calmer than the station wagon 245.

I bought this car as a student, and it turned out to be a perfect choice. If you decide not to maintain it, ride far, much and hard, and sell it to some handyman within two or three years, this one will hardly cost more than the money spent on gas! It is cheap, but safe, it is ugly, but comfy, and visibility out of a brick is top class - you never need to wonder where your car ends. Have been a family man for a decade, now I am looking for another one of those.

Faults:

The shock absorber in the front right was already broken for 4000km when I bought the car; I still use it because I cannot afford a shift and the car runs well anyway.

Battery was ancient and being empty one morning in the mountains resulted in being towed with a tractor whose big wheels threw stones on my window. I may replace it soon.

Somehow the gas tank broke when driving over a big stone.

Shifted the timing belt.

A trip to Germany resulted in 800 km completely empty for motor-oil; I forgot to check. Amazingly, the engine works, but since then it consumes about 1 litre oil per 500km.

Some rust.

General Comments:

Amazing and outstanding seats and driveability.

Low gas consumption at sporty driving - though the company's not known for building sportscars longer, especially the 240.

Long-life qualities: The interior looks better than in a 10-year-old Volkswagen, the maintenance- and driving costs are very low so one can focus on upgrading the car little by little.

Excellent light quality in the dark - before this car I never liked to drive in the dark.

Easy to park because of it's square-design.

... I even think it's beautiful! No toys such as in modern cars and everything is just like it is supposed to be to make it a good first car for me.

Faults:

Turnsignal light switch needs to be replaced.

Reflector is a bit worn out.

General Comments:

The car has a new carburetor and air-filter box as used in the 2.3 litre engine (1986).

The car handles well and uses little gas.

There is room for improvement in the engine department, which will be done.

Interior is 99% in original shape! Though, I have swapped to leather rear seats. I will maybe use C70 or 780 front leather seats.