1986 Volvo 740 GLE 2.3 B230F

Summary:

Old, but extremely reliable if maintained well!

Faults:

Valve cover gasket blew when I bought it - $20.

Muffler fell off at 310.000KM - free fix.

Alternator failed at 320.000KM - $100.

Heater hose blew around 320.000KM.

Brake pads and discs replaced at 320.000KM - $100.

High beam relay stopped working at 340.000KM.

Transmission broke down at 340.000KM, only reverse working.

General Comments:

This car is very comfortable to drive and sit in.

However, mine did use too much fuel. Around 1.1-1.3 litres per 10KM. I was never able to get it under 1 litre per 10KM, not even on the highway driving economically.

This car is virtually indestructible as long as you buy OEM parts and get the oil and filter changed on time. The alternator that failed was not OEM.

These cars are already old. So if you plan to buy one, it is advisable to get one that has been properly cared for, and with as few previous owners as possible.

All in all, I would recommend this car if you like the brick design. It is indeed a car with its own characteristics!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st November, 2010

1988 Volvo 740 GLE 2.3 Injection

Summary:

Comfort cruiser with personality

Faults:

The car stopped the second day I had it. I first felt that the engine was vibrating a lot, and was trying to find a place to stop to check what was wrong. Then it stopped, luckily I could roll out of the road without getting assistance. After looking under the hood it appeared that the cap on one spark plug had come off. The most likely reason for it is that somebody looking at the car had taken it off and not put it properly back on.

It has not happened again.

General Comments:

This car seems very modern and looks very fresh for a car that is 15 years old and has almost 350.000 kilometers on the clock.

It is not a fast car, and is a bit clumsy in city traffic. But when you're cruising along on open roads, it feels like a much more expensive car.

The seats are very comfortable, they seem as good as new. Steering and gearbox are both tight and fine after all these years. And the engine just hums along on low revs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st November, 2003

2nd Jan 2006, 03:41

Now that I've had the car for a bit over 2 years I can add some comments.

The car has now rolled 361.000 km, and is still rolling.

It's had a few repairs done. Timing belt has been changed, and brake pads changed once. Some exhaust parts as well. Nothing but normal wear and tear.

One time the car failed me, because of a slack belt to the generator resulting in no electricity. Managed to get off the road before the car stopped, and got help from passers by who had had the same car before.

I'd still recommend this car, especially as a first car, as it's so strong and trustworthy for very little money.

24th Aug 2007, 18:00

Bought my 1988 740 Gle 1999. Runs like a top... always starts on first crank. Had to replace some parts; motor mounts, timing belt, radiator, muffler, catalytic convertor. Some wear on leather seat on drivers side. Feel safe, quality car and comments on how good it looks; paint has held up well. People are surprised when I tell them how old it is because the inside looks like new. I will run it until the engine stops. Use same volvo mechanic; no one else touches the car.