1993 Volvo 240 Torslanda 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Long lived and incredibly well built

Faults:

Headlamp wiper not working.

Door bins are situated where they will get broken by people exiting the vehicle.

General Comments:

Bought to scratch a long held itch for one of these, I love my Volvo. I think it's staggering that they were still making these as late as 1993, as the handling is from the 70s with comical body roll on corners.

The 2.0 engine is not really man enough for such a large vehicle, I wouldn't use it for towing, but tall gearing means that 30 MPG is a realistic touring figure.

It's such a practical and useful car with masses of interior space though, that I'm happy to forgive it its minor foibles.

Hardly anything has gone wrong with it so far, and it wears its admittedly high mileage very well.

The turning circle is amazing for such a big car.

The heater is like a nuclear reactor.

The kids love riding in the jump seat in the boot.

It's the ideal family car for someone on a budget who needs to carry full size household doors in their car. I'm keeping it forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st April, 2013

12th Nov 2013, 20:01

Update. I have had a couple of occasions when it would not start, it would just churn over on the starter. I have since found out that the fuel pump relay under the glove box is prone to sticking. Give it a thump and it works again.

In reply to 12th Nov 2013, 20:01

13th Nov 2013, 12:28

Just change the relay - I've had a relay problem in an old Audi, and it's not worth risking the car not starting. Bosch relays are cheap enough. Or, remove the relay cover and see if you could see what is making the relay stick, if you want to keep it really original.

1989 Volvo 240 GLT 2.3 B230E

Summary:

Volvo should make the 240 now, and have a real large Volvo estate

Faults:

Nothing.

I have replaced the tyres. Front disks and pads. Tailgate wiring harnesses. Cambelt and tensioner, service. All standard basic maintenance. I have spent about £400 for the above.

General Comments:

I bought my silver 240 GLT estate for £350.00 from a private seller with 9 months MOT. It has been absolutely superbly reliable.

I had a carburetted 740 before, but my fuel injected 240 is superior.

It has a black leather interior, electric mirrors/windows. Power steering and a huge load carrying capacity.

My fuel consumption averages 30mpg. It's not great, but it's far cheaper than a new car on finance. If you are over 25, you can get classic insurance for around £150. With LPG it would be ideal.

It handles quite well for an old car, and is quite nippy considering it's so heavy, and the 2.3l B230E engine has around 130bhp when new.

What I like most is it's simplicity. You open the bonnet and you can see and get at all the components if you need to. It is very DIY friendly. The bodywork is very good considering it is 22 years old.

I love my classic 240, and would rate it very highly for comfort and reliability. I would say don't discount an old Volvo as an everyday car. I only have my 240, and I use it everyday. The fuel costs are a bit higher, but it more than makes up for that in its reliability and ease of service/DIY.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2011

18th Jun 2013, 10:19

UPDATE.

Well I still own my 240 and it is still my daily driver.

No problems except needed a new alternator at 191,000 miles. Still drove home 20 miles with the dash lit up and the lights getting more dim.

The new alternator turned out to be faulty, as the voltage output was only 12.15V, so another was installed FOC.

Basic maintenance, and passed the last MOT no problems with great emissions levels, and for its previous MOT it needed a track rod end.

I still really like owning my GLT, and it's still proving reliable, even though it's 25 years old in January!!

It has now done 195,600 miles.

In reply to 18th Jun 2013, 10:19

10th Jul 2020, 18:01

Update.

Sold my 240 around a year ago as not used as I bought a 940. As the heater fan works!

Had a tail housing fitted on the gearbox and rad and cooler pipes fitted. Very reliable. Sold for £500 and covered 76,000 miles with me. Sold with 234,000 miles.

Now have a 940.