Faults:

All suspension rubber bushes and dampers replaced to improve handling at 120000 miles. Munroe dampers took a few miles to settle in, now feels much better on fast roads.

100% reliable accept for backing into a soft earth bank and stuffing the exhaust full of mud. Call out engineer gave up, and my wife solved the problem.

Brake pads, tyres changed at about at 30k. Front discs changed at 60k.

Oil and filter always changed at 6 months. Always cleaned oil breathers and have changed oil separator. Back pressure will blow out oil seals.

General Comments:

The exterior is original and paint is still exceptional.

Many comments about the metallic silver finish.

Only use a water hose feed brush for car/truck cleaning, never a car wash or a sponge.

Watch the Autoglym car care video for ideas.

Modified oil to 0/30 synthetic and double filtration down to 1 micron. Then sample for laboratory analysis to advise change of oil.

Converted to liquified petrolium gas (LPG) which is clean for atmosphere and engine. On current UK LPG gas price of 35.9p per litre this works out to 39 miles per gallon UK when compared to petrol cost (76 per litre lead replacement petrol) at 27 miles per gallon.

Faults:

The radiator had failed but I knew that when I bought the car so I was able to knock £100 off of the price. The new rad was £113 but I fitted it myself and got £15 back from the dealer when I returned the old part.

Clutch master cylinder started spewing fluid down the clutch pedal. The new part was £96 and I fitted it myself.

Rear number plate lights were inoperative when I accquired the car but a quick clean up of the connectors in the tailgate cured that.

The rev counter an clock intermittently fail to function (although the clock comes back to life with the ignition off) - probably an iffy earth somewhere but I'm not too bothered as it doesn't really affect driveability and I didn't expect a Rolls Royce for £450.

The rear exhaust is starting to blow slightly and an area about 3" square needs welding on the floorpan under the drivers seat (although Mr M.O.T. wasn't concerned with this and recently passed me with a clean bill of health...) which I will repair myself.

General Comments:

I wanted a cheap car with a large carrying capacity. I was attracted to the Volvo as you get the most car for your money and I learned to drive in an older 2.1L 240 estate.

It is very comfortable with heated seats, power steering etc.

This one is equipped with the auxiliary seats in the boot so it could seat 7 - I don't need these so I may remove them and sell them on as they are advertised for £150-200 in the Volvo Owners Club Magazine classifieds.

The upper body is in very good condition with no rust or dents and most people are amazed that this car is 16 years old.

It drives very well with no rattles or knocks, although the heater fan can be noisy to the point of annoyance. Other 200 owners I have spoken to say this is common.

I'm very happy with the old girl and will definitely get another Volvo next, possibly a 740 or 940 estate.

The only fly in the ointment for me is fuel consumption in the low 20's about town and low 30's on a run - if you drive like a nun.

I defy anyone to find a new car with the same spec, engine size, carrying capacity or status (hey, its a quality car remember) for significantly less than £20,000.

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

An amazing car, 20 years old, looks and drives like new, comfortable, safe, high driving position, can carry anything, quiet engine, sluggish but reliable auto-gearbox, excellent seats. Almost perfect paintwork. Will go on forever (with regular servicing).

Faults:

Odometer stopped at 108,000 miles 6 years ago. Gear box replaced after my daughter learnt to drive - seemed unaware that using clutch was essential when pulling up at traffic lights. Sagging rear end - but never changed shocks or suspension. Oil leak somewhere around dip stick tube.

General Comments:

Had only 2 cars in 23 years, each one a 240 estate with fuel injection. Very fast when needs be. Very reliable if you do basic maintenance like spark plugs and distributor cap. Never sent either car 'to be serviced'. Changed clutch plate when replaced gear box otherwise no major repairs. Beginning to rust on sills and back tail gate. Looking for another one but they've stopped making them.