Faults:

Muffler, starter, tail lites, failed emissions inspection in 2003 (later passed). Seats are wearing.

General Comments:

17 years and 4 months after purchasing this car it runs very much the same as when I purchased it. There seems to be no variance in the engine performance. I cruise on the highway at 80 MPH and all the late model BMW's hang behind not daring to mount a challenge for fear of violating the 65 MPH speed limit (plus grace.) I have changed the oil every 3-5,000 miles. Have also had dealer service on average every 15-20,000. Car starts same way every time. Never hiccups. Car manufacturers would go out of business if every car was built like this one.

Faults:

Usual maintenance including muffler (one paid, one free based on lifetime warranty of first), brakes. Failed NJ state inspection in 2003 but repairman fixed problem for $80. Seats are wearing a bit, but I was able to get springs back in line myself. A bit of rust on back station wagon door - nothing serious. AC has not worked for a few years but I do not need the car for work and see no reason to fix it.

General Comments:

The car goes and goes and goes. Cruises easily on highway at 80MPH. Newer sleeker cars are amazed when they see my 240DL station wagon zipping along in fast lane. Starts every time. I'm wondering how long it will go and check mileage of other 240's I see in parking lots. Some up to 250,000. Huge money saver this car. Cost $16,300 new in May 1987. 16.5 years later I notice no difference in how the car runs/accelerates.

Faults:

Interior Blower Motor fan 90,000.

Had alternator rebuilt at 130,000.

Drivers side ball joint. 165,000.

Water pump around 175,000.

Drive shaft carrier bearing 185,000.

Transmission tail bushing replaced 185,000.

General Comments:

I purchased this car back in 1992 because were going to have our first child and we felt we needed a 4 door. Little did I know that I was buying a car that would carry my family and I for over 11 years.

The car has been unbelievable in it's reliability. The car has never once left myself or anyone driving it stranded. Every morning it starts without fail. The car is not garaged and starts just fine in extreme temperatures.

The Volvo 240 is proof that reliable cars can be made, and made to run for many years.

At almost 220000 thousand miles, very little of the car is not original. In fact, most of the light bulbs in the car are the same since I purchased the car in 1992. Same radiator, engine, transmission, rear end, starter, etc. Even the clock has never failed to keep perfect time.

Seats are comfortable, and the ride is smooth.

If you are in the market for a car, the Volvo 240 is an excellent vehicle. Just be careful, because they tend to stay in the family. Yes, I plan on passing it on to our oldest daughter in a couple of years. Why not? She is the reason we bought the car, she might as well enjoy it.

Faults:

I have had to replace the alternator at about 160,000.

The drivers seat just disintergrated at about 180,000.

Changed all of my wires at 185,000.

New rear rotors at 195,000.

Replaced rear light, went bad from water leakage.

Replaced oil pump 201,000.

Air conditioner condenser is gone, was gone when I bought it.

One new battery.

Two new sets of tires.

Oh and replaced the water-pump at around 175,000.

General Comments:

I purchased my first Volvo brand new in 1976. Eight years later when it was stolen and stripped, I was given $1,500 less than I paid for it. Never a days problem.

When my daughter graduated in 1997, I bought her a 1987 240 Volvo (mostly because I loved them) for safety reasons. She hated it because it was not sporty. I owned a 1996 Grand Am so I gave her the Grand Am and the payment book. I have been sailing since.

Over all, I love the car, I bought another one in October 2002, same year and model. Go!!!!!!!! Volvo.

The Grand Am, the engine went over a year ago.