1988 Volvo 240 DL 2.3 from North America

Summary:

Cool as ice

Faults:

A leak occurred after a fender bender with the tow package of a truck during a snow storm. Car proved very safe, got away with a nick on the hood and a busted right turn signal. I was unscathed. Aluhumdulillah.

Nice car, especially for the year. Reliable. At least the one I have.

General Comments:

The car is made for taller and larger people, which I like. It has a very simple design which is nice and drives well. It's solid, and if you own one you know what I mean. With some new paint it looks decent and there's a lot that can be done to it to make it more appreciable. You may want to join Volvo's High Mile club where you'll get medals and promotions for driving it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2007

1988 Volvo 240 DL 2.3L from North America

Summary:

A Volvo was a Volvo until Ford got involved

Faults:

I have had this 240 dl for about 7 months now, and until now (knock on wood) nothing has been replaced.

General Comments:

This is my second Volvo after having driven a 1979 244 DL station wagon with 429,000 kms on it. The only reason I got rid of the wagon was an overseas move, so I gave it to my sister who to this day drives it proudly with 600,000 kms (she hopes for a million for a free Volvo).I have spent the past years driving a Toyota, but always looking with envy at Volvo drivers. Recently the opportunity came up to purchase 1988 240 DL at a good price and I jumped at the chance. These cars are seriously the safest most trustworthy cars on the road today. If you have the chance to pick one up don't let naysayers scare you about Volvo quirks... the positives far far outweigh the negatives!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2007

1988 Volvo 240 DL 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

If Volvo 240's were to be built now I would buy a new one

Faults:

Catch up maintenance when purchased with 216,000 miles to include tie rods, ball joints, drive line carrier bearings.

Routine 5,000, 10,000, and 70,000 mile servicing after initial repairs.

Printed circuits at rear tail lights replaced at 285,000 miles.

General Comments:

5 speed manual transmission, got 27-29 mpg highway at 70-75mph.

Handled super after IPD anti-sway bars were fitted.

Lack of cup holders a minor annoyance that made me smile.

This (was) one solid, reliable sedan. As it happens, a good size boulder 18-22 inches fell onto the roadway right in my path at 65 mph. Rainy night in the mountains with traffic at freeway speeds with too little time and space to react. I hit the boulder dead center under the bumper. The Volvo shuddered as the large rock went under. Inspection showed front steering trashed, which explained the stiff steering to the shoulderof the highway. The engine was knocked back to the firewall. The trusty 240 was then towed to a Volvo wrecking yard, so it's parts now.

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

Review Date: 9th October, 2006

1988 Volvo 240 GL 2.3 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

You've got to be joking!

Faults:

Wiring harness needed replacement.

Bulbs blown.

Air conditioning dead.

General Comments:

That is what thought when a mate offered to sell me his 240!

No, not for me. But at the price I couldn't knock it back.

Now I actually like the car. It is a bit underpowered, and doesn't have many options, but you can actually enjoy working on it because it is logically put together.

Not too much has gone wrong. Wiring harness in engine stuffed.

Understeers a bit.

Think the fuel pump might be going- does anyone know if this car has two?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th October, 2006

13th Jan 2007, 04:23

Hi mate, just wanted to let you know that yes those cars do have two fuel pumps. An external and one located in the petrol tank.

17th Jan 2007, 13:57

The car has two fuel pumps, the under car pump is easy to replace, the in tank pump is a little trickier, but by all means an easy fix if you are at least somewhat mechanically inclined. Before replacing fuel pumps though, I would suggest testing the fuel pump relay, and giving the throttle body a good cleaning with a carburetor spray. The throttle body can sometimes become gummed up and will stick not allowing the proper amount of fuel to reach the engine. This would cause sputtering, and typical running out of gas type symptoms.

The only thing that I really can legitimately complain about about Volvo's is the wiring harness, the insulation on the wires becomes brittle and flakes off, grounding out so components won't work. I am unaware of any after-market wiring harnesses that are made with a superior wire insulation. It's a good idea to keep a roll of electrical tape, and a small can of brush on electrical tape in the trunk or glove box.

Good luck.

30th Oct 2007, 07:45

The car was designed to understeer for safety reasons.