1990 Volvo 240 DL 2.3 Litre from North America
Summary:
Great for the long run if you're willing to get it checked up regularly
Faults:
Nothing has been repaired on the car, since I bought it only a few months ago.
Constant "check brakes" light on due to poor fuse.
Front fog lights no longer work.
The gear box is out of alignment so shifting into first can be a pain, but I've been told it's only a $50 fix.
Passenger's side window switch sometimes does not work.
Dome light no longer works, but so far not a big problem.
Speedometer lights do not work, can't read how fast I go during the night. Will get this fixed ASAP, probably an expensive fix.
Past repair reports and diagnostic results from the previous owners are extensive.
At 99000 miles the timing belt had to be replaced.
Muffler and exhaust pipe had to be replaced at 99600 miles.
Rear hatch was fixed in 1997 because it would not stay open, no problems with that since.
Cylinders were replaced in 1997 at 115,000 miles.
Clutch replaced in 1998 because of "wear" (this is what the report says, nothing more specific).
Engine would stall at cold start in 1998 due too bad air valve.
In 2000 at 167000 miles the water pump had to be replaced.
All hoses and belts were replaced in 2001.
Back brake lights replaced in 2001 because of circuit problems.
The brake light sensor had to be replaced as well.
General Comments:
The previous owners kept and gave to me all of the repair history, which is about one hundred pages long. However, it must be noted that the only major fixes on the car were the clutch and the brake lights, in my opinion.
My car is probably more beaten up and required more work than average, because it has been driven coast to coast several times. Nothing major happened on either of their trips from one side of the United States to the other. The car never died on them or required towing.
It most be said that Volvos do require a lot of work and check-ups at the dealer. Taken care of, they last forever and are built like tanks.
The speakers and tape deck need to be replaced, as they only sometimes work.
A heavy foot is needed to get the car to accelerate since the engine is only 114 HP. This takes some getting use to, but it's low power is actually a plus on slippery roads.
Back-wheel drive is not good in bad conditions, but with a manual it is safer than if it were an automatic.
The car is sturdy and for the size of a wagon it turns on a dime.
There is lots of cargo space and foot room.
Visibility is fantastic for such a large car.
Air conditioning works nicely for such an old car, too.
Bun warmers no longer work, but frankly, you don't need them to work unless you have fabric on the seats.
All around a great buy, I'm really enjoying the car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd June, 2002
15th Sep 2004, 14:17
Hi there! I am glad to only have 2 major repairs, count that as a blessing and is that a Volvo or what! I have a 85 240 gl with over 300 thousand km and I need your expertise with my fuel pump. Recently I have to bang on it to start the car. Do you know if these Volvo fuel pumps are on its way to be change when this happens or can I get away with cleaning the contacts. Please help sweetoogood2002@yahoo.ca.