1991 Volvo 240 DL Wagon 2.3 from North America

Summary:

Another chapter in my love affair with the Volvo 240

Faults:

Cold idle issue when I bought it. repairs cost less than $10.

Typical broken door pockets and console. Replaced these parts cheaply from the local junkyard.

Needs tailgate wiring harnesses. Parts are about $30, I just haven't got around to fixing the problem.

Typical in it's need of small interior fasteners, which were replaced cheaply from an aftermarket source.

General Comments:

The Volvo 240 is an institution: a car you can live with for a lifetime, a car designed to save your life.

Acceleration is better than expected given the size of the car vs. the size of the engine, even with an automatic.

Volvo really quieted the 240 for the final years. This is quite a civilized car at speed on the highway.

Fuel mileage is commendable, again given the size of the car. I've averaged 28MPG using 87 octane on long trips.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2004

12th Jun 2005, 13:43

I too have a 1991 240 with cold idle issues, once it warms up a bit, it's fine. I read that you were able to fix this issue for about $10. Would you tell me what was done? rc1261@aol.com.

In reply to 12th Jun 2005, 13:43

20th Dec 2013, 02:57

I too have a 91 240. Excellent car. It too has a rough idle when cold. How did you repair it? Was it a temp coolant sensor? That costs about 10 dollars.

1dfesler@att.net

1991 Volvo 240 Wagon four cylinder from North America

Summary:

Quality ride, expensive to maintain

Faults:

A type of electronic fuel dispenser (not the injector) required replacement one month ago ($400)

Various exhaust-oriented components and a mass air meter required replacement five months ago ($2100)

Muffler and tailpipe replacement last year ($600)

Various electrical problems (lights going on and off) traced to wiring ($300).

Water leaked into car through front ($400 in diagnostics and putty type repairs). I'm not sure this is fixed, so I park the car nose downhill.

Minor water leaks into car from right vent.

Electrical safety on shifter has required replacing ($500 -- what a waste, but we live on a hill and cannot risk disabling).

Parking brakes need constant adjustment.

Minor water leaks into car from top of tailgate.

Tailgate cylinders required replacing ($200 and my own labor)

Naugahyde seat covers are worn and torn on driver's side (95,000 miles)

Minor fluid leaks.

Oil apparently leaks from engine seals, causing belts to slip and make noise -- but minor small quantities.

General Comments:

Nice solid ride, roomy and comfortable.

Parts extraordinarily expensive.

Qualified repair labor expensive and hard to find.

Cargo space excellent.

Engine sounds and feels good and has not needed any repair other than normal maintenance.

Not a turbo -- slow acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2002

27th Jun 2003, 21:58

The prices you cited are high. You could have bought parts from "buyeuroparts.com". Some of the repairs should be done by the owner with the help of a manual. I do not suggest the older Volvo's for those lacking basic mechanical knowledge. "It is way too expensive to retreat to the dealer for every little problem."

Hope this helps others, John V.

USA.

17th Feb 2004, 07:25

Volvo parts can be expensive, but usually not because of the part in and of itself. Old volvo parts are still fairly common, and when no used parts are available, there are places that offer reproduction or upgrade parts for a very reasonable price. If you feel like your parts are expensive or the labor is at a premium, find another shop. Check with volvo clubs or with other owners.

Lets put it this way:

I purchased my '88 240 about 5 years ago. 2 years in, the alternator went out. I was a starving student, so my shop gave me two choices: rebuilt for $120 or junker for $60. I chose the junker. When it went out last year, I had recently moved and didn't know anyone. Somehow I got charged $200 for a rebuilt part. Don't let it happen to you. find a good place.