1992 Volvo 240 Classic B230FX from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An exemplar of design and engineering excellence

Faults:

Well maintained by previous owner. $28 fuel pump relay solved minor electrical problem. Tyres, shock-absorbers, and regular servicing, and it's ready to go for the next 100,000 plus kilometers.

General Comments:

This car has the best aircon... no, this car IS an air-conditioner on wheels - even on hot days it refrigerates.

The heater is even more effective, than the air-conditioner is at cooling, at heating! Man, you gotta turn that thing down and open the window a bit, it's freezing.

The B230FX engine is remarkably powerful, yet economical in-the long-run. Total of: purchase price + running costs compared with number of years of use/number of kilometers run.

Comfortable leather seats and lots of leg-room. Then of course there's the legendary boot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 2012

21st May 2012, 12:35

I've heard of the B230F, but not the B230FX. What is the difference?

In reply to 21st May 2012, 12:35

23rd May 2019, 12:07

The B230fx offers a 531 head, VX or VX3 camshaft, and is usually fitted with a turbo style exhaust.

1992 Volvo 240 DL 2.3 from North America

Summary:

The world's best Volvo

Faults:

I broke the front brake caliper, my own fault, it's not a drifting car, only 45 bucks and I fixed it myself.

The belt on the tire blew all around the tire when I drove it home, but that would not be the cars fault.

General Comments:

This is my first car. I wanted a Volvo after I realized how much of a safe car they are. Also, I'm in High School and wanted something that wasn't a Honda Civic or Toyota truck.

My experience is great, it gets good gas mileage in my opinion, it's rear drive, which I like for handling.

It needs a trailing arm bushing, an overdrive solenoid bypass and some new paint. The car has held up well. It's dark red, a color that I know oxidizes badly.

Its kind of temperamental, but if you take somewhat care of it, it will take care of you.

The transmission isn't great, but not bad either. It can take a new Jetta off the line.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2009

17th Sep 2009, 19:05

To add to my review above. the car has over 400 000 kilometers. the last date I found is whats on it now on the timing belt cover, twelve years ago, and the car is seventeen. Overall it is still an excellent car.

1992 Volvo 240 GLE Wagon 2.3 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Bloody good car!

Faults:

Broke one front shock driving on National Park gravel roads, due to over-sized 16" Hydra wheels and overly stiff aftermarket sway bars. One should not screw around too much with the stock suspension if you like it comfortable and reliable! Lesson learnt.

Odometer stopped due to heat wear. Easy fix.

Alternator regulator wore out. Uses replaceable regulator! Easy fix.

Rear tailgate central locking wiring broke. Easy fix.

Central locking works to lock, but not to unlock.

Rear seat folding lever broken.

Interior light door switches had to be replaced (cheap - buy direct fit suitable substitutes from Jaycar if you're in Australia)

Reverse some times fails to work - probably needs a readjustment of gear lever linkage.

Antenna broke - easy to replace with aftermarket.

Driver's side door hinge spring broke. Common problem. Easy fix.

General Comments:

What a great iconic car.

Took me from Sydney to Perth, around a lot of WA and then back! 10,000km in 4.5 weeks.

Steering and handling are very old fashioned in feel, but this car is designed to last a long long time.

Cheap to buy and own.

Very fuel efficient for a large car.

Suggest that people look for cloth trims models instead of leather ones that tend to get worse for wear in these older cars if not looked after (most aren't).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2009

26th Dec 2009, 21:46

Hi mate, just thinking to get my 1st Volvo and making decision between '93 240 and '95/'96 850s. It's interesting to see you went from 850 to 240 - any major issues with the 850? My gut feeling is telling me to take a flight down to Melbourne to get the 240 and drive it back to Sydney. Thanks for your review. Happy driving.

Pete.

4th Sep 2010, 04:56

I am the original poster:

I didn't go from an 850 (T5) to a 240. I own both. The 240 is my weekend or long distance driving car. They each have their pros and cons. The 850 clearly looks more presentable ;-) and has heaps more go. I installed an ECU upgrade, and it's now got 420Nm of torque and more kW that I ever need for normal driving.

The 240 however is the car I'd bet my life on for very long roadtrips, and if I need to haul lots of things at the back (it's a wagon). I can camp 'in' the car if need to on roadtrips as it's pretty comfy when you put in self-inflating camping mat. It's really easy to DIY maintain and repair, so a good car if you're into long distance driving trips like me. I carry a lot of spares in the storage well at the back.

I hope you got a nice 240 in the end. I too bought my from Melbourne and drove home to Sydney in it!

Word of caution: whilst it is a reliable car in general, it needs to be maintained for it to be reliable, like all cars. Use a good quality oil and change it every 5000km. If you don't know when the engine oil, the auto trans oil, timing belt and other belts were last changed, change them right away including all three engine seals in front. I'd also put in a new alternator regulator and clean out the flame trap including the oil trap box. Parts are cheap (e.g., AU$19 for a MOOG branded ball joint), but make sure you use quality ones that last.

The only vehicle I'd trade up from the 240 is a VW Kombi ;-)