Faults:

Some expensive suspension and steering repairs to be expected of a car of this vintage. But I had the good fortune to find a well-preserved model that had never seen a winter, and been recently been sandblasted and repainted a correct Volvo taxi yellow.

The prior owner was an engineering student who rebuilt and detailed the engine, and swapped the original (and trouble-prone) four speed with overdrive for a five speed from a later model 240. He also rebuilt the clutch.

This car was not super quick, but very roadable and flat-out fun to drive in a way modern cars simply cannot match. There is a interface between driver, car and road in cars built before 1990 that just doesn't seem to exist anymore. I'm sorry I sold it, but I had a 16-year-old learning to drive who was terrified of manual transmissions. Oh, well...

Faults:

Replaced thermostat at 66,000 miles.

Replaced windshield wiper transmission at 72,000 miles.

Replaced the master cylinder at 72,000 miles.

The overdrive button works sporadically.

The front cover part of the glove box is hanging by a thread. It looks like it came unglued.

General Comments:

This is the best used car I've ever owned. It's mostly due to the fact that it was well-maintained by an older lady for 25 years, until her death. I am the second owner.

Faults:

A list of things replaced:

Fuel Pump

Front Shocks

All seals and gaskets in engine replaced

Transmission seal

Clutch

VX Cam installed

MVP Adjustable timing gear installed

Stereo and speakers

Fuel injection

Exhaust replace with IPD sport exhaust

New Bushings all around

OD broke--not going to bother fixing it.

General Comments:

I bought this car for $1500 dollars and have put about $3000 into it to keep it on the road and another $500-600 in aftermarket things just for fun. Overall I like this car. Sure it is old and slow, but it is reliable and safe. I am a college student and plan on keeping this car through to graduation. The odometer broke at about 183,000mi’s and I’m not going to bother to fix it. I trust this car and would recommend one to anyone looking for a safe older vehicle.

Faults:

Strut housing fell and had to replace both. Also had to put on a new clutch. Had issues with the window leaking near the drivers side that leaked on the fuse box below. Odd size of tires, hard to find. Did have a small issue with the Over Drive relay, found you could hit the area it was near and it would work till I got it fixed.

General Comments:

Handles like a dream. On all roads conditions. Enjoyed driving this car more than my Merc, Saab and BMW. I have almost owned all cars and have to say that this was the best. I wish I never sold it. Always got me there, except for the one time the clutch cable went on me. This car did everything. Drove back mountain roads when 4 wheel drive was needed (maybe that is why the strut housing went on me). Got me through a blizzard. Always plenty of room for my many moves. Still can't find a more comfortable car. Loved high speeds. Very funny to see the faces of the sports car drivers after you just blew them away. If you are lucky enough to have one, never get rid of it.

Faults:

Replaced the clutch and clutch cables at 290,000 km.

Replaced rear struts at 301,000.

Replaced starter, don't remember the mileage, in 1999.

Lots of rust by the end, especially in the floors.

General Comments:

This car was extremely reliable during our ownership. Aside from the above issues, the only expenses were running costs and replacement of wear items like brake pads.

The car was finally sold when the front floor pans looked like swiss cheese. We sold it to an apprentice welder who planned on welding boilerplate patches into it.

He's still driving it, patches and all; I saw him this past Christmas and the car now has over 600,000 on it, and he says he's done nothing aside from routine maintenance.

The car was very fast, but quite hard on fuel; 21 mpg was about average on a highway run.

Tires were an odd size (205/60/R15) and were pricey to buy.