Faults:

Shocks replaced all around. Still had the original shocks from 1980 when I bought it!!!

Injector seals replaced.

Electric overdrive is a little on the temperamental side. Recently cleaned the connections and that seemed to do the trick.

Regular maintenance every 10,000 km.

General Comments:

Not my first Volvo; I've also owned an '87 240 (manual), an '89 240 (automatic), an '89 740 (automatic) and a '90 240 (manual), so obviously I'm a fan of this make of car (when they were still an independent company, anyway).

I have to say that of all of the Volvos I've owned, this one is by far the quirkiest and best-looking. I got it for an absolute steal - the family that owned it never drove it in the wintertime, so it was in immaculate shape. It doesn't drive as well as my 1990 240, but it makes up for that in other ways. The dark gold paint is still vibrant, and all of the chrome and black trim on it still pop. The front of the car is a thing of beauty: double-round headlights with a large, chrome-coloured grille. Much nicer than the next generation's single-piece lights and black grilles. The interior is all black with unbelievably comfortable leather seats. The crank sunroof is a great feature, although its gears seem to strip easily. Lots of headroom and legroom (great when you are 6'2") and a HUGE trunk. In my opinion, the GL looks a lot better than the DL, and the luxury touches are really nice.

The 1980 244 GL carries on the Volvo tradition of using the reliable B-series engine. It's a 2.1L Inline-4 and the transmission is a 4-speed manual with overdrive. I couldn't imagine having one without overdrive, even if it only works some of the time. The gear thresholds are pretty odd (I'm in fourth @ 50 km/hr) and without the OD the car would probably struggle a bit on the highway and hills. Try to get a fuel-injected model if you can. The carburated versions are not as reliable from what I have been told by other 244 owners. Also, if you have some skills in auto repair, these things are a dream. The chassis are huge and the engines are pretty simple.

The overall performance of the car won't blow anybody away, but they are deceptively fun to drive. Don't ever purchase one of these cars if you want something fast!! 0-60 is timed with a calendar with old non-turbo Volvos. Also, you may want to upgrade the rims from the stock 14-inchers. The tires are too small and narrow, and really decrease handling quality. The rear-wheel drive is a real bonus though, and they have a fantastic turning radius. The suspension is nice and stiff, and if you chuck on some 15" or 16" rims, you'll be shocked at how well these things corner.

So... the 244 GL isn't the most nimble automobile ever made, but that can be overlooked if you are not in the market for that type of car. Volvos are more about style, comfort, reliability and safety. Plus my 244 is great on gas; I get 32 miles/gallon, which is excellent for a 30+ year-old vehicle.

Faults:

Blew a head gasket after 173,000km due to age (20 years old)

Fuel pressure accumulator replaced (caused hard starting)

Fuel pump noisy and replaced (3rd pump since new – common fault)

Original brake booster leaking, required replacement.

Clutch slave cylinder failed.

Windscreen wiper bearings seized causing failure in the entire wiper system.

Electronic regulator for fuel gauge and temperature faulty.

Alternator brushes required replacement.

Windscreen washer motor failed, and nozzles beyond repair.

Interior light dropped.

Headlight switch failed.

Electronic antenna seized, and original radio faulty.

Odometer faulty due to crack in plastic gear.

Lots of rubber hoses and fuses deteriorated.

General Comments:

Despite the large list, most of these faults are expected due to age, or are niggly, annoying little things. I honestly cannot think of a more rugged and bullet-proof vehicle from the same era, and would recommend one of these for anyone looking for a bargain priced run-about.

Best thing for the budget conscious are these Volvos are basic to work on. As a straight four, rear wheel drive, you have massive working space and everything is easily accessible. Don’t be scared of parts, as they are plentiful and cheap from wreckers, and brand new parts are actually cheaper than new Japanese car parts! I was originally scared of the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, but there’s not much to go wrong, and are nearly as simple as a carburettor setup. If you are planning to send it to a mechanic, I’m not so sure as there are sharks out there ripping off unsuspecting motorists. I know someone who charged $1000 for an $80 part.

Maintain these vehicles well and they go forever. Mine doesn’t blow the slightest bit of smoke, consume oil or leak oil. A compression test when I bought it proved it was nearly as new! I’ve overly maintained my vehicle with a new radiator, water pump, heaps of hoses and other parts and it hasn’t hiccupped once in 2-3 years.

To drive, these Volvos have pros and cons. With the B21 engines, they are not quick in any way, and their motors don’t particularly like to rev as they deliver most torque low in the rev range. Manuals are the way to go, with the Volvo M45 and M46 gearboxes having a great shift action (if a little slow) and syncros which never seem to wear out. The hydraulic clutch too is nicely setup and weighted. The four-speeds (M45) aren’t ideal for highway work, and the M46 with electric overdrive are definitely the best choice. Automatics feel a bit sluggish, especially matched to the heavy accelerator pedal.

Handling is average, and the factory specified skinny tyres do not help confidence. Steering feel is good; however without power steering it can be awfully heavy at parking speeds. Turning circles are remarkably tiny at only 9.8m! Better than most new small front wheel drive cars. Brakes are remarkably powerful, with four wheel discs, ventilated on the front. Suspension is rather soft for comfort, and the live rear axle can upset the vehicle on high speed mid-corner bumps.

The drivers seats are amongst the most comfortable pews available, but they don’t go back far enough. Pedal placement is average, and left legs have no where to rest which can get uncomfortable.

These vehicles are perfect for new drivers. Visibility is great with skinny windscreen pillars, and the squared off edges allow the driver to see all four corners of the vehicle when parking. No one gives these vehicles a second look, so feel safe parking it anywhere. No one seems to like badging these vehicles either.

Rust can be a problem, especially after dodgy crash repairs. Common rust spots are on the gutters on the A-pillars. I found a bit under the battery, behind the rear bumper, and under the boot rubber seals. Get to it quick to keep it under control.

In Australia, the best 240 combination would be the last of the leaded 240GL. The B230E engines were quick, and matched with a M46 overdrive gearbox and power steering would be a sweet vehicle to drive.

I never thought I’d get hooked on these cars. I’ve been through many Japanese and Australian old cars and nothing comes close to a Volvo in reliability. I’m so hooked I’ve just bought a 740 Turbo HP with the B230FT and M46 gearbox.

Faults:

CO level too high, I had lots of trouble finding out why, changing this and that, changing lots of parts, eventually I had to change the entire carburettor. Surprising for a sturdy engine like the B19.

Brakes squeak like old Volvo's do.

The engine keeps overheating. Changed the thermostat, cleaned the radiator... Could be head gasket, but not losing any water. Annoying!

And of course it's rusting...

General Comments:

I was very satisfied when I came across this old car - low mileage, looked good for it's age and it was comfortable and spacey like Volvo's are. However, the carburettor thing was awfully bugging. That little thing cost me a lot of worries and a lot of parts that I didn't need after all... And now, as I am selling it, the engine keeps overheating when A) it's hot, and B) I'm driving uphill. Not good at all.

I've only had this for a year, but I'm surprised by the faults I've experienced. Though this is essentially a sturdy and reliable car - I guess it's just bad luck...

But generally; good comfort for a twenty-four year old car, though I miss my Amazon estate at times...