Faults:

Standard maintenance stuff -- glow plugs, timing belt, injectors, filters, brake pads, rotors, etc.

Rebuilt the top end of the engine when first purchased. Never needed any other major work.

This was a very basic workhorse model with full vinyl interior. Replaced the worn front seats with salvage yard cloth seats from a newer model. After that, it was quite comfortable as well.

Rust in the expected places for the 200 series wagons.

Replaced the motor for the rear wiper (salvage yard special).

The heater fan protested on occasion, but never quit entirely. Which is fortunate as I gather it's a PITA to get at and fix.

General Comments:

This car was purchased cheap to haul lots of stuff. These wagons have enormous squared-off load bays, particularly with the rear seat folded. I once carried a standard-sized fridge, and could still close the rear hatch.

The diesel was not as slow as might be expected. You learn to conserve momentum, and this one had a very sweet-shifting 4 spd + overdrive gearbox.

Economy for the size and aerodynamics (?!) of the car was outstanding. The fuel tank was pretty big and gave a very long range.

To be honest, I once got a speeding ticket in this car -- 75 in a 65. The car would do about 80 mph on the level.

It was dirty gray and ugly as could be. I regularly parked it on the street all over NYC, and it was simply ignored.

I gifted the car to a friend when I moved out of the U.S. He drove it for another 3 years and sold it on. For all I know, that old grey whale is still out there somewhere.

Faults:

Most prominent repair was a rebuilt motor after 315,000 miles. Had lots of short trips over the years and motor was just worn out. The old gal still got me home even though she sounded like she was going to croak.

Transmission still original at 338,000 miles. Original fuel injection system.

Obviously after 28 (almost 29) years brakes, A/C, belts etc. and other minor components have had to be replaced.

General Comments:

This is my 3rd Volvo - love them. Very reliable, feel very safe driving. Turning radius cannot be beat. Great view all around - especially good then backing up to park.

Fuel economy is reasonable, speed is slow at first but good when we get going. Also having a station wagon is the greatest thing! Can pile her up and keep going. I am the second owner.

Faults:

In nearly 300,000 miles:

Autobox rebuild at 200,000 (the first non-service or non-consumable action needed!!!)

Coolant expansion tank at 215,000.

Fuel level sender at 250,000.

Other than that, just the usual tyres, batteries etc.

General Comments:

We bought this car in 1982 as a two year old low mileage runabout-cum-load lugger. We still own it twenty two years on. Why? Because it still performs that function as competently, reliably and comfortably as it ever did, and while this continues, there's no point changing it.

The engine has never been out or apart, yet it still starts on the key and performs adequately. This was never a quick car even when new, but I can't say it's down on power at all these days. Oil consumption is about a litre every 2,500 miles which is more than it used to be, but still not exactly a chore, or at the point where I feel compelled to rip out the motor to investigate. I change the oil every 4k anyway, so just keep an eye on the dipstick around the half way mark.

What always surprises people about the old Volvo is its comfort. Volvo were fitting orthopaedically designed seats and employing skilled ergonomicists long before they became fashionable, and the 245 seats are comfortable for hours at a time. Driving position is first class, the dash simple and logical, and refinement inside the car is also good, with 70-80 mph cruising being as effortless and smooth as you could wish.

Downsides really are limited to fuel economy, which ain't too clever at about 25 mpg average, and the fact that it's turned into one of those infuriating cars that's so old manky and tatty that it really should go, but I just can't part with something that works so brilliantly.

Here's to 300,000 miles!!

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

An amazing car, 20 years old, looks and drives like new, comfortable, safe, high driving position, can carry anything, quiet engine, sluggish but reliable auto-gearbox, excellent seats. Almost perfect paintwork. Will go on forever (with regular servicing).