1980 Volvo 264 GL V6 PRV from North America

Summary:

Bigger fuel tank, better electrics and A/C would have made it close to perfect.

Faults:

Bad air conditioning. Dealer was never able to get it to work. Dealer hated to see me drive in with it.

Six alternators in sixty six thousand miles. Required the removal of right front wheel, well liner..

New Asian Warner auto transmission at 13,000 miles and the second unit was slipping when I traded it in.

Thirsty engine, small gas tank equates a stop at the gas station every other day.

ZF power steering caused the front wheels to pull to the left. Mechanics couldn't fix it.

General Comments:

Excellent power and performance. Impressive highway passing power. A wolf in sheep's clothing.

Excellent suspension (UK manufactured).

Luxurious ride.

Michelin X radial wore evenly, were still good at 66,000 miles and were never rotated.

A solid Swedish vault.

Excellent fit and finish inside and comfort to match.

Lockheed brakes matched engine in performance.

Swiss paint appeared clear and deep. Very nice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th July, 2007

1980 Volvo 264 GLE B28E from Netherlands

Summary:

Powercruiser

Faults:

Exhaust gaskets had to be replaced.

Brakes had to be renewed.

General Comments:

Driving my 264 GLE is an everyday joy. When I bought it, it had not been running for about five years, so some repairs were due. The bodywork wasn't in great shape either. After a full restoration of the bodywork (in Poland, so still relatively affordable) and a big service (in Holland so rather expensive) the car is now running super-smooth. The petrol costs me an arm and a leg, but the smile on my face when it put my foot down is unaffordable! I plan to keep on driving this car for many more years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2005

9th Nov 2005, 07:13

We own a 1977 Volvo 264 GLE. The car has been stored for approx. 10 years now and in need of restoration. At the moment I am looking for a good specialist for this type and model Volvo. Your thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

23rd Dec 2005, 05:30

My car has been restored in Poland in a workshop of a personal friend (therefore trustworthy). Should I have had all the work done in the Netherlands, I would have gone bankrupt. Since I don't know where you live, I don't know if such a solution would be possible for you too.

In reply to 23rd Dec 2005, 05:30

26th Apr 2015, 17:21

Hallo,

Can you give me the contact of "your" mechanic in Poland, I would need him for the restoration/repair of a Volvo 760 / B28F V6 engine. Basically the same engine you have in your 264.

I would highly appreciate it, thank you.

Joachim Schroeder (+49-171-3674305)

j.schroeder@previewproduction.com

1982 Volvo 264 GLE 2.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Powerful, if you can afford the fuel, but don't fancy yourself doing any work under the bonnet

Faults:

Wouldn't start (water damaged).

Two of the electric windows don't work (red dust gets in the electrics).

Electric aeriel/radio didn't work.

General Comments:

Good power (spins the wheels easily).

Comfortable interior.

Ridiculous setup under the bonnet (couldn't even get to the spark plugs without dismantling half the engine)

Lots of gages so you can keep an eye on everything (outside temperature gage, tachometre, battery gage).

Power windows handy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2004

5th Dec 2008, 09:07

Forgot to mention that engine access is a nightmare for maintenance. Obviously designed by "boffins" Wasn't really meant to last 29 years without a major rebuild. All alloy block with wet steel liners not suited to "hard" water.

17th May 2009, 02:10

This is a nice solid car with only a few bad points. The main one is the BW55 transmission is smooth, but not that strong.

Accessing spark plugs is not too difficult if you have the right socket and extensions. If you fit platinum plugs, you will have a 4 year gap in plug changes. Older cars will need the injectors replaced, as the poor injector spray pattern will give poor fuel economy, as will a badly adjusted fuel distributor co idle setting.

Having electronic distributor means a service is generally an oil and filter change.

One feature I like is the Girling 4 pot calipers on the front, and 2 pot ATE calipers at the rear. If driven sensibly, brake pads last for a very long time.

Volvo 200 series bodies are incredibly long lived due to great rustproofing. Whether a six or a four cylinder, these cars are great cheap motoring if you like a comfortable car that has very predictable handling.