Faults:

Transmission, at 180,000 miles, cost $2,300.

Starter, 3 times in 7 years.

Water pump, 3 times in 7 years.

Sunroof, 3 times in 7 years.

Voltage regulator at 230,000 miles.

Universal joint at 238,000 miles.

Fuel pump relay at 233,000 miles.

Air conditioner, nearly every summer for 7 years.

Cold start problems nearly every winter for 7 years.

Power steering rack stiff in cold weather when first started, returns to normal in 5 minutes.

Rust problems for 7 years.

Clear coat peels off hood.

General Comments:

Though the car has had very poor reliability, it has still been a pleasure to drive.

The seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in. The head rests are positioned so that you can actually use them - novel concept.

The steering is precise and never wavers, which spares me a lot of fatigue on long drives.

The doors and other body panels still fit perfectly at 19 years old, though the interior trim rattles quite a bit.

I absolutely love the appearance of the car. (black is the only color that this model looks good in, due to the standard black bumpers, but when it looks good, it looks great) I've always gotten many complements on it, and people still seem to be too impressed to notice the numerous cosmetic blemishes that have accumulated recently.

As long as I stay away from the dealership, costs for individual repairs are low (with the exception of the transmission). Its only the frequency that gets expensive.

With what I've spent to keep it running over 7 years I could have bought a brand new entry level sedan, which wouldn't be nearly as comfortable or classy.

With what it would take to keep it in top cosmetic shape, I could buy a midrange family sedan, which still wouldn't be as much of a pleasure.

Though it's been temperamental, I fall in love with it again every time I get it back from the shop.

Faults:

Road debris took out the A/C condenser.

Lower steering universal joint was binding.

Heated seats ceased to operate at 150,000 miles. No big deal.

Was built 19 years ago this month, and just starting to show some rust. I am in New England. This is amazing.

General Comments:

Amazingly sound car. I am still running on original springs and struts, and they are fine. Recent test shows factory compression at over 300,000 miles. This has been the best vehicle I am ever likely to own. In ten years, I have never had a break down, and safety-wise, its like driving a 130+ MPH bank vault. Still handles tighter than anything new and domestic short of a Vette.

Faults:

Need a great value on a station wagon? I bought my 1985 from a doctor, truth is he drove it to the hospital every day. He had bought it from a Volvo rep when it had 200,000 miles on it. I just loved the car including the "faded grey" paint - like an old pair of jeans. I now have a 1989 Turbo 740 wagon.

General Comments:

Great value.

Does not turn heads, until they see the true odometer readings.

We to dealer for oil change, they bring out customers to see the old girl, and they close deals.

Odometer broke, wife used to drive 53 miles each way to work every day.

Wagon would not quit running, I just had a friend who needed a cheap reliable wagon, so I gave him a steal at $500!

He regularly drives the wagon across the U.S. - most recently from Tenn to Seattle Washington.

Best thing - these wagons are the most undervalued ride on the market - I like a whole lot better than my Honda Passport SUV.