Very reliable
No problems or whatsoever. This 16-year old Volvo is still going strong.
This is a very good car. Reliable, comfortable, safe. A modern classic.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th October, 2003
A reliable load bearer
Until 2003, the car ran perfectly well.
The cylinder head gasket blew whilst doing 85mph.
This was fixed, but it is all the other problems that have manifested themselves since then.
Hall sensor problems.
Coolant system problems.
Fuel pump and relay problems.
Water pump problems.
Vacuum hose problems.
Carburettor problems.
Until the problem with the cylinder head, the car had performed extremely well. One of the issues about fixing such an old car is the other problems that start occurring. Having spent over £1000 in repairs I would not want to go through this again with another car.
All in all, Volvo is very good. I'm just unlucky!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th September, 2003
Absolutley fantastic
I have had no problems with the car.
This is a superb car its so fast you need a rocket license to drive it. It handles great and as for comfort its like sitting at home on a new leather three piece pure comfort.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th December, 2002
Economy cruiser with room for all
Clutch, master cylinder, clutch spring
Water pump
Replaced sunroof and headliner
Rear breaks.
This is my second Volvo 740 estate, the first one being a petrol 2.3 injection automatic, and this one being the 2.4 turbo diesel with 4 speed manual with overdrive. My first 740 did 560000 km and is still going strong. My new car is even better, with a fuel economy out of this world for a car its size, age and shape. Lots of room, speed and comfort. With the turbo, its fast too.
Volvos, and in particular older Volvos, need to be looked after. Notice and fault, and it needs to be fixed. This is why some Volvos run and run and run and run and run and...; and some break down all the time. Look after it and it will look after you, ignore it and it will let you down. Equally, only buy cars that have been looked after. The tell tale signs are obvious: clean interior, clean engine, service book. But even a good car will cost money, so get a repair manual, some good tools and a reliable and cheap mechanic.
Driving a Volvo, in particular the older rear wheel drive ones, (100/200/700/900) is a lifestyle, and a very comfortable one too. Either you like it or you don't, it's a bit like Marmite.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th May, 2002
The last time I will purchase a Volvo
Although I have always been told that Volvos are cars "built to last", the past two used Volvos I have purchased have been anything, but sturdy. While I'm sure many Volvos will run forever and reach 200,000 miles +, they must be completely rebuilt cars!
My 740 has had over $1,500 work in the past WEEK ALONE. AAA towing is programmed on my cell phone, they are a lovely organization who has towed my 740 over 13 times since I purchased it in 1996.
The wiring problems come first to mind- the 2 Volvo's I have owned have had awful electrical problems; this one included a meltdown of sorts several years back.
I am currently in the process of fixing the fuel pump, the pre-pump, relay, and filter, as well as an oil leak.
Just last week, I replaced the alternator, the battery (which had been running off the alternator) and bushing brackets.
When the car is actually working (rarely) it is comfortable and I have enjoyed it. I giggle when I hear people talk about how safe Volvos are- I always feel like I'm in a death trap.
I love the looks of the new Volvos on the market, but...
This is my second used Volvo (the first one was just as much of a nightmare) and I know what my next vehicle will be- a nice, reliable Honda.
Regarding the dealership I purchased this from: I have concerns I was swindled there. When I purchased it, the odometer read 48,000 miles, a VERY low sum for a car like this, and almost ten years old.
The dealer insisted the vehicle had been used for "city driving only", and that's why the mileage was so low. The body of the car was in beautiful shape, and the interior was great as well. However, the brake pedal was quite worn, and with all the various problems I have encountered, I now have concerns that the car's true mileage was neevr told to me.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th March, 2002
I couldn't agree with you more.
When I inherited my 740 from my mother, she commented that the car had been a costly car to maintain, and I wondered. Well, the interior of the car, as I have found out, is made of cheap materials compared to any other cars I have had. They break and wear easily. The engineering technology is nothing compared to these Japanese cars I have had. Volvos last forever? Well, I guess if I keep on repairing my Nissan Maxima, just like I am repairing the 740, they would both last forever!
To be fair, the body exterior of the 740 is "brick" solid, but you pay for it with a heavier gasoline bill. The dealerships love it. You visit them frequently; and when the time comes that you are frustrated, they tell you to sell it to their "knowledgeable technicians" because they know how to take care of it cheaper than you can. After reading the book "Volvo problem solver" by IPD, I know for sure that the comment "Volvo is a good car" is really not true.
30th Dec 2002, 10:21
My dear boy.. as fast as a rocket I think not!
That 2.8l V-6 is peaky, for sure - but it's not fast by any sorts. Try an 850 / S70 T-5 if you want fast Volvo.
Huey.