Faults:

ECU box gave out after barely one month's ownership; cost best side of £200 to diagnose and replace.

Middle section of exhaust needed replacing at MOT.

Rear shocks needed replacing at MOT.

Fogs and hi-beams incorrectly wired, presumably by a previous owner.

Possible head gasket problem.

Sender unit needs replacement; having fun and games locating one.

General Comments:

My first car, after passing my test in summer, 2003. Needed a car with at least six seats, but never thought of a Volvo; was looking at old MPVs!

Daunting at first because of it's size, but is a joy to drive now, despite it's blind spots and above problems.

Very sturdy and can pull good weight; helped move most of the contents of our house last month.

Interior definitely shows fifteen years worth of wear, but it adds to the character, I feel.

Decent acceleration in second gear, but first gear and reverse can be a little notchy and hard to engage sometimes.

Roomy interior for passengers and a typically capacious boot; although can occasionally be a squeeze for 6' 3" drivers and lumbar support leaves a bit to be desired.

Having driven nearly 4000 miles, despite the problems - on account of the car's age, in my humble opinion - it's been by-and-large an enjoyable experience and I'd have another Volvo in an instant.

Faults:

Turbocharger at approximately 270,000 miles.

Radiator at 180,000 miles.

Transmission bearings failed at 150,000 miles.

Headliner replaced at 290,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car sat unused for 11 months after our son wrecked it. We decided to have it repaired. Using jumper cables to boost the dead battery, the engine turned over one time, then started and has run well for the past 20,000 miles.

The red leather upholstery has held up remarkably well.

This has been a great car.

I will try to find another 1989 through 1992 740 turbo when this one has to be replaced.

Other than the louder exhaust note, we recommend the IPD stainless steel exhaust system when the original requires replacement.

Faults:

Nothing major so far. Only had the transmission flushed, tune-up, and oil change. Will need to replace or repair the headliner in the back because it is starting to sag a little bit. A friend of mines said I can do that my self with a razor blade and glue spray. I still think I am going to have it done professionally. Will also need to have the AC checked as the air is not blowing cold. I bought this car in the Chicago winter, so air conditioning was the least concern.

General Comments:

I love this car, and probably will drive it until it dies. A member of my church has one, and he was amazed that I only have 123,000 miles. He said he has 297,000 miles on his and it still gets him around with no problem. I am always getting stop by people to ask what year it is? I just love the look on their face when I tell them a 1989. The maroon leather interior is in perfect condition. The sunroof, power windows, and locks still work perfectly. Trunk space is enormous. I probably will need to upgrade the radio to a CD player, but the cassette player is still operable.

Faults:

I own a ‘90 740 with 326K miles. (yes, miles not km) With the exception of a head gasket at 245K, a cruise control unit at 75K, a fuel pump at 220K, and a conversion on the AC to R134a at 300K, this car is rock solid.

General Comments:

Though it now is in the shop for a problem they can't find, even if it's the end of my beloved 740, I will buy another Volvo to replace it.

The statement about saving serious money by having a non-dealer mechanic do your major work couldn't be truer. Mine saved me over $1000 on the AC conversion.