21st Feb 2005, 12:11
My 1987 GLE just turned over 311,000 miles (day before yesterday - 2/19/05). I've had it for about seven years, have replaced what's worn out; car's never needed engine work beyond oil changes. Throughout 2003, I put about 3,000 miles a month on the car with absolutely no trouble. Amazing. Volvo should probably reintroduce this model. I'm getting ready to sell this car and buy a '97 850 5-spd which I hope will prove roadworthy as 740.
24th Jun 2005, 22:36
When my Accord was murdered by a drunk, my friends pushed me toward a pick-up truck as I am a woodworker and carry significant loads from time to time. But I didn't want the discomfort of a truck. I had never bought a car with more than 80,000 miles before, but I had known folks with Volvo's. I found a 1987 740GLE wagon with 206,000 miles on it, worried about it, then held my breath.
That was 60,000 miles ago and I've never been happier with a vehicle. Routine maintenance, an air mass meter off of E bay, and a very minor electrical glitch. It takes 175 board feet of hardwood, or six sheets of 3/4" ply on a Yakima rack. The clear coat is rolling off the bonnet, but I'm still looking for the first rust. As soon as I can I want to get a second one. In fact, I'd love to figure out a way to chop the body and build a flat bed on the rear. I hope to keep this car forever and can see nothing to prevent it.
8th Aug 2005, 07:01
My Volvo 740 GL -87 has been in the family since it was bought. Now it has passed the 400000km limit. The only bigger cost we have had with it was changing the electrical overdrive which cost 1000$. Cam belt change off course. Otherwise we just filled it with fresh oil, new spark plugs coolant, brake pads and normal service parts. Maybe boring to drive, but a tank on the highway. Eats km after km. Great car.
22nd Jun 2007, 22:07
I am the original owner of a 1987 740 sedan.
I love that car. I have only 140,000 miles on it which is very low mileage compared to others.
The car runs great and is as solid as a tank.
This car is hardly broken in from an engine point of view.
I will be giving it to my kids over the next 2 years as they learn to drive.
The car does have its problems in the snow with its rear wheel drive. I recently lost control on the ice going downhill at 30mph and accelerating when the car veered to the right and hit a tree on the front end passenger side. When I told my buddy about it, he said "Oh well goodbye Volvo".
Not this car. One front bumper and a pair of shocks later AND THE CAR LOOKS AS GOOD AS NEW.
Love that car!!!
6th Mar 2008, 20:26
I am very glad to read all the Volvo 1987 740GLE comments. I just bought this 740 thinking my daughter just turned 16 and this would be a great car for her when she is ready to drive.
I found this car in the local online cars 4 sale. The pic or car looked pretty good for its age. I went to see it and it blew me away. The owner just had the tranny rebuilt, a/c compressor and battery. I looked it all over and there is no rust anywhere, but it did have a couple of things broken or damaged on the inside, from the years of driving.
I got the car for $1,000.00! I have been driving the car to and from work and love the car. The only complaint is that I am a big guy 6'1 250lbs, so getting in and out is a little tight due to no tilt steering.
Volvo made a great car and I am glad to read others put over 200k miles on it and still ticking. My 740 has 180k and still runs like a champ. My daughter may not get the car now.
16th Sep 2008, 22:49
I bought my 740 GLE a couple of years ago when it had 361,000 miles on it. My father-in-law thought I was nuts. Now it has 381,000 miles on it and is still running. This thing is a TANK. Bought it for $550 and have put about $200 into it (mostly for brakes) to keep it running. My family has dubbed this car the Mighty Volvo.
9th Jul 2009, 04:45
Our 1987 Volvo 740 GLE Estate is now reaching 300.000 km. As her 3rd owner, in 8 years, we made over 70.000 km. She will start in winter or in summer after half a revolution of her starter motor.
Unbelievably reliable and no problems with her apart from regular maintenance - oil changes, ATF flush, fuel filter, spark plugs, brake pads, tyres, timing belt, valves adjustment and exhaust. Few years ago I put in the headliner from Volvo 940.
I also had to replace both alternator leads due to wear caused by an earlier unprofessional repair. With its raised armrest between front seats, with cup holders packed in it (original Volvo accessory), ZF automatic transmission and 2,4 petrol injected (mechanical injection!), it creates the perfect environment for long journeys or just for a visit to the local supermarket.
She has been everywhere, from highways - often receiving speed tickets to dirt roads; from lowland to mountain peaks; she made a lot of mileage on ferries and sometimes on a train. It amazes me every time I drive it how well it is made. I think it is probably the best car ever made by Volvo and by the industry in general.
10th Nov 2010, 15:33
I am now officially the proud 3rd owner of a 1987 Volvo 740 GLE. My father in law bought it from the original owner last spring. My truck needed some work done so I borrowed the Volvo. I've been "borrowing" it ever since (now I bought it from him).
It has 151,000 miles and runs great. No rust, no dents, all the original accessories... every tool in the tool kit, cage, and manuals! I love the sunroof and the third row seat. They just don't make cars like this anymore.
At first I didn't know what all the buttons and controls did... heated seats (wow!). The third row seat was a surprise when I was looking for the spare tire.
So far the only things I wish it had:
* Heated mirrors (it might have but I haven't figured it out yet)
* A raised center armrest (the previous poster mentioned this can be found)
* Cup holders (again the previous poster mentioned this)
Needless to say I am now officially a Volvo man. I have never been so attached to a vehicle so quickly. I hope to have this car for another 100k unless I trade it in for a new one.
Also, at some point late next year this baby will be a considered a classic. 25 years!
15th Nov 2010, 00:46
My girlfriend and I bought our 87 740 about a year ago for $500 off a friend at work. It had 280,000 miles with no power steering and a few moderate oil leaks. We took it to the shop shortly after and with a new power steering pump and fuel regulator, she runs like a champ.
25th Nov 2010, 19:41
I am picking up a 1987 Volvo 740 tomorrow. It has 266,000km on it. I drove it around and fell in love with it. I will post my comments further after a month or two of driving it. Love the look and feel of this boxy beast.
13th Jan 2011, 09:31
I got a 1987 740 1 1/2 years ago. He had only 73,000 miles on him (he had been owned by a 93 year old man). I LOVE my car! I have never named a car, but I have this one. His name is George. George is a little tank and has plenty of get up and go. My Volvo garage loves him too & has told me I'll most likely never need to buy another car.
3rd Jan 2005, 15:57
I also own a 87 740 gle and have 265,000 miles on her and she still goes.