1991 Volvo 940 GLE 16v DOHC from North America

Summary:

Expensive after awhile to maintain

Faults:

The headliner is not that attractive.

Had a burnt valve (not bent) last year at 120000. Had it all fixed (1000 USD), and then it's in the shop today for the same problem again. The mechanic feels that it was their fault and he's giving me a discount, even though it's been a little over a year and thus no warranty for service/parts.

Watch for oil leaks weekly. Check oil weekly and replace as necessary. Religiously regular oil changes.

General Comments:

This car does well on trips... family of two kids and it's roomy and easy to travel in.

I love the "old luxury" of the car. Seat warmers are nice in winter.

1991 car in 2004 makes for an old car, but the style is standard and pretty classic and easy to work with.

As parts become cheaper this car becomes easier to maintain.

The 16 V of this series is very hard on the engine. Not enough bang for your buck. I've been told to sell as quickly as I get it back from the mechanic, and will do so. Sorry Volvo! Can't afford a new one, but would buy a newer one if I could afford the dang repair costs!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2004

28th Sep 2004, 19:55

I'm adding another comment about my review: completed the servicing of my car, and indeed it's another burnt (not bent) valve. Another 1000 bucks. Why? What was the cause? A "dirty" fuel injection system, they're saying. They also replaced my timing belt and balancing column.

Note: you have to replace both the timing belt and balancing column on these cars, as they both work in concert together.

We could have cleaned the fuel injection system ourselves... that part of the engine is located right on top and very accessible. But they did it for free. Because they got us on the dang valve job.

Mechanics. Ugh.

Otherwise I'm happy to have the car back. We'll end up evaluating my husband's 740 Turbo Intercooler and my 940, and see which one we sell first. We bought both used 4 years ago, and mine's been in the shop more than his (if you can believe that with his extra Turbo stuff). We both have wagons, and we love the space and the hauling capacity.

The heavy steel is a plus with two young kids.

We'll still sell, and may buy a Camry. Who knows.

I'll check back and keep you all posted.

Thanks...Mary.

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1991 Volvo 940 Turbo 2.3L turbo from North America

Summary:

A stable, peppy tourer

Faults:

The idle control valve went bad after a local shop played with and replaced the fuel filter.

Overdrive solenoid went bad. This was the fault of the previous owner as the transmission fluid was badly burnt and very low.

The A/C didn't work when I bought it. Sourcing the problem and fixing everything ended up costing in the neighborhood of $100USD. It still only blows really cold when the car is moving at least 35 mph.

The seats have seen better days, but the car is ancient, so I blame wear and not poor construction.

General Comments:

This car is incredibly stable at highway speeds and faster.

Rear wheel drive is excellent... wheelspin isn't a problem unless the car is really being pushed and the handling characteristics of RWD make the 940T a blast to drive.

Power is a bit short when passing, but stoplight to stoplight, it definitely has oomph.

The seats are incredibly comfortable, especially for long rides. They also offer decent lateral support for twisty roads, although the car has a bit more body roll than it should. This does give it a nice, smooth ride, though.

Te 940T is also extremely affordable to maintain. Aside from the idle control valve fluke, no major maintenance has been necessary and the car has almost 170,000 miles on it. I love this car and plan to continue driving it throughout college.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2004