Also, what is bad about it because I'm getting one for my first car?
2007-12-19 10:06:05 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Volvo
I used to sell Volvos in the late "80s. My '83 Volvo 240DL lasted over 370,000 miles before it died. My '88 Volvo 240 DL was still running with 225,000 mies when I traded it in. They are great cars. Some things to look for: before the engine is started (when it is still overnight cold), remove the oil filler cap & look at its bottom. If it looks like a chocolate shake the head gasket is leaking or blown. Walk away. The electrical wiring harness on Volvos from the '80s was junk. I don't know about the '90s, but check the wiring for insulation that has vanished. check the service records; especially the timing belt replacement. If the timing belt has over 50,000 miles on it, be careful. If you do buy that car, change the timing belt ASAP!!! Also, the fan motor is a nightmare to replace. Be aware that parts & service can be expensive. But also be aware that the Volvo 240 series was one of the best cars Volvo, or anybody else, ever made. Good luck.
2007-12-19 16:45:59 · answer #1 · answered by Matthew R 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rear wheel drive can be safer than front wheel drive in the snow. My 1990 240 is the best rear drive car I ever had in the snow and you only need snow tires on the rear. No more swap ends going down hill or around corners. Not as good up hills however.
Everything is easier to work on on this car than any other I have owned.
My kids think the rear seat is very uncomfortable.
2007-12-21 10:59:29 · answer #2 · answered by k12py 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no problems with these engine wiring harness
blower motor may be needed but all 2 series cars out lived the original ones fitted
keep eye for corrosion at tail lamp connections and bulb sockets
the best way to make a safe car safer is to improve the handling and brakes [ipd usa can help with this] also makes it more fun to drive
not only are these cars easy to work on they are actually fun to maintain.
i hope the one your getting is a solid well maintained car, because a solid 2 series volvo will go everywhere except out of style
2007-12-20 13:18:06 · answer #3 · answered by hobbabob 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely bulletproof. My 240 was the best car I ever owned. Pay attention to servicing schedules, particularly the fuel filter. The negatives are few. you may not like the mediocre performance and so-so gas mileage. If the car is A/C equipped, this is a weak point in the overall car.
A great vehicle that will run virtually forever with average care.
2007-12-20 03:12:09 · answer #4 · answered by Arthur O 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like the previous answerers said they are bulletproof, simple, and easy to maintain.
Low points are fuel consumption (not bad for a mid-sized car, but not great for a four banger) and rear wheel drive can be challenging in snow and ice. Wiring harnesses are a problem on the 700 series, not the 200 series.
2007-12-21 06:12:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but I disagree about snow. Couldn't get the bugger up a snow packed hill when my FWD Honda did (after switching cars) it just fine. FWD better no matter what, but compared to a BMW, the Volvo is joy in snow. Bimmer scares the crap outta me, especially on ice.
I wish I got one as a first car though. I got a friggin Plymouth Valare'. Yuck! It did run like a tank though.
2007-12-21 19:53:09 · answer #6 · answered by Game Show Wink 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋