Question for Volvo Owners

[GentleSoul52]

I am very seriously thinking about getting a Volvo - would like a pre-Ford model since I don't much care for Ford or what they do to other companies.

Would you be kind enough to share your thoughts on years/models that I might look at? Am thinking in the 1997 to 1999 range.

Thanks very much for your help.

Patrick

[jest2525]

I can only speak about the 2 Volvos I have. The first is a '87 245. This is probably one of the best cars built... ever. They are relatively easy to repair and do not not suffer from an overabundance of electronics. The sad part is that the newest one you're ever going to find today is still going to be at least 18 years old. A "low mileage" one today is anything under 200,000 miles. Parts are still easy to find and it's a car that will always have that "classic Volvo look". To many this was the last "real Volvo".

Now, my other Volvo... that's a '98 V90. It was the last rear wheel drive Volvo made and is such a sweet car... when it's not giving me headaches. It is too "sensative" to ever be considered comfortably reliable. The "check engine" light spends more time lit than not, that being caused by anything from a slighty low fluid level (any fluid!) to a loose gas cap, to virtually impossible to locate vacuum leaks, to a burned out bulb, etc, etc, etc. Good luck trying to figure out which one. If you're looking to just change the oil and drive it, this is not the car for you. You will need to proactively "maintain" it.

My 245... I religiously changed the oil since it was new and still drive it today, 365,000 miles later. The newer front wheel drive models I personally wouldn't touch.

Good luck in your search.

~ John

[rgk]

John,

Not even the 740? It's practically a rustless 240 upgrade, isn't it?

[Kirby J]

I like the 940. Same drive train as the 240 models, no rusting, a bit larger passenger compartment, and everything except the heater core is easy to access. After 372,000 miles, I still drive mine every day. No leaks, no smoke. The last US model was 1995. I agree with the previous poster, the 5 and 6 cylinder cars require much more maintenance. A well serviced red block will run forever.
Kirby J

[jest2525]

Oh, I do agree with you guys. The 240/740/940 are all virtually the same car... and they're all 4 cylinders and rear wheel drive. Volvo hasn't been quite the same since.

~ John