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Used 1990 Volvo 240 Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
31 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

1990 Volvo 240 DL, still one of the best cars!

Tito Montero, 06/29/2018
1990 Volvo 240 DL 4dr Sedan
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

The 1990 Volvo 240 DL is one of the best cars out there! Many people don’t realize the amazing type of car the 240 is... It is not indestructible but with regular maintenance, like the one you should do to any other vehicle, it will last for many years. I rescued mine from a neighbor’s backyard and gave it a new life in March 2017. I did all the repairs reading the repair manual and using YouTube for reference. I used some original and replacement parts and the parts were easy to find and more affordable that my other vehicles. You will really enjoy driving and working on this car!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

1990 Volvo 240DL

Kimberly, 07/30/2010
1990 Volvo 240 DL 4dr Sedan
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

I didn't know anything about Volvos when I got my car, but I'm a convert. My Volvo is solid and reliable even though I'm terrible about tune-ups & oil changes (every few years). I grew up with Nissans and Toyotas and I thought bi-yearly break downs were a given. My Volvo has broken down only once after 7 years of smooth sailing. It was a sensor problem. I took it in for a full tune-up this time because I want it to last another 200,000 miles. My mechanic says it's possible. Do find yourself a mechanic who knows these cars. Volvos do not react well to aftermarket parts and there are some quirks which only an old pro will know.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My obtainable dream car.

gooby1, 08/17/2012
1990 Volvo 240 DL 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I've wanted a 240 since I was a kid, in the early 80's.. Since I began driving, I've owned Saab, BMW, Nissan, Daewoo (yeah, lol!) Audi, and Honda.. Only one of these were new, (the 'woo) and the rest were on the older end of things.. but certainly not 25 like my 1987 240! I recently purchased mine with about 150,000 miles.. it was well maintained and *everything* still works. I love the simplicity of the design, the fantastic ride, and great turning circle. The car may be slow, but it feels solid, competent, and surefooted. I'm looking forward to owning this for a while, and making a hobby out of it too :)

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5 out of 5 stars

Safest Car on the Road

Gladys Ogle, 04/28/2019
1990 Volvo 240 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I have had 25 used Volvo's over a 32 year period. Models 144,240,164.850, 940, S70, V70 Bar none the 144 and 240 are my favorite. If I were going to put my child or first time driver in a vehicle this is the car to do it. The car was originally manufactured in Sweden designed to protect the driver while driving in snow. Thus the reason for the weight and quality of the metal used in their design. I learned to drive in my 144 and it was stick shift so for driving I do prefer a clutch over the automatic tranny. The clutch is also cost effective and a gas saver. Never had a major problem with my Volvo's other than normal wear and tear. Water pump, tie rod, and clutch plate in 32 years were the only repairs out of 32 used Volvo's. Though keep in mind that my Volvos were all under the age of 1999 so the older cars seems to have been designed to last with little to no maintenance. Although the 240 does have a wiring harness problem and that had to do with the poor quality of the plastic they used to encase the wires. This harness is directly under the middle of the front windshield under the hood and has about 10-20 wires - different colors grouped together in a bundle. You need to look at this bundle if you are purchasing a 240 as it is about 500-1000 to replace that wiring harness. Because of the age of these cars, cracking and chipping is normal but this wiring harness can short out your whole electrical system. Quick fix if you can't afford the harness replacement would be to wrap electrical tape around each wire and that should do. I have done it and worked out fine. Don't let that be a determining factor in your purchase it's a normal flaw in this model though it will give you room to bargain on the price if you point this out to the seller. In fact ask the seller if they have ever replaced that harness and use it as a bargaining chip. The 850 model was my least favorite should be bypassed as a purchase. That was the one model I recall having too many nickle and dime fixes. The 940 is a solid flawless design and much more of a luxury ride than the 240. The 240 would be like driving a tank down the street though if it's luxury you want go for the 940 or S70. I consider these two models of the Volvo family the Cream puffs. Keep in mind you trade one thing for the other, the 940 and S 70 won't provide you with the weight aspect that the reputation that the Volvo design was built on. Ford changed the weight of the car in 2000 when they bought Volvo. This is when the romance ended for me. The design,weight and style of the car changed when Volvo became manufactured in the United States. Not a strategic move in sales in any way. If you can find this car anywhere in the States it is worth the price of shipping the vehicle. Shipping can run anywhere from 1500 to 3000. Fly out and drive it back if at all possible, cheaper to keep her as they say. You can't place a price on safety there for that makes the Volvo bar none the best car that was ever manufactured. The 144 and 240 are also my favorite due to the simplicity of the design. No sleek curves, nothing fancy that being said the 144 and 240 series Volvo became it's own brand. I will say that I have to laugh when I see the Volvo on used sites grossly over priced. The car is only worth what someone is willing to pay. I create ideas for business investments every day thru entrepreneurship and I have to remind people : It's not what your selling that creates the market it's what their buying. The 60 and 70's also gave us some beautiful American made cars in the 8 cylinder family and other than a Volvo this would be my next choice- I would search the ol towns for those vehicles as well. You trade one thing for another in vehicles but safety should never be compromised and that's the guarantee of these older cars. It's a labor of love when you can appreciate the aspect of the art itself. Car people are also a great social circle, I have had a few classic cars and been to several car shows in Southern California. These are great people who are inviting and enjoy cars!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great solid car

Bubba10, 03/14/2008
1990 Volvo 240 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I only drive mine in the summer. I don't want it to ever rust and it spends every night in the garage while my wife's cross country stays outside. These are great solid cars and with a 5 speed get pretty decent highway mileage 32-34.

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