I'm a student, so I'm stuck with this car and it's stuck with me. That being said, it's my first car, and when I don't know that I have to take it into the mechanic, I'm happy to drive it- especially with a brand new catalytic converter that doesn't rattle indefinitely. The previous owner had it in a climate controlled garage for several years, so it went untouched until the time he pulled it out to sell it. If cars were conscious, I still don't know if this one would know it's back on the road. I dream of the day where my 240 snaps out of it and chugs beyond a leisurely pace- but then I remember that every single stock 240 is no different. These aren't made for speed- they were made for safety. I've yet to be in an accident to test that out myself- I did come close before I changed the tires, though. And that's another thing: these are RWD, meaning they're not good for winter driving (I speak from my own experience). I spent a fair amount of time slipping and sliding across the road- but if you ever wreck in the snow, that heater is something else. The A/C on mine hasn't worked since I got it, but the heater is unbelievable. You won't go cold, and you might even end up stepping outside to cool off. The defroster, unfortunately, isn't as effective as the heater, so keep that in mind. It comes with heated seats, too- my controls for those are just busted (I wish it had been taken better care of), so I can't comment on how effective they are. One thing that seriously bugs me is the lack of a cupholder. I like to drink coffee while I'm driving this thing, so I have to put in the empty seat next to me and hope it doesn't spill. Speaking of spilling, the moonroof on mine broke its seal, so I got soaked the first time I took it into an automatic car wash. Not fun for me, but the person in line behind me got a show as I tried to crawl around the car to avoid the soapy shower rocking the interior. All in all, I love it and hope to have it for a long time. The 240 is a very pretty (and safe) car, just as much now as 27 years ago.
My 1991 240 has 195,000 miles. It has reached the point where I wonder every day whether it will even start when I try to leave for work. Recently, it simply stopped running and left me stranded on a rural highway. I've used up all of my AAA tows for the year and it's only June! In the past month alone, I've spent over $1200 in major repairs, with more to come (that I know about.) I'm trying to survive on part-time work due to unemployment and I can't afford this car.
Best Features
Power windows still work (today)
Worst Features
Since it hasn't been manufactured since 1993, this seems rather pointless
I've had 2 types of 240's a station wagon 87' and now a sedan 91'. The station wagon saved my life. . I was hit head on collission and all I had was a bruise on my knee and some back ache. I immediately bought another volvo but this time it's a sedan. I love the euro style.. Yes it's boxy but I would say euro-boxy which makes all the difference in design. It's rear wheel drive so you don't have to mess with axles and boots going bad. . and since the engine is not. I repeat not crossed from right to left. You have plenty of space to work on it.. I've replaced the starter once. I have done a tune up myself. . and it's got plenty of space to move around. Solid design, roomy, Reliable!!!
Best Features
Good Looking, Gives me peace of mind, easy to work on; YES it's a Rear Wheel Drive!!; Good A/c COLD; Great Heater; Big Trunk; Big Doors. . GOOD Gas Milleage; GOOd Old Quality and Design, Above all Craftmanship and Ergonomic designs. E U R O P E A N Style. Plain Beautiful.. NO CHEAP cuts. .
Worst Features
SOME Plastic parts(interior) tend to crumble after some years. Rear suspension tends to sag or lowers down after some years of use and abuse. Please keep making rear wheel drive cars. They are plain better. Run Cooler and are easier to work on whithout braking your knuckles.
When I came to USA one of my questions was, what is the safest car in this country? and the only answer was Volvo! after 5 years and counting I still love my 240, took me from TX to NY,NY to Canada and back to TX with some minor repairs just like we all need, it has been an excellent car, strong body, it was great for driving in the snow and after 3 winters in snowy Canada the paint still immaculate, my big mistake putting a remote starter it killed my battery so I suggest to anyone do not do it, otherwise still running like a Swiss watch or should I say like a Volvo.
Best Features
I love the square body,very clasy after 14 years I still love the look compared with newer cars,the seat warmers very handy in a -25oF weather, the moonroof perfect for cool evenings in TX, trunk space wonderful with the openning for your skies and of course gas mileage even better. Love it!
I bought this from a friend with 220,000 miles and have owned it for two years. It now has 230,000 miles and I expect it will go for 300,000. Except for a few routine repairs (spark plug wires, exhause pipe, new hoses) this car has been incredibly reliable. It is incredibly comfortable and safe. It doesn't have a lot of pick up, but nothing's perfect. Mileage is about 23 mpg, which isn't bad for a big, heavy, and safe car.