I have only recently started Volvo ownership, firstly with a 740 GL Estate B Reg, 2300cc, and when that went pop (head gasket) I bought my latest one, an E Reg (87) 740 GLE Estate, 2300 Injection. Comfortable cars, they have a great prerscence on the road, ensuring that you are seen by other roadusers! The engine is strong, and there are few problems with reliability (unless you thrash an elderly B reg.. as I found). Servicing is easy, and cambelt replacement at a dealer costs under 100 quid. These are solid old school engineered engines. Technology need not apply! A pleasure to drive.
Loadspace is awesome, with all including the kitchen sink fitting with ease. Towing isnt a problem, and a sizeable trailer can be towed if needed. My E Reg has the original Volvo Tow hitch, and is girder-like in construction. The car ooses Solidity.
Electricals are in abundance, mine has heated seats, electric windows and more whistles and bells than the Space shuttle!
Trim quality is great, even in an old car as mine, and the years havent worn the trim to any great extent. Built to last? I Should co-co!!
Steering braking and handling are superb, and the Huge great beast can be shuffled round corners with ease and safety. A hot hatch it is not, but try telling the car that! Mine is more than a match for twisty B roads.
Mine cost me 450 quid off ebay, Buy it now, and fingers crossed, but when I got the car, It was all I had expected and more. A solid reliable beast of a car, cheap to insure despite the truck like 2.3 Injection engine (100bhp-ish).
Common problems with these are the bulb warning light going off - The circuit relies on resistance in the circuits, and with old wiring bulbs and connections, the light soon illuminates, sparking off a search for the elusive blown bulb, often not showing!! a clean up of the connections and a matching of bulbs around the car often cures this little gremlin. Bulbs are cheap, loss of sanity from that blasted warning light isnt!!
I commend these cars to you. try one, buy one, love one.
As an afterthought, I too find parking the brick a doddle. I also own a nissan Almera, a smallish car, and find I can park the Volvo a darned sight easier than I ever can the Nissan! Like buenoswotsit said in his review.. Do not be intimidated by the size of the Car, revel in it's abilities!!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Saloon - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / 6 Speed Geartronic - (Auto) - 2401 cc - Max Speed: 143 mph - 185 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: S, SE, SE Lux, SE Sport, Sport
Estate - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / 6 Speed Geartronic - (Auto) - 2401 cc - Max Speed: 140 mph - 185 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: R-DESIGN, R-DESIGN Premium, SE, SE Lux, SE Lux Premium, SE Premium, S, Sport
Jun 5th, 2005
very helpful by (27%):
helpful by (73%):
