For many years ownership of a Volvo, irrespective of model, was linked to the Shooting and Riding set. However as its reliability has become well known it has encouraged many caravan owners and the ever popular traffic police to use them.
The 740 is a great family car bags of room for wife, kids, dogs and luggage and even when full it will easily pull a caravan. Mind you you will need a tow bar for this and I suggest the bigger 2.3 engine. The 2.0 will cope but it struggles a bit up hills from a standing start. Having said that on the motorway not a problem. Why do you think those white ECILOP cars (well thats how it reads in the interior mirror when the blues and twos are behind you) pass you at a ton plus and have you ever seen one broken down.?
As a mechanic I can confidently say that these cars are easy to work on and maintain. There aren't many cars that use a cam shaft drive belt where if it breaks you can just replace it and drive on. My Rover has a cambelt if that breaks I will be presented with a bill of £600 plus. See what I mean. Having said that there has to be a down side and that is the price of Volvo spares. When you buy normal replacement items e.g brake discs or pads you will think you are paying off the third world debt. Don't let this deter you as you appear to be paying for the name. You can always buy normal replacement items at a motor factors and save a fortune. You will find things like brakes and exhausts at least 50% cheaper than Volvo genuine. Quite often you will find the factor parts are made by the same manufacturer.
Fuel Economy will vary depending on whether the car is manual or automatic and whether a long or short run but overall you should meet 30 miles per gallon. Not bad for transport the size of a small bus!
All the 740 cars are well equiped and typically safety concious. Most have ABS and power steering electric windows etc whilst top of the range have heated front seats.
OVERALL A TERRIFIC BUY WITH THE COMFORT OF A LIMO AND THE RELIABILITY OF A ROLEX
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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 10th, 2005
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