I've recently moved from the 120 series into the 200 series Volvos and I've really got to complain that this 245 GLTi (233K) is, so far, a garage hog. I've owned several Hondas and a Toyotas that had 150+K on them when purchased. All these cars have been the type that you drive the piss out of for years and fix what breaks (usually $100-200 a year, one item)

Since I got this car, I have done: Starter, wiring harness, complete front end rebuild, rear torque rod bushings, welded a crack in the exhaust tube, replaced in tank pump, and a host of other minor annoyances like the glovebox door... All within the first 3000 miles.

Now my throwout bearing is noisy, there is at least one stripped exhaust manifold nut (putt, putt), the blower motor is occassionally noisy, the turbo appears to be leaking oil past the intake seal and the ignition switch has to be fiddled with to make the radio work.

Service records were given to me from the PO. There are probably $8000 worth of receipts in that envelope, four turbos, a bunch of oil seals every few years, relays, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I like working on Volvos, but I like driving them too! Seeing as my "garage" is a 20'x20' piece of concrete in front of my house and winter is now approaching, I'm a little dismayed at the amount of time and expense I'm going to be putting forth to get this car into reasonable condition. As a point of reference, my 87 Toyota truck was bought with 200K, needed a clutch when I bought it and has only had the thermostat replaced in the last 25K miles.

Maybe it's because I love it that I want to make it perfect. Hell, it only cost a grand and maybe putting 2 more into it will make it run to 350K. I love everything about the car except all the damn repairs are really taking a bite out of my time and wallet. Sorry for the rant but who's gonna listen except for a bunch of other Volvo nuts.

Bob

Most of what you're looking at will last a long time if done right. We had an '81 240 GLE that had over 500K miles on it when the odometer quit, and probably another 100K+ before we gave it away still running (but uglier than a mud fence due to body rust. your '82 is in many ways a better car than the '81. Enjoy.

My Volvo's the cheapest "near Luxury" car ever. Consumer Reports didn't even report much on the the old 240s as maybe Volvo never gave 'em one to wreck... but I like Toyota's too...

Except I paid more for my two Toyota trucks, and they rusted out faster.
I have paid more in a year for my Volvo's repairs....but the Volvo feels more solid, always starts, has good seats (even with a few holes). And it only cost me 500 bucks and it looks great (except for gnarly drivers seat and rust on inside of rear window frames.)

Records so far: first Toy truck was only 1200 with 111K miles on it and it lasted 7 years before rusting into the ground *about 150K), then next Toy truck was 2000bucks and then it rusted out at only 137K

heck I bought my Volvo at 158K and found parts were much cheaper than for toyota... (steering rack for instance).

Yeah I've put more minor repairs into my Volvo in one year than ever a Toyota... but when Toyotas break, they break expensive!! (steering racks, constant exhaust replacements, brake lines.. and the most fatal of all Rusted Frame!!)

you lucky folks in the non rusty, low salt and no snow.....areas can probably keep both your Volvos and Toyotas forever.

Jeesh, I only put about 15k a year and I seem to drive my Volvo more as maybe I like to drive it more than the Toyota trucks.

But if anyone has a pristine mid 80s Long Bed I'd be interested... those new short beds Suck!!! and I like the 2wd probably better.... despite the lust for 4wd that most of us males have (and probably most females too considering who buys all those new SUVs).

4 turbochargers doesn't sound right. I've talked to a lot of people who consider 100k to 150k the lifespan of a turbo, but my last GLT had 286k miles on the original unit.

1) Basically you bought a car that was not maintained...I know the PO's poured $8000 into the thing....but it sounds to me as if they had things fixed....there is a big difference.

2) I have the same basic wagon from 85....intercooler, etc excepted. Yes the wire harness is 100% volvof*ck, HVAC blower too. Some things uniquely Volvo suck...and not just on the turbo.

3) Turbo require more maintaining. But they will last with good maintenance, synthetic oil, etc. I did all the stuff you mention and more in 1998 at about 17XK miles, and here I am at 230K miles and have put nothing but gas and oil and a few odds and ends (maybe $100 a year) and am so happy with the car I have no concept of what car to get next...I think I can make it to 300,000 miles.

4) My 1985 Toyota truck fuel pump died and left me stranded at 90K miles. The front crank oil seal blew at 80K Toyota (before I discovered Amsoil! :) - Toyota had "issues" with seal materials. The belt pulley idler bearing seized and melted the fan belt at 70K. It's now just over 100K and starting to rust. Toyota....well I paid $5800 new!!!

One thing for sure with the 240T series - NEVER pay to have someone else work on the car. THAT just makes no sense unless the mech. is perfect and charges $5/hr.

I say sink another $3000 in your car and make it perfect or bag your losses now. There is no middle ground or you'll go wacko. The really sucky thing is you got it at 233K not under 200K....you'll have to decide.




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http://www.fidalgo.net/~brook4/oilslubesfilters.html

Hi Bob;
Sounds like you have a few repairs yet to go. But keep in mind that the ones you have done, will be done for years.

As to the Toyota thoughts, find a 1982 Toyota that is worth driving. As you will be unable to, find a nice early 90's Camry V-6 instead- you'll fall asleep driving it, it will seem so boring. Until of course it pops one or more of its head gaskets, which they all do, and suddenly you'll be out about $3000.00 (Canadian) for a dealer repair. That will wake you up.

Mind you, if the 240 has a bad heater fan, brace yourself.

Now those 122's - heater fan takes 10 minutes. Do you still need any carbs rebuilt for one of them?
Rhys

Although probably ran down, for 1000 dollars you bought one of the best all around 240's in my opinion. They have more than adequate power, are very versitle and distinctive in design, and have most of the modern power conveniences. One owner examples in excellent condition might pull 10 times what you paid, because the owner has maintained it and put money into it.
However, it is also one of the most expensive 240's to maintain. They all have charactoristic stuff, some of which you mention like wire harness', cats breaking, rear bushings. Also prone to typical 240 woes, like oil leaks, electrical widgits, power window switchs and so on.
Maintaining them is definitly a challenge, but most owners will tell you that they would rather put a few bucks into the car they know and love than have a payment. Good used parts are plentiful and relativly cheap, Volvo and the aftermarket still supply most everything you need to keep it in good shape. Nail the big stuff first, then whittle at the little things that bother you most.
Good luck

I must recommend 100 people OR MORE a year to Toyota product.

"Chris, are Volvos reliable?"

Now, how would you answer that? I always say, the powertrains are reliable. Which is true. But the rest of it? Not that much.

The bottom line is, if you want to drive anything that has a European nameplate on it, get ready to pay. I'm not including the old, no-tech product, but the stuff made since the days of environmental science, computers, EFI, etc. There is no European product on the road that won't end up costing you five times as much as a Toyota.

I have heard, countless times, how so-and-so has a Volvo and they haven't done shit to it ever, and the thing is JUST GREAT! Then I get to see it and if I'm not so lucky, I get to drive it. Always the same story. Dents on dents, rust everywhere, wheezy engine, clunky trans, dragging clutch, smells like a manure heap, and the windows are constantly fogged.

Yep... "Just GREAT". I suppose that the impression that person has is, if it goes down the road in one piece, it is "just great". What more could you ask for, right?

What more could you ask for?

So make of it what you want to. But in the long run, if you are really looking at the bottom line, forget about anything that started life on the continent. Or especially in Great Britain.

The only question remaining is, how many 18 year old Toyotas have you had?
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1992 940 wagon, 77k
as well as others.

I feel for you. My "new" 1985 244DL is causing my wallet to leak. If it's like my 89, then all will get better. Fixed all of what I hope are the oil leaks today, then discover that my steering rack is going south. I figure one thing at a time for a while before I trust it out of the county.
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Chuck B '89 245 DL, '85 244 DL

Maybe you just got a bad apple of a car. Some cars will just keep bitching at you.. my 245 82 is the same way. I think it has to do about the crappy chrysler ignition thing.

kevin
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1980 244DL, 1982 245GL, 1987 744GLE, 1991 245SE, 1996 855GLT, 2001 V70