How reliable is the 760 GLE? What are the defect to look out for? Any mileage to problem specifics I should be aware of. I am mostly familiar with the 240's, and I know the 260 was not as good as the 240, is this the same with the 760 and 740?

Any information is helpful!
Thanks everyone,
Chuck

I looked at one a few weeks ago. Nice car BUT, timing belt every 30k requirement sent me running along with the $$$$$ rear shocks7 & other parts. I have a 87 745T w 210K and just got a 91 245 SE w 120K. Regardless of what use decide you can get alot of Volvo for not alot of money. Better if you can DIY.

Hello Badbricks:

That's valve adjustment every 30K mi-- the B280s have chains, not belts...

Rear shocks are $195 apiece online now-- they seem to be good for 100-150K mi, so they could practically be considered a one-time expense (I'm happy to agree that they are still overpriced, though).

Other considerations are suspension parts (hard to get IRS rear bushings in aftermarket), climate control (identical to late 940s) and electric seats.

Cheers!

Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '89 760GLE w/171K mi

Hello Chuck:

The 760GLE became substantially more reliable post 09/86, when the B280F powerplant replaced the B28F. The B280F has improved cam oiling and more modern LH electronic fuel injection. Some maintenance tasks got easier as well-- with the B280F you no longer have to remove the intake manifold to get at the water pump! The 760 (v6 or turbo) both have substantially more "luxury" fitments than the 740s did, and these can add to the expense of ownership, particularly if you can't DIY the repairs... The 760s also got independent rear suspension and Nivomat self-levelling shock/spring combo units in the back, all of which costs more to refit. Tune-up parts are substantially more expensive than the B230 series of motors too.

The 760GLEs are good value because of the bad reputation of the earlier v6 motors. Because of this bad reputation the resale value is quite low. With reasonable maintenance these cars can easily go 200K ++ miles.

Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '89 760GLE w/171k mi

Go to the top of the page, click the pull down menu "Features" and go to the 700/900 FAQ. Not trying to blow you off but there's more information there about these cars than any one person can provide in single response. In the FAQ there's also a link for buying a used 7 or 9 series and it details what the potential buyer should at least be aware of. I doubt anyone could or would check everything described but if your an experienced DIY'er and know your way around a toolbox and car, using this information will go a long way in finding the "right" car for you. Lot's of help here on the board for specific problems when the time comes too.

I've had my 88 740 turbo wagon for two weeks and even with 183,000 miles, I'm comfortable with my decision. Just do your homework first and you'll really lessen the likelyhood of buying something you'll spend a lot of time sorting out right off the bat.

Good luck,
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t