My first Volvo was a brand new 122S (amazon in the USA I think), the I had used ones also since: 1981, 1982, 1991. I still own the last two. Since then there was always at least one Volvo in the driveway plus GM Chevy and Pontiac at times. That makes me a Volvo owner for 45 years next fall and I do almost all mechanical repairs myself except clutch disk/pressure plate replacements. I have complaints also and I will list a few although these have been mentioned for the most part.

On the 1967, front fenders were corroded easily with road salt. I found too late that Maverick plastic fender liners could be adapted on that car.

The 240 : Had 2 heater blower replacement job, dashboards cracking on all the 240, water finding its way under the carpets, wiper shafts seisure, bad ground contact inside and outside wiper motor( no good reason for such a defect).

I still beleive that it is the ideal car for anyone who wants to put some time, effort and why not love, to maintain the mechanic and body in good shape. With our winters in the north east rustproofing is a must. Preventive maintenance is capital to make these car last this long because they were not designed for that.
As someone mentioned the money saved can be used for something else.


Good post.