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I'm a longtime Volvo driver wondering about the most recent generations of Volvo cars. For many years, I drove 240s - I had three of them and had very good experiences. Unfortunately, the last one was smashed while parked on the street, and the repairs were too costly given the value of the car. I ended up buying a '99 V70. It certainly has a more luxurious feel, but I don't have the same love for the car that I did for my 240s. What are others' experiences with the more recent Volvos? I know that Ford had ownership and influence for a time, but I believe that ended back in 2010. Have things changed since then? I'm particularly interested in the quality, reliability and feel of the wagon models. The most recent V70s look sharp. How do they compare to early V70s? And to the 240? Any thoughts on this matter or fond memories of old 240s are welcome.
I'm a longtime Volvo driver wondering about the most recent generations of Volvo cars. For many years, I drove 240s - I had three of them and had very good experiences. Unfortunately, the last one was smashed while parked on the street, and the repairs were too costly given the value of the car. I ended up buying a '99 V70. It certainly has a more luxurious feel, but I don't have the same love for the car that I did for my 240s. What are others' experiences with the more recent Volvos? I know that Ford had ownership and influence for a time, but I believe that ended back in 2010. Have things changed since then? I'm particularly interested in the quality, reliability and feel of the wagon models. The most recent V70s look sharp. How do they compare to early V70s? And to the 240? Any thoughts on this matter or fond memories of old 240s are welcome.
Odd that you bought a '99 V70. I just worked on one this weekend. And I too have an old 240 that I rebuilt.
That V70 is nice. But it's not a RWD. And it doesn't have that old "4-cylinder tractor engine" in it. It's a really nice car, but it's just not the same. The newer Volvos are a lot like a lot of other newer cars. Really nice, but kind of nondescript.
There's just something about driving that weird old 240...
I agree completely. The '99 V70 was clean and in my price range; I'm a teacher and can't buy new. There definitely is something about the old 240s. Maybe someday I'll buy a real old beater specimen and fix it up over time...
I agree completely. The '99 V70 was clean and in my price range; I'm a teacher and can't buy new. There definitely is something about the old 240s. Maybe someday I'll buy a real old beater specimen and fix it up over time...
If it was a base (non-turbo) '99 V70, with 125k-150k (typical mileage), I assume it was in that $2500-$3500 range? That particular vehicle was kind of in a "sweet spot" in a troubled stretch for Volvos. Good solid car, and repairs are far more simple and inexpensive than you'd imagine.
You'd be right on the trim, mileage and cost - it was at the upper end, but it had been gone over by a Volvo mechanic who sells cars after fixing them up a bit. I've bought my last few cars from him and had good luck. I hope to keep this one running for a while. Fingers crossed!
You'd be right on the trim, mileage and cost - it was at the upper end, but it had been gone over by a Volvo mechanic who sells cars after fixing them up a bit. I've bought my last few cars from him and had good luck. I hope to keep this one running for a while. Fingers crossed!
If he went over it with a fine-toothed comb (assuming he did) you should be happy. 27-29 mpg on the highway (unless you're a lead-foot), pretty decent ride, looks good, and some nice amenities.
I hope you enjoy the car for a LOT of inexpensive miles!
The "Flying Bricks" were wonderful cars. Get one and repair the body work and just have fun. The most spectacular one I ever drove had an aluminum block Chevy 350 V-8 with an auto tranny. It was a real Q-ship.
Biggest issue with the '99's is the ETM, which is a $500 DIY rebuild for an aftermarket piece. Above that they are good just like the 850 series. I actually have an 850 and acquired a '99 V70 for a song, but sold the '99, and I agree the newer ones are much more comfortable. It had a nice "plush" ride to it.
To be honest, it will be hard to let go of my old 850 when the time comes because getting a new car means being unable to work on it going into the future. The older Vovlos are very DIY friendly.
The "Flying Bricks" were wonderful cars. Get one and repair the body work and just have fun. The most spectacular one I ever drove had an aluminum block Chevy 350 V-8 with an auto tranny. It was a real Q-ship.
TurboBricks. Butt-ugly to the point they're actually pretty awesome looking.
I don't think I'd every throw a SBC in an old Volvo. I like the sound & feel of "the tractor engine" too much. On the other hand, a buddy of mine (Turbo Tim) threw a 7.4 out of a Suburban in an 87 240 sedan. Installed 2 turbos - the secondary turbo coming off a Terex. Had so much crap under the hood that he had to put the radiator in the trunk. Single guy, mechanical genius, just screwing around one winter "because he could." Needless to say, neither cost-effectiveness, nor safety, were high concerns...
Last edited by GarageLogic; 01-21-2014 at 07:14 AM..
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