Hello,
So I have not yet purchased a Volvo. I am considering it because I like the safety features on most of them, as well as the seats and comfort of the car. I also like it because you don't see tons of them around, at least in Manhattan. Just read an article about Irv Gordon who has driven a 1966 volvo for over 2 million miles. Do you guys think there is any Volvo that could go that far again with proper maintence? Could an S70 or S60, S80 do that? Or do they have a lot of problems? Is Volvo as good as it once was as far as reliability is concerned?

Any thoughts/advice and insight would be great!

Thanks,
Steve

 

I think as long as you service and maintain a vehicle correctly, you can def. get high mileage out of most Volvos and most other vehicles.. the problem is that we live in a disposable society and thus the average vehicle is flipped for another every 3.5-4 years. That's one of the reasons you only hear of guys like that because while everyone is looking for something else, this guy was satisfied in what he had and made sure to maintain it. I bet he has a crap load of paperwork on what he has spent maintenance wise or has done. If it was DIY, even better! As far as your question on those particular Volvos, I am sure you can get some serious mileage and years as long as you MAINTAIN IT. Now some models have software updates and also computers to deal with. I am sure if you get a 2nd hand Volvo and you check it out thoroughtly and maintain it top to bottom, you will be fine... Heck, I hope to have my 850 for a long while........

 

As long as you maintain it well and regularly, it should last you a long time. 40 years? Maybe...but you'll definatly get your money's worth. And owning one myself, I'd get the '98 S70 GLT. If not that, get the successor, S60 2.5T. Having a turbo is awesome!

My own opinion: I find the '99-'01 models a little less dependable than the rest.

 

I have a 1988 Volvo 240 with 305k and she purrs like a kitten! She is just now broken in! My boyfriend's mother had two 240 wagons and her 1984 she just got rid of a few yrs ago only because the floor board was rusting so bad it was becoming a flinstone car! Some guy bought it and had to of fixed it because he still drives it to this day! I personally prefer the vintage volvos. They are all mechanical and the engine repairs are alot cheaper and easier. Mine isn't a turbo. I know they are nice to drive, but I didn't want the cost of an extra repair if it happened to go out. For a 1988 mine has all the amenities of a new car. Its a 5 speed with a cd player, heated seats, power locks, etc. It also has a heater that is instantly hot and works great in very cold weather! I think you will be happy if you decide to go with a volvo!

 

I believe that 1966 Volvo has had at least one motor rebuild.

 

Following scheduled maintenance is the key for prolonged life on a car, and this is where 80% (or more) of all drivers fail.

With proper care, Volvos can outlast Japanese makes.


JPN