I have owned this 1991 Volvo 240 for about 5 days. The very first day I picked it up from the mechanic, the brakes failed on me, but came right back. Now, 5 days later, took it on a longer drive (4-5 hours of driving in total, but broken up), and then the brakes failed me in rush hour NYC highway traffic aka VERY dangerous. It's a miracle no one was killed. The brakes did NOT come right back, but did about 20+ minutes of sitting on the FDR with hazards on. I never want to feel this unsafe again.

Should I just get rid of this car already? I was trying to save $ in this pandemic as I am unemployed, but this just feels bonkers!

 

I bet you will find a rear caliper that is seized. After driving for a while the fluid will over heat and boil causing the pedal to go to the floor. I agree - Very scary. Don't forget the E brake can help in that situation. But a replacement caliper/s is probably your solution.

 

Ok, thank you. The parking brake did NOT work, is this what you mean by an "E brake"? I have a new master cylinder coming and will start there. I found a gentleman in my local garage who might be able to look and diagnose. Seriously though, what is your take....should I just sell this and move on? I am too freaked out and just need to be safe....

 

This is simply my opinion. If you need to feel safe NOW, then yes, sell it for what you can and buy another car, preferably one without brake issues (or any other major issues for that matter). If you can easily take public transit or other alternative to where you need to go until you get the brake issues sorted out, I would heartily recommend you stick with it. Volvos have historically been some of the safest cars on the road, and with a little judicious maintenance, the engine will last for a very long time. That said, I would not drive it with the brakes in that condition. The Master Cylinder is a good place to start, but yes, have someone with the required knowledge and experience check that the calipers are working. Even if the brakes are worn, as long as they work, you're that much safer. The hand brake (parking brake, E brake, etc) not working makes me suspect calipers as well, though you should ask your mechanic if the cable that it operates on is present and in good condition just to be sure.

 

Buy a Toyota - if you need reliable transportation - they will run for hundreds of thousands of miles without having to do anything other than change the oil compared to a Volvo or any other European car. Buy the newest Japanese car you can afford, Toyotas are better than Hondas as far as repairs.

 

NY have a lemon law, 30 days, prey on unsuspecting buyer. Who the seller private, used lot?

 

It was a private seller, I had no idea about this lemon law! Gonna look into it! Thanks for the heads up!

 

I discribe mine as a Swedish speaking autistic adult child, you'll find a rhythm that suits you both, calm will always prevail. Theres nothing like seeing such potential wasted. Dont leave them for srcap!

Odin is watch! Valhalla beckons the Valkyrie's to their final resting place, let it be renewed in your time. Lol, but seriously theres part out there,

Lone warrior standing guard