Hi everyone,

This is my first post.

I am considering a Volvo 740 purchase. Basically I am in need of a reliable, roomy, and inexpensive vehicle. Volvos seem ideal.

The Volvo I am considering:
1990 740 GL.
Mileage is 110K.
AC works.
Vehicle looks nice (in photos anyway).
Newer tires.
Seller claims no fluid leaks.
Timing belt and some other services performed (see CarFax below).
There are no service records other than the CarFax.

Asking price is $2,500. It's being sold by an independent dealer who specializes in Volvos, Suburus, and Mercedes.

Here is a CarFax showing the mileage, that it's a California car, and that certain services were performed.

http://www.carfax.com/viewEmailRepor...mp;language=EN

What are your thoughts? Price? What should I check if I go look?

Thanks

 

I've had several Volvos, including a 1991 740 sedan (I now drive a 1993 240 wagon). The 740s are great highway cruisers, very comfortable and quiet, and handle great. The suspension is more refined than the 240s, and the AC is set up better.

The miles on the car you're considering are very good for the year, and it appears some of the important service has been done. Since the timing belt was replaced, ask if the front seals were also (they should have been done at the same time), and ask if the "flame trap" has been serviced (they will know what you mean).

That said, I would still recommend that you have an independent mechanic look at the car if you can. He (or she) will look at things that a seller either won't know about or won't tell you about.

Special note: If the car is the 24-valve model, I would recommend staying away from it. They can be maintenance nightmares.

Special Note 2: Be prepared to spend money on maintenance no matter how good the condition of the car is. The older 4-cylinder Volvos are marvelous machines, but they take more care and feeding than the average car. And do your best to find a mechanic who specializes in older Volvos to do the maintenance.

Good luck.

 

That looks like a good grab, nice price see if you can get it for $2300 out the door..

But be sure to see if it was in an accident, becaus carfax doesn't report that kind of stuff.
Ask that "dealer" if it has been, and they are required to tell you everything by law.

If you do get one with the TwinCam or 16v head...I will buy the head off you.

 

Thanks for the responses. The dealer says it's an 8 valve engine.

Is that good or bad?

 

8-valve good. 16-valve bad (I said 24-valve in earlier response, I meant 16-valve).

 

Down the road if you want preformance...you will wanta turbo model.
A 740 is a great car and should give you no problems as long as it is maintained well.
As obaloney said, "The older 4-cylinder Volvos are marvelous machines" and they are.
Good luck.

 

Sounds like a good deal IF it's a nice car. You say "in pictures", which means you haven't seen it yet-it may be a POS... Sounds good and the carfax is ok, shows good mileage trail, but with Volvos there are usually lots of cosmetic interior issues such as door panels, pockets, headliners, that are actually more bothersome that the pure mechanics which are excellent. The motor is one of the best ever made and it takes minimum care.