I am going to look at a 1990 740 GL tomorrow. It is a non-turbo car. This will be my first Volvo, and I am getting it just to be a daily driver. What should I look for? What problems do these cars have? What else should I know? Thanks for yor help.

Mike

 

Well, I've owned several 240s, which have the same engine, and oil leaks are something I look for. An oil leak may indicate that the flame trap in the PCV system has not been properly maintained, causing damage to the front and rear main seals. The flame trap costs $0.69 last time I bought some, and is among the most basic items of routine maintenance on a Volvo with a B-series engine. If such basic maintenance items have been neglected.......... well, what else has been neglected?

 

Make sure the O.D.(over drive)works fine and the tranny shifts to 4th gear...