Being a relatively new brick owner and not knowing a lot of other brick owners first hand (although I have met alot of them through the Brickboard)I oftern wonder how my third hand brick stacks up against others on the road in terms of repairs. Up till lately all the items needing repair have been normal and expected. Furthermore, they have been easily fixed because of help received here on the board. But lately the knocking noise coming from my engine (b230ft with 127,000 miles)upon starting and sometimes at idle when hot and the weird resonating sound coming from somewhere when the car is hot have got me to thinking about other people's experience with their cars. I am not making money off this survey. I am just wanting to know more about the car I love.

Question for all 700\900 series Brick owners: How is your brick? What problem(s) does it/they have? Do you consider these problems major or minor? Do you plan on fixing them or just plan on living with them? How many miles on it/them?

Your responses will be greatly appreciated.

1989 740 Turbo Intercooler. B230FT 4 cylinder. 167,000+. Fully optioned. I have owned the car for two years and here is the work I have done on it:

Replaced water pump.

Replaced water pump hose.

Replaced fuel filter.

Replaced radiator. (All replacement radiators at Shucks and NAPA did not have the threads for the sensor cap. Must purchase a Nissens!)

Work that needs to be done:

Sunroof motor replace.

Oil leak traced and repaired.

Replace struts front and rear.(I believe I have the Nivomat suspension-debating conversion.)

I was in a wreck in this car and was T'ed on the driver side rear wheel.$2,500 worth of repair, body work only! The car that hit me was traveling at about 30-40 mph! I drove the car after the wreck! I challenge any domestic car owner to do the same. All the work I have done and that needs to be done is normal wear and tear. I have had the car on a highway up to speeds of 110 mph before it the steering wheel started to shake. In my opinion, best made car in the world.

Minor annoyances:

Rear taillights keeps popping bulbs.

Watch for water leaking in through tail light section joints. Pour water on tail lights with a garden hose with trunk closed. Remove bulbs that pop and look for water inside that tail light section. Good luck.

Mine popped lightds everytime it rained. I got a new to me trunk seal and now no more popping lights.

1985 744 GLE

Bushings are shot, release bearing whistles every time i start moving, heater doesn't work, AC compressor broken, fuse 5 keeps blowing, bulb failure light stuck on, clutch slips at high revs, back right door stuck shut, fog lamp switch busted, tint peeling on back window. I even have some impressive modifications such as rust spot at back rear of car, no working passenger side windows, and don't forget the rust hole in front muffler mod.

I'm poor and can't fix it much, but it gets me to and from school every day (50 mile round trip)....I will always love Volvos.

Your local starving student

Mark,

I drive a 1990 740GL with 224,000 miles. I've owned it for 7 seven years. I would say I've put about $1800 in repairs per year. I'd love to drive it another two years. I will most likely fix the current issue, even if costly (new car insurance is ridiculous in NJ) It is a very comfortable car. Right now I am having a problem with my automatic transmission. At 30 mph, it does not shift unless I let up on the gas. The fluid level if fine. I'm actually here to begin looking for some advise on the issue.

Any way, good luck with yours!

pam

Pam, Have you check the faq 700/900 section of this board re: transmission

question/issues ?? When was the last time you have it flushed??Might be a good thing to do but in the event you put in a new one it will last you for a long time...Good luck...Rey

I just recently purchased my 3rd Volvo a 1988 760 GLE. Previously I had a 1986 240GL Wagon that was stolen (and never found) and I still own a 1988 240 DL that needs a speedo head (so I don't know the true mileage right now) and some work on the engine (it's starting to lose power at first start-up, pops when I try to give it gas a few times and then runs fine). On the 760, the body looks great and engine runs great (per my mechanic)but needed new bushings, two tires, motor mounts, driver's window (previous owner replaced the window but didn't know how to put the motor back on it, left all the parts in the door, lol). I'll be getting the rear driveshaft mount replaced this weekend and later replace the shocks. So far I've put about $1200 in repairs and paid only $1000 for it at auction. Other than a few holes in the leather seats (now covered), I feel that Volvos are the best cars for driveability and reliability.

p.s. I too have heard a slight knocking when I start the motor that fades away after a few minutes.

I bought the car at 90k and have since replaced the radiator, water pump, timing belt, front cam seal, driver window motor, alternator, and a very expensive hose between the AMM and the turbo inlet. Needs exhaust, front control arm bushings (common problem), and the in-tank pump assembly reports a false level. The car now has 135k. I own it, so it is worth it to repair the things that need to be replaced, especially when I do it myself.

How-diddly-do,

Yes, I love my Volvo. I have an 89 740Gl with a 170,000 miles, and she runs like a champ everyday on the sunny freeways of Southern California. The repairs so far have been regular maintenance. The resonating sound mentioned could be your prepump. Mine just went too and the sound started off as a resonating sound and then become an annoying buzz. Both sounds only occured when I was at a 1/2 to 1/4 of a tank of gas. My mother owns a lovely 900 series wagon, just like every Mom should, and she loves it. Her only problem has been resetting the check engine light-big deal! My only beef with the Volvos are the inadequate jacks they give you to change your tire. My brick almost squashed my little phillangees one afternoon as the jack proceeded to warp and bend while I was tightening the lugs. Yeah it sucked, so be careful. Um, other that that I give the car an 8.5 out of 10. It's not as fast as the VW's I've owned or very good on mpg's, but it's just so smooooooth. Good Luck with your brick.

Sincerely :)Lauren "the Body" Ventura

When you say your jack warped and bent, do you mean that the "C" shaped hook bacame an "O" shaped hook? If this is the case, it was used incorrectly, as was every volvo jack that I have inherited. The 'C' shaped hook is meant to fit upon a pin in the jack attachement point that is connected to the frame.

Hi Mark,

Never had much trouble with the 900s myself - my latest drive is a 1992 965 3.0l auto with approaching 140k miles up. One previous company owner who took it to the main dealer like clockwork, so its absolutely A1 mechanically. Bodywork is starting to show its age though - lots of scratches and minor dents as this was a city (London) car.

It now needs new shock absorbers at the front - I'll probably replace them all while I'm at it, along with the bushes. The exhaust has started to rasp a little, so I guess that won't last through the winter. Not sure whether to go with a stainless performance exhaust or a std one at the moment.

Oh yes - the aircon needs a recharge and service.

Apart from that she's running as sweet as ever. Average economy is circa 20mpg which is a bit heavy, but does include commuting in Sheffield - officially home of the UK's slowest city traffic after London.

My previous 940s were all pampered, getting Mobil 1 and Volvo filters at 5k miles. My first one - a 1991 940 2.0 turbo was bought new and so had main dealer servicing throughout my ownership. The others were maintained by myself in the main - pretty straightforward thanks to the space under the bonnet (hood).

Would I buy anything else if I won the national lottery? Probably a V70. But realistically I can't think of any other vehicle that has the blend of power, refinement, safety and space that the 965 has.

Hope this helps.

Uel

Brick #1, a 1991 944T w/132k mi. Running great. Recently developed a habit of stalling/sputtering a bit in a fast right hand turn (like on a cloverleaf). Assuming at this point that it is the in-tank pump sock, or junction hose, as the pump itself appears to be running. Recently replaced exhaust with a combination of pieces put together by a local custom exhaust shop. Low backpressure, low noise! Also replaced strut rod bushings with IPD poly kit last month, big help. Replaced radiator 3 months ago when old one grenaded at upper hose joint (found a new OEM-style rad at a local shop for $120). Has just a bit of piston slap when cold (no biggie).

Brick #2, 1995 945T w/105k mi. Wife's car. Runs like crazy. Fixed cold start problem last winter w/ECU eprom upgrade. Only other issues are door cover puckers (will fix w/3M adhesive when I get some time), and intermittent fuel gauge behavior (I was told to check the connection to the gauge behind dash first). Recently got IPD transmission hose kit, and did a flush and fill with Mobil 1 ATF.

Both cars get Mobil 1 and Mann filters every 5k. Both are due for oil change, plugs, cap, and rotor, along with a good throttle body cleaning this weekend before cold weather sets in. Have been running DEXCOOL in both for almost 2 years with excellent results.

Both cars are turbos, are fun to drive, safe, reliable, economical, easy and relatively cheap to fix. Don't know what I'll do when I need new cars (Mercedes E-class? Volvo CrossCountry for the wife? who knows?). I would vote that the 940 series was probably the best all-around car Volvo made.

Mark, you've seen my brick so I don't need to talk about it.Why don't you drop by over the weekend (at the club )and once again we will try to solve the volvo problems of the world..Btw, do they have volvos in Afganistan ??

Rey

reysc: you asked "do they have Volvos in Afghanistan?" My guess: not any more!----PD.

I was hoping Collin Powell would use his influence not to bomb any BRICKS...Maybe Mr. Osama better start riding around in a Volvo..Heh??

Rey

reysc: you wrote:" Maybe Mr. Osama better start riding around in a Volvo." I guess that assumes he knows how to drive; I heard that the Taliban schools don't have Driver's Ed and Physical Ed on the same day: it's too hard on the camels! --PD.

PD, beg to differ sir,I think they have drivers ed( special forces for car bombs)but they don't have flight schools yet...Ouch..makes me sick

just to think of it again..Actually MAKES ME MAD !!! Oh well, got my new distributor,rotor,spark plug wires and new O ring and seal in my distributor.Did not realiaze I was leaking there. I thought I had a small

leak in my valve cover gasket by #4 sparkplug!!!Can't wait to go home wipe

my engine/bay clean,have a crown and water and just stare and admire my Brick (225k..Zf22)and listen to light jazz..How 'bout that ??

rey

reysc (and Mike): splash o' this, plate o' that, a hand-rolled: it is indeed the good life. MY slant on my VoVo is that I often carry tools, etc., in the car, so I personally do not want to draw attention to my ride by having it look too, too sweet. It's bashed, it's gashed, it's got some rust (controlled), it don't look new or hot or sweet. It's a workhorse, mechanically sound, regularly maintained...but not pretty! Reminds me of that song: "If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, better make an ugly woman your wife..." Definitely not politically correct, but it's an OLD song. Now, where's that cigar cutter...?----PD?

I just purchased my 745ti back in July and I've loved every minute of ownership so far. I was fortunate that the guy that I bought it from was as much of a fanatic about care and maintenance that I am. I recently got my g-valve and IPD bars installed and am really happy with the result. Hey Rey, I just sit and stare and my brick sometimes too. Only with the addition of a nice handmade Dominican.

Aloha,

Mike

Rey:

If they do have Volvo's in Afghanistan I would be very interested to see what kind of shape they are in. After seeing pictures of those heavy trucks used to move people and goods around the county I can only imagine what they do with cars.

We are going out of town this weekend on a camping trip but I will do my best to drop by next weekend. We need to schedule our wrecking yard expidition.

Take care.

The wife's '93 940 is running like clockwork. Everything works, and it hasn't required much beyond normal maintenance in the last 3 years/35K miles. Its at 172K miles now. The only problem is a crack in the upper radiator nozzle that weeps a little coolant. The wife is aware that this needs to be watched like a hawk until the rad is replaced (in case of sudden failure.) Also, I had to replace the PS pump brackets due to elongation of the mounting holes (and the subsequent squealing of the belt.)

Because the thing is so cheap to run (thanks to Volvo and the Brickboard!), we've been able to upgrade a few things, like Magnecore wires, Amsoil air filter, sunroof wind deflector, cowl intake cover, new Pioneer CD deck w/12D changer, and a cargo net for the trunk.

Daily driver is a '94 940, 298500 km (almost 187K mi) almost all the way on propane (LPG). I got it in late april at 275000 km with some overdue maintenance but generally seemed well cared for. Its relatively high mileage (for a dutch car) and chipped windscreen/bonnet leading edge suggest mainly highway use (good), interior is still very good, again obviously well cared for. I'm putting about 100 mi/day on it, most of it at 90 mph. Engine still runs fine, with only a very slight uneven idle which I'm perfectly willing to live with, and I know the valves are ending the end of their adjustment range (propane is harder on valve seats but easier on the bottom end). Apart from that I keep it in as good a condition as I can: regular servicing and every squawk gets seen to soon. I replaced all the switchgear lights (all were burned out), clutch (squealed but seemed nearly new when I pulled it, probably they forgot to change the pilot bearing), stick is a bit loose and can vibrate (new plastic bushings and wrist pin on order), and some minor stuff I saw to. These vehicles can remain fine cars up to a high mileage, or can (as I all to clearly was reminded when I was looking for this one) become absolute scruffy dogs when not taken care of, just like any other car. But give it a good clean and

some TLC and they'll stay fine for years to come.

The 900 series: possibly the best car Volvo ever put out, especially the 940 which combined luxury, quality body and trim with a well understood, mature drivetrain and easy servicing.

Bram

Mark: my first Volvo was an '85 245 Diesel wagon, D24Tengine, manual 4-speed w/OD button, traded my Lexus 400 for it (to my ex's daughter, for her safety). She had the VoVo at school for 2 years before I got it. I took it in for an oil/filter change; when my indy mech took out the oil drain plug, all that came out after a minute or so was a lump of wet 'tar', a small handful: no liquid oil. Im going to guess that the car had not been serviced under her stewardship. With regular service thereafter, the car ran fine, until it got kissed by a street sweeper. Moral: it got ZERO care for a long time, and kept on rolling. 2nd VoVo is a 3rd-hand '86 745 GLE TurboDiesel wagon, ZF22L tranny with 160k miles on it, now with 215,000k miles. Unlike the 1st car, this one had regular service, and I continue to take care of it, with Mobil-1 synth. Good ride, dependable, strong. Leather seats (front now have sheeps on 'em), sunroof, roofrack (supplemented w/ a Yakima). No breakdowns. About $24oo over 3 years (timing belt, water pump, new rotors, several sets of tires, that's about it). Like a rock? Yeah, but even more like a brick! Not as quirky as the 850's by any means. Stickin' with 740's, and a 940 in a few years, like maybe 10! Great cars. Not problem-free, but damned good!--PD.

Mark,

I have a 240(106,000), 1990 With the b230. It also has a very slight knocking when it warms up. Its usually only heard in park or neutral. I worried with it. Never could figure out where it is coming from, or what it is.

The good news is that the car doesnt seem to mind. It runs like a banshee. And the knock doesnt seem to be getting worse. Im comitted to "just drive it". If something breaks, or it gets worse, then Ill think about fixing , or replacing the engine. Until then, Vrooooooooom!

I also have a 87-740(150,000). It to has engine noise which I and others have looked at and could never conclude what it was. This car also is a great running car.

Again the noise is only heard at low rpms, and is very slight. Vrooooooooom!

Im not sure I know what you mean by "resonating sound", but it could be the heat sheild. A very minor problem.

Ive owned several volvos. They make noises, and develop quirks, but they keep on rolling.

I hope this helps

Good luck

Lawrence:

Thanks for the reply and the words of encouragement. Aside fromt the knocking noise which does bother me sometimes, the car is rock steady and smooth. My wife gets on to me sometimes for being so anal when it comes to our brick. I cannot help it. I really love the car.

With regard to the sporatic resonating sound, I have checked all the heat shields. I think the sound, which is only heard at idle after the car is at normal operating temp, might be comiing from the cat. If I tap on the cat with a rubber mallet I can hear some rattling inside. Unfortunately, with three active kids and two jobs, I have not had time to investigate further. My greates fear is that it is coming from the trans because I can feel it sometimes through the shifter. But, the sound is constant in neutral and drive. Probably nothing major. I should not be so fatalistic.

Thanks again.

hi my name is mark.this is the frist volvo in my life and it wont be the last.i have a 1985 760 turbo inter that i bought from a guy across the street from me for $100 the body and int are in ex shape.it had a striped spark plug.fixed it and it runs great.i had to put some money in it but it is worth it this will not be my last volvo.people on here are so helpful thanks alot...............

long live the brick. mark carraro

I am very happy with my brick. Consider the punishment I force upon it, it holds up extremely well, certainly better than BMW's I've seen of similar vintage. At 360000km the engine runs perfectly without ever needing servicing (seals not included). The knocking you mention may be piston slap. This can only bother your ears, the engine doesn't mind it at all. Just replace joints when they are loose and bushings when they are worn. Nothing is forever.

Rene

I am happy with mine too. It's 220000km, non- turbo diesel ( VW LT 2.4 liter ) Runs smoothly and quickly, no problems ( some minor -not important, or, as you like, typical for all cars )

For me it's plesure to drive it.

Bests

Peter