Just today, heading down from I85 in GA, between flat shoals RD. and Union CIty, there was a cop. He had just pulled over someone, so everyone began to slow down all at once. I was doing around sixty, when I saw all of the tail lights ahead of me light up. I slam on my breaks, and my car slows down to a stop. I tap the lady in front of me (She sustained no damage other than my black bumper paint), and then a guy comes from behind, and whacks my car. Anyway, I went fishtailing from the far right lane all the way to the third left lane, before driving back over to the breakdown lane. I really haven't been overly impressed with my volvo (240dl), but I now see the appeal. The car hasn't been terribly reliable (dropped valve 2 months after I got it) busted hoses, making it overheat, and finally a total electrical short yesterday, but I like it now. While the car's exterior sustained heavy damage, but the fuel tank was intact, and I was actually able to drive it home. The passenger compartment is virtually untouched, but I guess the guy hit me going around 30-35 mph (his airbag didn't deploy). The woman I hit decided not to press charges, and the cop didn't even look at her car. I recieved a citation for following too closely, but I don't think I'll tell my insurance company, she won't tell. Anyway, I want to go with a 240 turbo now, or a 7 series. They seem to be loads more reliable, in my experience.

I don't wanna jinx my good luck, but I don't think a 240T will be a more reliable choice. But it's damn fun.

However, a 240 in nice shape might be what you're looking for. Nothing you've mentioned has really gotten that much better in the 700s. Same engine, similarly bizarre electricals, etc. Sounds like you just got a car that was neglected in general.

- alex

Having parted out some 900 (almost identical to 700) and 200 series cars, I think the 700/900 definately wins on sanity points in the electrical department. For a good laugh, and as an example, replace the heater fan in both, or play "find the relay", or have your passenger replace a fuse while doing 90 mph.

But the mechanical bits are virtually the same, and here maintenance is the deciding factor.

Bram

very cute, I have never had to play "replace the fuse at 90 mph", but I did have some fun in the 240. One of the things my friends used to complain about was the cars tremendous body roll (or my bad driving), because riding with me was exciting. It was just like being on a roller coaster, so needless to say, the handles that volvo smartly included were put to use. Every time I go by the shop, the guys tell me how badly the kid who owned the car before me took care of it. Looks like she finally got her rest. Overall, the car was in decent condition body wise tho. It needed a lot of TLC, to bring it back to best condition, and I didn't have the money or knowledge to do it, and to top it off, one of my mechanic friends who helped me restore the car to driveable condition was killed by his roommate.