I hate to admit it but my wife is right: my 1990 745 16 valve 4sp + OD rides like a tank and is is 'wearing' on a long drive. I bought the car used in 2001 and I have never experienced a new 745. Our other rides were / are Chev Impala sedan, Ford Taurus wagons (1990, 1995), Volvo 145, Volvo 245 and a smattering of small cars. Apart from the 4 culinder buzz, even our small cars (Honda Civic, VW Rabbit...) had a better ride that our 745. The Impala is smooth and quiet and I'd bet that it corners as well as the 745, better on a rough road because of the live axle bounce on the 745.

So, the question is, has the ride quality in the 745 deteriorated that badly in 14 years and 355,000km or was it always harsh? The bushings all appear to be good, according to a local indy. It could be that all those rattles, tire noise, engine buzz and vibration at highway speed make it noisy and give the impression of harseness. Maybe if I were deaf, it would feel smoother!

Shocks and springs appear sound. I am running 205/65 15" Handcooks which are oversized for the car, I know. They are noiser than the BF Goodridge Contact T/A's but no less harsh, methinks.

Is there any hope of making the 745 into a comfy cruiser? Or should I just look around for a 965 and be done with it? I don't want to race this beast, just want a reliable, well engineered car that I can wrench, haul cargo, and have a conversation in!

Bill
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Volvo Info Site 1990 745GLE 16valve