Considering buying a K reg for under a grand (65,000 miles) and running it until it quits - any advice on reliability? I've heard varying comments about build quality as well...
Regards
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There is a thread on this subject at the Volvo Owners Club website.
A quick skim shows opinion is totally divided. Some won't touch them, others speak highly.
They do seem to need an enthusist's TLC however. And I think it's fair to say they won't last like a real Volvo of the period would.
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Well, Dad purchased Mum a 440 GLi 1.7 (much the same car as a 480 under the skin) new in 1989, which she will own until it gets BES and is replaced with another new car.
It sits outside in all weather, receives no TLC at all apart from a hand wash every few weeks, and with Mobil 1 synthetic oil from the first change onwards, sometimes goes several years without an oil change.
Having set the scene, here's an honest appraisal:
The trim inside clanks and rattles something chronic, but then it's always done that. Still drives me nuts though. The electrically heated seats are very comfy, and the driving position excellent. Some of the dashboard controls now have crazed plastic from UV exposure. No components have failed in the life of the car, although the electric windows now slowly and noisily grind their way up. Actually, they have done this for over ten years now, but have not failed yet!
Mchanically, it's in fine fettle, and has always passed the MOT at first attempt. The only failure has been a water pipe that popped off when new because the hose clip was loose. It starts instantly (with that noisy Renault wheeze and whir) in any weather, runs as quickly and as economically as it's always done, and burns no oil. Infact, with a willing Renault engine, incredibly sharp and communicative chassis and grippy Yokohama boots, it is very entertaining to drive and belies its stodgy looks. Not enough grunt to be classed a true hot hatch, but lively enough, and much quicker than my wife's Pug 306 SR Sedan 1.8 that on paper has similar power and torque. The handling is better than many of these so called hot hatches, but the ride is not as supple as the 306 (which has the best bumpy B-road ride and handling compromise of any car, at any price, that I've driven).
The body seems durable, and the steel well galvanized. Mum collected a ding whilst the car was parked many years ago, and which punctured the paint. The damage was never repaired, and even now, the rust scab is tiny.
So, my conclusion is that the car is fundamentally well engineered, though corners have been cut with trim and finish.
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My missus ran one for about 4 years in the early 1990s. She literally ran it into the ground (past 100k miles) and we had almost nothing go wrong with it.
Pop up lights were a pain as they stopped popping up if a bulb failed and you need really small fingers to wind them up manually so that you can change the bulb.
The fuel injection makes an annoying buzz that you can hear in the cabin.
The trim is full of creaks and rattles but nothing broke. Towards the end various seals around the front and rear screens started to leak.
To be honest they were fine by the standards of the day and the mechanics were pretty well sorted. By today's standards I'm not sure it stacks up, plus I am 10 years older and less tolerant!
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Thanks guys - especially Sjb. Bought a 440 1.8se - L reg, 50,000 - fsh - taxed and Mot'ed - IG7 for £795!
Not an exciting car, but hopefully a reliable one...
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