Where have all the 700/900 owners gone ? [Archive]

Steve940estate

Oct 18th, 2011, 19:47

Im skint currently, so the car is bog stock and doing daily driver duties, I have plans but they are on hold.

I expect a lot of people are and we all have the yearly spending session that is Christmas looming as well. I've just spent a stupid amount on a stainless exhaust in the hope I won't ever have to touch it again. I could only do that as the tax man gave me back some money he had been 'looking after for me' for the last couple of years !
My car is pretty standard apart from the wheels, oh and the turbo engine and manual box ! I try hard not to take it shopping if I can so it doesn't get attacked by trolly's etc but no doubt it will be out in the snow this year again.

Kevs Estate

Oct 18th, 2011, 20:16

I am still here. Putting plenty of miles on my 940, but expecting the MPG to start dropping a little, now the cold weather is on it's way.
Forums quiet? Well, when looked after, 700/900's don't need much do they.

Chesh740R

Oct 18th, 2011, 20:30

Maybe we dont have to fettle with ours that much to keep them going, so theres very little to post about.

I have a few little jobs to do on the 740, but nothing that i think would interest the forum so dont bother posting about it.

stephend

Oct 18th, 2011, 20:56

Drove mine to Scotland and back (from East Anglia) at the weekend. Nothing fell off. :)

barkster1971

Oct 18th, 2011, 21:00

Mine is being tweeked this weekend to finally get it running 100%. When I've got the time I'll post a project thread:thumbs_up:

radiomark

Oct 18th, 2011, 21:00

mine's used as a second car.Never any problems with it.

MTerry

Oct 18th, 2011, 21:10

I'm still here, doing about 100 miles a day between Baltimore and Washington, DC. I even got my worn out engine mounts replaced over the weekend so no more constant, horrible vibration.

T240

Oct 18th, 2011, 22:23

My 960, despite grand plans, is in long-term hibernation until I get the 'Blue Thing' somewhere near how I want it.

Cheers,

T

Steve940estate

Oct 18th, 2011, 22:35

Good to hear that everyones around, I was starting to get lonely ! :wink_smile:

Oilydad

Oct 18th, 2011, 22:37

Well, as you know Steve, mine's gone.

On the very very good side though, I am now using less than half the fuel I used to use in the 940 Turbo Estate, with our recently purchased Citroen Picasso 1.6. The difference in fuel consumption has been truly amazing, and the wife and I really love it. A weeks motoring is now costing us around £25.00 whereas it used to cost us at least £65.00 for the same mileage.

I can happily live with that!

Take care.

minesa240x3

Oct 18th, 2011, 22:38

Spending a bit more time on the 240 ready for mot.But very little to do(hopefully)Still taking the Limo out shopping although I took the 240 out to clear the brakes and get it nice and warm throughout lol.And the 740 has no issues.All a bit boring really as ALL of them are running fine.The roof on the Limo will maybe get done next summer?.
Regards Brian.

stephend

Oct 18th, 2011, 22:43

On the very very good side I am now using less than half the fuel I used to use in the 940, with our recently purchased Citroen Picasso 1.6 Desire. It's been amazing, and the wife and I really love it.

Brave man for posting that on here!!

PS. I have now retired!!

Congratulations! Hope you're enjoying it.

940_Turbo

Oct 18th, 2011, 22:50

Mine is clinging on by it's finger nails. It's a toss up whether I'll fix it or run a "breaking" ad.

If it gets broken I definitely won't be buying a FWD "Volvo".

rogerb

Oct 19th, 2011, 09:59

I know that you deep down would like a nice FWD Volvo , to go with all the non working RWD
Ones that are at you place.
Regards Rogerb.

david philips

Oct 19th, 2011, 10:11

still on my third 940 had it 6 years plus now ,bought another for the wife a much better looking one than mine ,she would not drive it so had to let it go for next to nothing , i could not bear to part with my 940 as theres a lot of happy trobble free miles togeter,its used every day and starts even in the worst of weather when most of the newer type of cars arround where i live are sitting like frozen ice blocks.:car:

popuptoaster

Oct 19th, 2011, 10:22

Mine could do with a service i think, its developed a slight missfire and according to the service book its about 110,000 miles overdue although obviously it may just not have been stamped.

It did do 115,000 miles in the last three years though, so I guess it is possible its just been ignored and run up and down the motorways every day before i got it.

Its in really nice condition inside and out apart from a small scuff on the rear quarter and it drives lovely, so i think it was loved for most of its life and then got sold on to someone who added the extra milage on really fast.

Still, its showing 260,000 now and still feels tight to drive.

emmdee

Oct 19th, 2011, 11:00

I sold my 960 just over a year ago as we downsized to a VW diesel to save money. Things are real tight with having an 8 month old baby and the Mrs not working. I'm holding out hopes that in a few years she can get back into work and I can get a nice 940 as a second "occasional" car. I just hope the remaining cars don't get scrapped in the meantime! If I win the lotto, I'll get myself another 3 litre 960 - only then could I afford the petrol :)

m.d.

Toplights

Oct 19th, 2011, 15:22

Sending "Hector" to the happy hunting ground sooner than later.Very sad:wac_cry: but i can only manage one,the V70 wins i'm afraid.:wac_yes:

doingitsideways

Oct 19th, 2011, 20:36

I'm still here :)

Although, not cruising around in the beast in my sig, but rather this tidy example :D

40297

Nothing's gone bang for a while, although my heater matrix has sprung a leak, so in goes a tub of K-Seal for the time being ;)

Steve :thumbs_up:

940_Turbo

Oct 19th, 2011, 20:45

I know that you deep down would like a nice FWD Volvo , to go with all the non working RWD
Ones that are at you place.
Regards Rogerb.

Tony is selling a certain T5, I did toy with the idea of offering him £350.........

Oct 19th, 2011, 21:06

Mine is now no more, got weighed in a few weeks ago...

LankyTim

Oct 19th, 2011, 21:16

popuptoaster

Oct 19th, 2011, 22:17

BillB

Oct 20th, 2011, 12:33

I'm in a dilemma about my 745. I have a V70 Tdi and an 89 745 GLE both on 197k. I've had the 745 for 18 years now and done 114k in it including several trips abroad (furthest was Vienna). The V70 is now the main car and the 745 gets little use because we also have a Corsa (all family insured for it) so I'm thinking that the 745 needs to go. At 25mpg, £205 road tax etc. it's now uneconomical. However, I still like it and wonder whether I should keep it a while longer - it's not an Amazon but it's still a "proper" Volvo. Easy to work on, no complicated systems (the GLE has mechanical kjet which has never needed attention). But the fact remains I can't justify three cars and four of us can use the Corsa but not the 740 (insurance too much). There must be others in this situation and I'd be interested in others opinions. Regards.

arcturus

Oct 20th, 2011, 13:47

Still driving my 940 GLE. When I die in 20 or 30 years I want to be placed in car and sent to crusher. The 960 probably has only a few years left and is not worth spending any more money on.

Prufrock

Oct 20th, 2011, 14:55

I'm still here with my two 1986 cars (both C reg'd), drive the 745 most days especially now winter's on its way.

We do have a modern (S40) daily driver in the family.

Was keen to buy a 965 but the right car never turned up - would keep the 745 and 744 though (classic insurance £150 the pair). Pity Labour axed the 25year rolling road tax concession as they'd both be free now!

I'd like to hear more 700 stories on here; the register should be more dynamic; one day soon these cars will be higher profile.

Prufrock.

LankyTim

Oct 20th, 2011, 19:17

To big for shopping? mine has brilliant steering lock and will turn round in even a small road in one go and it fits in a normal parking space despite being quite long.

A 740/940 is probably not much larger than a modern Mondeo or similar to be fair, I got fed up of coming out of the supermarket and finding another dent from someone opening their door into the side. I got very paranoid/angry about it! The 240 is a bit narrower so even very stupid people have an extra inch or so to exit their car. Not a real reason to sell my 940 I know....

MTerry

Oct 20th, 2011, 19:24

I'm still here, doing about 100 miles a day between Baltimore and Washington, DC. I even got my worn out engine mounts replaced over the weekend so no more constant, horrible vibration.

UPDATE: After replacing the O2 sensor, the Breadbox flew through its emissions test yesterday and is good for another 2 years. The 340,000 miles on the clock really impressed the test guy.

StanC

Oct 20th, 2011, 23:42

My 960's still going strong (hope I'm not tempting fate writing this), with 147,000 miles up. Because I've had no problems I haven't been on the forum that much - only when I might help others.

The little beauty's here . . . . . .

Stan.

Chrali

Oct 21st, 2011, 00:19

I'm still here for now....having some hassle with my 145k 945 celeb auto.

Recent high speed 300 mile round trip to London got 26.5mpg - not bad, but I cant stop thinking about what else I could drive with that mpg and feel pampered, especially as I dont need the load space anymore.

Toplights

Oct 21st, 2011, 19:03

One of the greatest selling points of Volvo, to me at least, are the seats.
You wont find that in any modern car(that i can afford).

Jim760

Oct 21st, 2011, 19:23

none of mine are around any more :(

Dimpsy

Oct 21st, 2011, 19:29

Still got my 745, love it and don't want to part with it (I hate driving small cars) but am about to move to a place with a tiny communal car park, when I put my car in there no one else can get out! Plus I will have to reverse out down a lane every time I come out of the car park - can't afford anything nearly as reliable though - so may finish up keeping it and just being VERY unpopular!

stanley

Oct 21st, 2011, 19:52

Just purchased a 940 SE estate having had an absence from Volvo's for too long. Have a van for work and have been running old Landrovers and Saabs. This "new" 940 is my eighth Volvo over the years and I had forgotten just how nice they are.
Fits like an old glove, so this one will be in daily use!

PS

I clearly remember driving my first Volvo in the eighties (a second hand 'P' reg 245 Estate with the big bumpers) and having other Volvo owners cheerily wave as they passed by. It was almost like an unofficial club then. Also remember visiting our local dealership in Croftamie (Buchanan Volvo) and oohing and aahing at the new model 240 with wheel arch liners! That was the height of innovation then.Changed days!

Toplights

Oct 21st, 2011, 20:10

I had a 240 years ago,it had no power steering,but i had big arm muscles in those days.:wac_yes: and i needed them.:wac_wink:Those days are long gone.

AndyPants

Oct 21st, 2011, 20:39

Mines still about. Haven't driven it past couple of weeks as wanted to prepare it a bit before winter. Its got a fresh MOT and is ready to go, although could do with giving front brakes a service :)

Steve940estate

Oct 21st, 2011, 20:51

This has turned into a popular thread.
Here is a picture of my car. I've just poilished it up so I thought I would take a photo of it.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c42/Good4x4/FrontViewsmall.jpg

stanley

Oct 21st, 2011, 21:07

Looks lovely Steve. I think these cars still look modern, prefer them to the more rounded shape and extra bling of newer cars, but that is probably because I can remember them when they were new! I suppose we all have a soft spot for the cars of our youth.

Will post a pic of the "new" car when I get a chance.

Cheers

Stan

Chrali

Oct 22nd, 2011, 02:14

Nice! What kind of alloys are those?

LankyTim

Oct 22nd, 2011, 12:23

I think they are the very rare late 940 hubcap option.

Chrali

Oct 22nd, 2011, 12:40

I think they are the very rare late 940 hubcap option.

In my defence it was 215 am, my eyes weren't working lol

NewVolvo

Oct 24th, 2011, 06:51

Well, I certainly still have my 780.

Here it is at it's new home in Germany (as we are moving here). Just a matter of time before the car will receive its new German number plates etc. In fact, on the journey to Cologne the car set a new fuel consumption record with 32mpg! :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6204722094_30828ae31d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72958833@N00/6204722094/)
[/url][url=http://www.flickr.com/people/72958833@N00/] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72958833@N00/6204722094/)

Steve940estate

Oct 24th, 2011, 12:06

Thats a lovely looking car, shame they didn't sell more of them. I have a strange liking for 2 door saloons. Possibly started by my fathers Corsair GT, BMW's, Jag XJ6's, even Cortinas and Sierras have all tempted me in the past.

Steve940estate

Oct 24th, 2011, 12:09

I think they are the very rare late 940 hubcap option.

The wheel trims are the same as one fitted to late 940 but are actually 16" ones from a V70. I hadn't realised they were the same style and it pleases me even more it's so subtle. The trims cover the 7x16 Peugeot wheels it has fitted.
Someone was looking at the car at a show and said I ought to buy some alloys for it !

Chesh740R

Oct 26th, 2011, 00:05

I sold my 944 manual turbo a year or so ago, I had a 91 944 16v GLE, a 90 945 16v GLE and a 944 turbo auto before that. Cost too much to run, was too big to go shopping in and, if i'm honest, not that great to drive. Sorry!

I still liked them all though, especially the 16v GLE.

Dont worry Tim, your 940 is still going strong, Its Fully MOT'd, but alas trying to get a Sensible insurance quote to use it as a 3rd car put paid to it being driven.

However it does great at its job of blocking my car trailer in to stop the pikeys nicking it.

However with my brothers car just being written off, it may actually get to drive on the road for a while until I locate a replacement car.

However i think i'll turn the boost down for him as the things ability to roast the rear tyres is to good.

Laney760

Oct 26th, 2011, 00:22

I'm still in my 760, I keep finding 945s I want to buy but despite needing an estate badly I'm finding it hard to let go of the 760, it's a great car. It's only let down is not having SIPS and being as safe as a 900 series. I'm not on the forum much because I'm dealing with a difficult daughter, difficult son, difficult boss, difficult dogs and much more besides; my Volvo is the only thing that gives me no grief!!

WARBO

Oct 26th, 2011, 10:32

sadly a lot of these perfectly good cars went to the crusher in the scrappage scheme (you could get 3-4 grand as a trade in!) and many more went as volvo followed that scheme with one of there own a "swapage" scheme that gave big chunks of cash (many times the cars true worth) for old volvos if the owner had had volvos previously.
many cracking/mint 850 t5's got crushed as well :(

stevept

Dec 14th, 2011, 11:36

Hi all

I'm a 940 SE (1993) owner had her since I lost my V70 on black ice in Jan 2009 :broken_heart:. Got to say shes been great very reliable (to be expected), though she has recently developed and oil leak which seems to be coming out around the dipstick pipe? replaced breathers on air intake/flame guard the little one was blocked solid (replaced) think I'll replace the aflame guard as well could be gunged up too.

tim030654

Dec 14th, 2011, 12:47

My 1989 740GL Estate is one of two cars in the family and it is used on a daily basis. Now got 238,000 on the clock and I do about 10,000 a year. Fuel is expensive, but its depreciation is cheap, though I have spent a lot of money on repairs this year (e.g. cylinder head gasket....). However, does anyone happen to know if you can fit 3 timpani in the back of the smaller V70 - if not I think the 740 will soldier on!

benz

Dec 14th, 2011, 22:43

I'm new here, just picking got hold of my 740 GLT. So some leave, but new ones join. Its also winter, always a slower time for forums with older cars, as many go into hibernation over the winter as they are 2nd or 9th! cars.

OldBlueVolvo

Dec 14th, 2011, 23:33

I log in to this forum everyday to see what's going on, even though I don't drive anymore. I still have my 740 though and I'll be getting back to working on it and re-opening my project thread around January or February. I'm looking forward to that.

billmckinstry

Dec 15th, 2011, 00:37

We have our 760 with coolant leak being worked on but otherwise ok as the Tow Car.
960 going quite well with the odd minor issue (electric mirrors and windows) due to be sorted. Also need to remove a plastic bag that got sucked into the A/C from the passenger foot well :lightning:
Will have to address timing belt replacement as just reached 200,000km.

S70 is supposed to be main driving car but just waiting for front passenger door lock replacment due in post from Braydens. Cost NZD60 including postgae where as Australian supplier quoted NZD190 ex postage.

Paul Ireland

Jan 23rd, 2012, 10:06

sunnyvic

Jan 23rd, 2012, 10:27

I have been driveing volvo cars since 1968 ie 120 ,164,66 and now a 1987 ,740 gle blue/green metalic estate auto 2,3ci with a mere 105000 on clock from new has a full service history from day1.This car was purpose purchased 12 years ago by myself to take my mobility scooter as i have a walking disability.And although at 82 i dont drive as much it still starts and drives as like new,,regards sunnyvic

Prufrock

Jan 23rd, 2012, 12:56

I've been here some time, two 740s in the family neither used as 1st or 2nd cars...although 745 is used at least every other day.

The 745, as many of you will know, has been in the family since 1987, and is one of the oldest in the UK.

I have for some time thought 740 activity particularly low: in fact I'd love to know just how many 740s visit this forum - either as regulars (I know a few of my fellow owners) or just occasionally.

Prufrock.

P.S I'm a big fan of the original 740.

Prufrock

Jan 23rd, 2012, 13:14

I just got my first Volvo, a 1986 740 GLE with 186,000 miles on it. I purchased it for $500 and all it needed to pass inspection was a little home wiring of the passenger tail light assembly. I am quite impressed with the condition, as it is already an antique! I would like some help in improving fuel economy (currently 19 mpg) as well as performance. This is a non-turbo, automatic 4cyl. (B230F). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul.

Good to hear from you; this is a great forum with many helpful and knowledgeable members - I see you're in West Virginia.
Regarding fuel economy, you don't say under what conditions you are getting your 19mpg.
But from what I recall a US gallon is 6 pints whereas a UK gallon is 8 - based on this fact your economy doesn't sound too bad.
Just be thankful that you don't pay what we pay for fuel/gas - the equivalent of 9 dollars a gallon!
Assume you're paying about $3.50 a gallon?
The key to the best economy you're going to get is (a) ensure that the car is running at it's optimum - give it a good service. And (b) adopt your driving style to the characteristics of the car.
My 745GL is similiar spec to yours (except I have a carb rather tan fuel injection). I can get around 38mpg at a steady speed (65mph) on a highway, on country roads I don't know - I haven't calculated it.

Prufrock.

Paul Ireland

Jan 23rd, 2012, 20:19

Hi Paul.

Good to hear from you; this is a great forum with many helpful and knowledgeable members - I see you're in West Virginia.
Regarding fuel economy, you don't say under what conditions you are getting your 19mpg.
But from what I recall a US gallon is 6 pints whereas a UK gallon is 8 - based on this fact your economy doesn't sound too bad.
Just be thankful that you don't pay what we pay for fuel/gas - the equivalent of 9 dollars a gallon!
Assume you're paying about $3.50 a gallon?
The key to the best economy you're going to get is (a) ensure that the car is running at it's optimum - give it a good service. And (b) adopt your driving style to the characteristics of the car.
My 745GL is similiar spec to yours (except I have a carb rather tan fuel injection). I can get around 38mpg at a steady speed (65mph) on a highway, on country roads I don't know - I haven't calculated it.

Prufrock.
Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately here in the states a gallon is also 8 pints, so that doesn't work out as favorably. You were spot on with the current prices as I believe I paid $3.55/gal last time I filled up. As you may know, West Virginia's slogan is "The Mountain State" so there are quite a few hills and few straight roads on which to maintain a set speed. The 19mpg I mentioned was with mixed driving, mostly city with some interstate travel. I would hope to get something in the 20-25mpg range at least. I'm still in the process of tuning (plugs, wires, dist.cap & rotor, etc.) so I'll let you know as things improve. Thanks again.
Paul

arcturus

Jan 24th, 2012, 09:19

This one has gone to Portugal.940. 93 GLE auto + 960.I expect to get at least another ten years out of it.

mrmeringo

Jan 24th, 2012, 10:50

tim030654

Jan 24th, 2012, 12:57

Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately here in the states a gallon is also 8 pints, so that doesn't work out as favorably. You were spot on with the current prices as I believe I paid $3.55/gal last time I filled up. As you may know, West Virginia's slogan is "The Mountain State" so there are quite a few hills and few straight roads on which to maintain a set speed. The 19mpg I mentioned was with mixed driving, mostly city with some interstate travel. I would hope to get something in the 20-25mpg range at least. I'm still in the process of tuning (plugs, wires, dist.cap & rotor, etc.) so I'll let you know as things improve. Thanks again.
Paul

Paul - although there are 8 pints to a US gallon, a US pint is smaller than a UK one - by a factor of 0.833 - so your 19mpg is about 23mpg to a British gallon. Overall I get about 28mpg from my 1989 2.0 litre 740 Estate - and can get 32+mpg if I keep it to at about 60mph.

Prufrock

Jan 24th, 2012, 17:01

Paul - although there are 8 pints to a US gallon, a US pint is smaller than a UK one - by a factor of 0.833 - so your 19mpg is about 23mpg to a British gallon. Overall I get about 28mpg from my 1989 2.0 litre 740 Estate - and can get 32+mpg if I keep it to at about 60mph.

When I lived in the US their gallons were always smaller...which is why Paul's reply confused me.

I always got far better mpg from my American cars in the UK than the road tests revealed over there!

At 60mph in my 745 (B230K/AW) I'll get around 38mpg - engine at 2000rpm.

Prufrock.

stephend

Jan 24th, 2012, 21:42

Still trundling around happily, and lugging loads up and down to Scotland on a regular basis. Just had a service and a new brake caliper. Oh, and a new number plate light: no expense spared. :)

CTCNetwork

Jan 24th, 2012, 23:53

Hi,
Paul - although there are 8 pints to a US gallon, a US pint is smaller than a UK one - by a factor of 0.833 - so your 19mpg is about 23mpg to a British gallon.
Yes, a US pint is 15 fluid ounces compared to the 20 fluid ounces in an english/british/imperial pint. That's in old money by the way! :)

As for whether I am here or not? I'm omnipresent!! :D

Des. . . ;)

minesa240x3

Jan 25th, 2012, 00:19

Yep I'm still here,therefore I am?
I'm really six owners but three active will do.Maybe there all gone as quite a few of us have more than one?

Regards Brian.

Prufrock

Jan 25th, 2012, 12:03

Here's my 740,Just passed its MoT with no Advisories,Finally running aok now after running like a bag of s***e since the day after i bought it,I am keeping it as bog standard,Hopefully i will have it for a good few years now.:thumbs_up:

Hope you do keep it Tommy.

I felt guilty when I sold it to Billy, it was so nice then (bought from it's long term - 18yrs - owner).

Glad you've got it back in fine fettle.

See you at the BKV?

Prufrock.

systeman

Mar 26th, 2012, 12:04

Just got rid of my 940 turbo diesel estate. Had it for about 16 years and was sorry to let it go. Strange how you stop thinking of a car as a lump of metal with an engine and wheels and start looking at it in a different light - like its a part of you you can't let go.

Anyway, the engine started to clap out 'again', second time in ten years, and needed another rebuild. At 240,000 miles it was time to put it to sleep.

Now I've just bought a late 1993 940 Wentworth Estate (petrol) off eBay with 140000 miles on the clock - six previous owners but who cares. The dealer add said leather seats, radio etc. Went all the way from London to Preston to look at it - guess what, no leather seats and no radio and the intreior smelled like the inside of camels arse. The rear light clusters were all cracked and taped together and hardley any of the lights worked. But it had potential.

I sorted it out with the guy so it was drivable and was surprised how well it drove - compared to the diesel.

As luck would have it, the intreior was the same as the other one, so I swapped them over - seats, door cards etc. Swappped all the lights over and tailgate rams, also the tailgate panel and a couple of rubber door seals.

Nearly finished - Booked it in for a full service with my loyal Swedish auto guys and gave them freedom to swap over anything mechanical that was better on the old one - such as the rear Nivomats and some front ball joints etc. They also changed the rear main oil seal, done some work on the turbo and put in some new pipe work.

Now I'm well happy. I've gor a car that cost me £900, a bit over the top on eBay, and just over £1000 for all the other work. Where can you buy such a good, well built estate car these days - they don't even make new ones with the same room or as strong, and I can't beleive the amount of power it has.

Oh, the camels arse bit, I sorted that out with a complete interior valet - did it myself as I'm in the carpet cleaning game.

Now for the bodywork - minor scratches and nothing really to worry about - I'll attempt it myself and may even consider a professional respray. When I've finished and even if it's cost me say £4500, I've got a brand new car.

Do I like Volvo, or what?

By the way, I don't mind giving the thumbs up to a business when they go out of their way to do a fantastic job - So I would recommend looking up Swedish Motors in Walthamstow, London. Paul and Terry are top notch, the best. 0 2 0 8 5 2 3 5 2 3 7