Volvo 740 and 760 (1982 – 1992) Review

Volvo 740 and 760 (1982 – 1992) At A Glance

Estates are big, solid and practical, capable of high mileage with sensible maintenance, saloons much cheaper for same levels of protection

Poor handling, even before the suspension starts to sag, still awaiting classic status.

Ask Honest John

Is it worth spending money on a 20-year-old Volvo or is it just good for spares?

"My sister has a 1998 Volvo 740 GL SR Sedan with 190,000 miles on the clock. The MoT and tax are due to run out next month. It runs well but the engine does need a good service and the bodywork, although in good condition is commensurate with the car's age. Is it worth spending money on or is it good just for spares?"

Here at Honest John Classics, we love old Volvos. The model you have sounds like a fine workhorse... and to some extent that is the problem. Because they just keep going and are in use regularly as every day cars, this era of Volvos have a hard time making it through to classics status. The square-styling of the the 700-series hasn't helped its cause, although plenty of people appreciate the right-angled nature of the design. If the 740 is something you love and feel an affinity towards, by all means keep it going - it sounds like it's got plenty of life left in it. At 190k, it should be nicely run in.

Answered by Keith Moody

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Volvo 740 and 760 (1982 – 1992) Buying Guide

Good

• Built like a tank. Better looking than antiquated 240 in a curious 1970s American way. 'Genteel', very middle-class, 'respectable' image (but see 'What's bad'). Seven-seat estate option.
• 15' 8" (4775mm) long x 5' 9"(1753mm) wide, weighed from 1270kg to 1525kg.
• Engine line-up included 1986cc 121bhp injected four from 1988 to 1990
• 2316cc 114bhp/117bhp carb four from 1984 to 1991
• 2316cc 121bhp injected four from 1987 to 1991
• 2316 131bhp injected four from 1986 to 1990
• 2316cc 155bhp twin-cam 16v four from 1989 to 1990
• 2316cc 182bhp turbo four from 1986 to 1989 (down to 170bhp to 1990)
• 2383cc 109bhp turbodiesel six from 1986 to 1990
• 2849cc 156bhp V6 from 1982 to 1987 (170bhp from 1987 to 1990)
• 2383cc 122bhp turbodiesel six from 1983 to 1990.
• Can motor on and on and many still around in 2010 in good condition.
• Mileages of 200,000 + common.

Bad

• Ugly looks. Horrible handling. Very mixed image: genteel and middle-class, but, on the other hand, sometimes driven by very aggressive drivers.
• High-intensity high-level rear brake light (one of the first) on automatics must be fitted with low-intensity bulb or will dazzle the driver behind in a traffic jam (technically an offence under the RVLR 1989).
• Duff old PSA V6 (don't buy a 760 with a 'V' engine).
• The market is for Volvo estates, and saloon versions are very hard to sell. Old estates that began with antiques dealers end up with painters and decorators.
• Saloon has small boot due to fuel tank intrusion. 
• By 2010 all were at least 20 years old.

Watch

• Steering and front suspension damage from 'kerbing'.
• Baggy suspension on estates from carrying ludicrously heavy loads. Fluid drips near back wheels could be leaking rear shocks.
• Engine and exhaust system damage from 'short run syndrome'.
• With 3000-mile oil changes engines will do 300,000 miles plus, but most of the other bits won't.
• Previous owners may have replaced alternators, water pumps and starter motors but may have offloaded the car because the gearbox or diff is about to give up.
• On autos check ATF: should be red, not grey-black.
• High risk of clocking or having run 100,000 miles 'unhooked'. Cats are £600, but can be ditched because all 740s are pre-August '92.
• Front crossmember can crack, leading to chafing of battery cable and possible underbonnet fire.