| Here's mr. Finley's 1985 Volvo 245 GL: History: Originally placed in service on 3/9/85 on a 39-month lease. Purchased by me on 7/22/88, mileage 64424. Currently has 149021 miles. Options: 100 Watt stereo system. Four speakers and tape player. "Fade out" passenger compartment light. Roof Rack This car has the "GL" trim - Power windows, leather heated seats, intermittent rear wiper (wowie, zowie!), tachometer, and fuzzy cloth interior. Accidents: Car ran over something in road at 26,000 miles. Oil pan, crankshaft and some piston rods/bearings had to be replaced. 10/91: Front bumper torn off in intersection accident with '87 chevy. Both drivers faulted. 3/95: Right front fender and lights destroyed in collision in Phila. Other driver in small pickup truck ran stop sign and took off (probably uninsured). 8/97: Left front fender, hood, part of roof, driver's side door damaged by tree limb that fell off the maple tree by my garage. Major Repairs: 105000 miles - engine wiring harness. Got Volvo to admit there was a problem with the insulation on the engine wiring harness. It had all "dried out" and flaked off, leaving bare wires. Volvo replaced the part for free (a $600 part, no less!) and split the labor 50/50. 117000 miles - head gasket. Did this myself. Pulled head and had it rebuilt in machine shop. 128000 miles - transmission. Rebuilt. Did not do this myself. Done at Santilli's Transmissions in Glenside. Vehicle's Peculiarities/Peccadillos: - Overdrive relay needs to be replaced every 3 years or so. - Engine wiring harness insulation deteriorates after about 10 years. - Wiring to tail gate is exposed to the weather at the hinges. Wires to tail lights, license light, tail gate lock, rear wiper, and ground need to be replaced every 5 years or so. Vehicle's strengths: - Superb visibility and handling - Engine, ignition, charging, and fuel systems are indestructible. Still has original fuel pumps/injectors, starter, alternator, and engine controls. Owner's Comments: This has been a great car. It's way better than the '84 245 I own - Quicker, handles better, more comfortable, and runs much better. What a difference a year can make!! (If you don't believe that, how many people do you know who covet the '56 or '58 Chevy? Everybody wants a '57). |
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