WHY SHOULD I BUY ONE?

Because they’re reliable to the point of boredom, safe, solid, comfortable and if you buy the estate they’re cavernous inside. Even the saloon has a respectable boot. Volvo 200s are starting to become desirable classics, and prices are rising accordingly. If you’re canny enough when you buy and you look after it properly, this could be a reasonable depreciationbusting classic investment too.

WHAT CAN I GET?

Early cars were branded 242, 244, 245, 264 and 265 – the second digit denoting cylinders and the third denoting the number of doors. 240s retained the B-series four-cylinder from the previous 140, and 260s used the new PRV V6. The four-cylinder is more cost efficient and reliable. Most survivors are DL or GL spec, but the GLEs and GLTs are worth seeking out for their higher levels of kit. £2-2500 will buy a nice estate with history, while saloons are about 25 per cent less. Turbos and GTs command a premium – expect to pay up to £5000. 262Cs are really too rare for regular use, but really nice ones can fetch a not exorbitant £6500.

WHAT ARE THEY LIKE TO LIVE WITH?

They’re reliable on the whole, though the six-cylinder 260s are known for cam wear, oil starvation and head gasket issues. None of them is exactly thrifty, though the four cylinders are cheaper to fuel and run than the six cylinder models. They’re spacious enough to make good family cars, and thanks to a 19 year production run parts are easy to source. Volvo’s obsessive approach to safety means they’re sturdier than most cars of their era, so they make good sense as classic family cars. They make excellent tow cars too – ideal for classic caravan enthusiasts. Despite limited galvanising post 1986, 200s do rust – check the arches and sills in particular. As you’d expect from a Swede, the heater’s fantastic too!

OVERALL

Volvo’s 200 makes a solid commuter classic; not only is it practical, but reliable and cheap to boot. Find a late GLT or an estate and you’ll have a fine daily driver.