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Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 22 Jan 2009 11:12 am
by Scottyj
Hi ive found a 89' 340gl that im interested in and was just wondering if that model comes with power steering?
or if theres anywhere on the interweb that will have a spec sheet?
Also whats the saftey like as the mother is worried lol... i did try to explain the tank like qualities of volvo
Thanks
Scott
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 22 Jan 2009 11:24 am
by Bjorn Belter
It's unlikely to have power steering although I think it was an option on later cars, so you never know - without being stereotypical, if the original owner had been "elderly or disabled", then it's just possible that it might have been fitted, but Ireally think it unlikely.
But hey, the steering is not that heavy, especially when on the move, and marvel at the tight turning circle. Beats going to a gym though.
Safety wise, well no airbags or anything but for its time, it was ahead of the competition. It has side impact bars in the doors and crumple zones.
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 22 Jan 2009 11:27 am
by Scottyj
Okay thanks for the fast reply...
So steering weight wise its not to bad? Im used to power steering lol ..... Its a 1.7 im going for.
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 22 Jan 2009 11:33 am
by volvosneverdie
The only problems I find with my 340 gl is very slow speed manouvering. Paralel parking and such. Im a big strong boy and it does take a bit of a pull.
Thats on standard wheels.
any wider than that and it would probably be easier to just handbrake it in.
normal driving at road speeds is vey light and managable.
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 22 Jan 2009 11:37 am
by volvosneverdie
Safety wise, have a look at this thread by Filthyjohn.
He shunted his at 20-30mph.
The car was a write off, but the crumple zones did there bit and driver and two passengers felt almost nothing!
bump.
Everyone fine.
http://www.volvo300mania.com/forum-uk/v ... f=2&t=7273
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 22 Jan 2009 01:47 pm
by Scottyj
Thanks for the help people.... One more thing if i may? Whats the differnce between a GL and a GLE?
Thanks again
Scott
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 22 Jan 2009 05:01 pm
by SteveP
Pretty much no 340's got power steering, although there have been some cars converted using adapted 360 PAS parts etc. The steering isn't that heavy on them though, so wouldn't expect it to be a problem.
GLE is a higher trim level than GL, got extra things like plusher trim, more electrics (central locking, electric windows etc). However the later GL's were specced up and the GLE trim was dropped
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 23 Jan 2009 10:39 am
by Scottyj
Cool, thanks for the help guys. Hopefully making and offer and picking it up at the weekend so ill probably be about here a fair bit asking endless questions
Anyways thanks for the help.
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 23 Jan 2009 10:45 am
by volvosneverdie
Good luck nabbing it then mate.
If its in decent condition, you def wont be disapointed.
Theyre good cars, and you get a lot of fun for your credit crunch pound.

Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 23 Jan 2009 11:17 am
by pistonpen paultje
SteveP wrote:Pretty much no 340's got power steering, although there have been some cars converted using adapted 360 PAS parts etc. The steering isn't that heavy on them though, so wouldn't expect it to be a problem.
GLE is a higher trim level than GL, got extra things like plusher trim, more electrics (central locking, electric windows etc). However the later GL's were specced up and the GLE trim was dropped
340 1.4 is also delivered with PAS as factory option. Got one in the shed...But is indeed very rare..!
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 23 Jan 2009 02:16 pm
by Scottyj
Well im going to pick this up sunday morning

Looks pretty straight to me, fingers crossed.
I'm feeling the colour too
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 26_fvi%3D1
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 23 Jan 2009 02:26 pm
by volvosneverdie
yeah, i had a look at that one on ebay when it came up.
looks very clean dude!
especially the engine bay.
Think you did well there man.
Bet you cant wait to pick it up!
Colour looks pretty cool to me tbh. Grey is the new black!

Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 23 Jan 2009 02:28 pm
by Scottyj
Yea does look very clean, the guy sounds pretty genuine on the phone too. Not really going to moan for £300 anyways
Edit, do any 4x100 wheels fit. do you have to worry about centre bore?
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 24 Jan 2009 03:36 pm
by nvdw
I'd say, check this here handy
wheel fitment guide!
Re: Hi! newb needing 340gl advice....
Posted: 24 Jan 2009 04:48 pm
by Scottyj
My bad how did i miss that!