I might join the fun | 1988, 480 ES

[callumalden]

I was awarded my driving license at the ripe old age of 31. Just a month after purchasing my first car (a 1990, Volvo 240 GL Estate) which I then learned to drive by taking it for a wee trip from Edinburgh to Portugal via the Netherlands and back again via the Scottish Highlands and then back again... and again, containing all my worldly goods. Eventually the flying brick and I landed in Spain where I now live. On the eve of hitting 200,000 "the old lady" was retired in Scotland as, to cut a long introduction short, it was going to be rather expensive to import her. A nice man called Nigel is the new caretaker. Must not dwell, it was an excellent, unbelievably robust car which on one occasion definitely saved my life. I enjoyed driving her in all terrains and had begun to do the odd jobs myself, servicing, brake callipers, steering rack, notorious fan blower motor, little things. She was solid as the proverbial tank.

Since selling the 240 a few weeks ago, myself and (Spanish) partner have been keen to buy a new second hand car. We live in a place where affordable runners are few and far between and the price tags are eye-watering. Ideally I wanted a 4x4 fiat panda as my uncle often let me drive his around the highlands of Scotland and I was much impressed by its simplicity and versatility. However the price they ask here is triple what I would pay in the UK and I can get a better deal by flying to Italy, driving back and importing one. I was getting frustrated and for a moment thought, lets make life simple and started thinking a SEAT Ibiza might just do us for the meantime. Then a naighbour posted an ad online for something called a Volvo 480. What. On. Earth.

I am relatively clueless when it comes to car facts, I knew my 240 inside/out because I had to... with ever issue I learned a little more. However I don't know anything about years and trims and manufacturing locations. In rugby terms the 480 reminds me of a slightly bulky lad I went to school with, who learned to love the gym at uni, and then in his late 30s came out the other side as a solid winger... what a surprise... and he has a Dutch accent, naysh!

I'm getting lost. This is my introduction post. Sorry for the fluff. I had too much coffee.

The 480 which is available to me represents good value in my book, if I compare to the "going rate" for the same vehicle in the UK this is an exemplary find. It has no rust, what so ever. It has been treated like a baby since day naught and although there is a slight bubbling on the drivers door paintwork and some other wee issues (described below), for the standards of 30+ year old Volvo, of three owners, I am sorely tempted.

Comparing the expected efficiency, note that my 240 would give me 27mpg (uk gallons) on motorway conditions at a steady 55mph. I am happy to hear that my miserly driving style might achieve close to 40 with the 480 (thoughts?). The bangers I was considering in the local second hand market were all around 40-50mpg, but they all look rotten and I perceived immediate visits to the mechanic, I fear trying to fix nasty plastic parts and diagnose the onboard computer on a 2002 SEAT PITA... oh how I hate modern cars!

I've had a look at the usual places I'd get parts for the 240 and I'm heartened to see bits and bobs are available. Also, this forum gives me reassurance, seems I might be able to learn to do a good few things myself.

Anyway. Getting lost again. I wrote this (text below) on the website Reddit and someone recommended I join this forum and have a look about. I have. This is an incredible forum, I enjoyed looking through the tutorials!

...obviously I am still pining for my 240 and there are some visual similarities which make me feel at home, under the bonnet I feel less sure… AND the box of electronics on either end of the 480 is completely foreign to me... the 480 which is for sale has been garaged forever and comes from salt free roads. Has an issue with some electrics but nothing signifying ECU meltdown and no leaky seals. I am tempted.

Am I being a foolish nostalgic? Should I accept that the 240 was something special, but the Volvo badge doesn’t necessarily equate to unsinkable quality. I wouldn’t hesitate to do a thousand mile round trips in the 240. It was mechanically pampered and did me well. Perhaps I shouldn’t expect such results from other Volvos?

My questions for 480 aficionados:

1. Repairability? I prefer DIY
2. Economy (fuel efficiency vs. inherit quality / maintenance costs)
3. Longevity (how many years can I expect from an 1988 480 1.7 non-turbo, 90k miles on the clock)

IF you got this far. Thank you.

More questions for the aficionados.

This is a 480 ES, non turbo 1.7. First registered in 01-09-88

4. I am told the control centre bulb has blown, have found the tutorial to remove the dash on here, I understand I would need a b10d 5w halogen bulb in the long run, but I wonder... can I shine a head torch at the panel to check it is actually functioning before purchasing the car and taking the dash to bits?

5. IT has a dealer-fitted sunroof which has a small leak in bad weather, how might I source a replacement seal, should this be the issue. How will I identify who manufactured the sunroof?

6. Exhaust manifold has a small leak. Repairable I am sure, but begs the question - sourcing parts, a similar story to the 240 I assume? Having never known the luxury of walking into an auto-parts shop and walking out with what I need, should I expect more of the same? For an exhaust manifold or downpipe for example?
--- I saw the forum post re. running costs, prices are similar to the 240. Great!

7. Passenger window as popped out of the guide. It lowers but won't raise. Made a loud click. Motor still seems to work. The current owner is not a mechanical guy. I suspect I will learn more if I take it to bits.

Any thoughts?

Well, that is my overexcited introduction post. Annoyingly, I pressed "preview" twice and lost everything so sorry if its all over the place! I just wanted to say "hello" and if anyone has opinions regarding the points above, please let me know.

[jifflemon]

Thoughts?

DO IT!

Specifically:

1. They're still very repairable. Its the greatest era of cars, where they had just enough tech to be Drivable and reliable, but not so much that a laptop is considered part of your toolbox.

2. Throttle position dependant, but officially the 1.7 would do 47.9mpg at a constant 56 mph

3. Maintained, it'll last as long as there's parts.

4. Yes you can (also glad to see you researching the How to's!)

5. Hmmmmmm, that could be challanging - See if there's any identifying marks on the roof itself.

6. downpipes and gaskets all availble, ebay has plenty!

7. New motors are available, as well as repair bits for them

Body condition is what typically kills a 480, so cars from a sunny climate would be lovely!

[WillC9303]

As stated above, go for it!

Fuel consumption: 27mpg at a constant 55mph is pretty dire and something I'd expect from a V8 executive saloon. Then again those 240s are positively brick shaped The 480 will surprise you with how good they are on fuel. My 2.0 will easily do high-40s at 55 mph. If you drive like an old man which I increasingly do nowadays, 50mpg is within reach at that speed. The 1.7 will be slightly thirstier due to it's lower gearing, but should retain decent figures.

Parts availability: Most, most, mechanical parts are easily available, due to platform sharing with the 440 and 460 as well as all-Renault running gear. The main issues will be trim and bodywork pieces which are now obsolete. That being said, generally someone, somewhere always has the part you need. That is, unless you develop a taste for original 480 dealer accessories like I have...

Sunroof: My guess is that it will be a parts bin special sunroof that was grafted into many 'dealer special' cars of the 80s and 90s. There are a few members on here who have one on theirs, so might be able to help you out.

Repairability: 480s are thankfully just before the era of complex ECUs, OBD ports and EML lights. Most electrical issues are easily sorted and will caused by either one of 3 things: Loose connections, dry solder joints or a bad earth! Mechanically, most jobs are easy to do and there's plenty of engine bay room (assuming you don't have a Turbo optioned with Air Con, ABS and T/C!) I cut my teeth on a 480 learning about electrics and mechanics as it was my first car.

They are great cars and I've really enjoyed owning mine

[dragonflyjewels]

Don't worry about wear on the engine. My 2litre has done 230k and still pulls like a train. The engine blocks are Renault and designed for diesel so they are much stronger than petrol blocks. All 480s are petrol.

[callumalden]

I just wrote an extensive reply to all of you. Thank you everyone. Only, when I pressed the "Preview" button (to check the links worked) the browser redirected to white "Forbidden" error. Upon returning back to this "reply", my essay was gone. Argh!

Possible fixes:

Suggestion: perhaps the preview should open in a "new window", thus not tempting the browser to wipe the message on "page > back".

Another suggestion: is there an option to enable site-wide "auto save" / draft every 5mins for forum posts?

If the forum developers want any help, get in touch. I am "into" these things.

Aside: It seems if a given post contains more than X links or images it cannot be saved or previewed through the forum software, rather than showing an error it just bins the whole post. This happened when writing my initial post too. Maybe its just me?

[dragonflyjewels]

It's happened to me. Now I just save my text before I preview.

[WillC9303]

Unfortunately this website is ancient and I don’t think the Owner has been active in a very long time.

I save mine on notepad before hitting post.

[Martin63]

I was told by Dutch 480 friends earlier this year that the software for this board is older than they are!

Having said that, it's also what they say about their 480s

Go for the 480 - I saw one on Lanzarote in December 2022. They are great cars - just don't expect the same kind of build quality and reliability that you got from your old school Volvo box.

What they dislike the most is damp - and it sounds like you are not likely to get too much of that. Hopefully you are well away from the freak flooding parts of Spain. They are a really fun drive. I am now on my second one.

I just wrote an extensive reply to all of you. Thank you everyone. Only, when I pressed the "Preview" button (to check the links worked) the browser redirected to white "Forbidden" error. Upon returning back to this "reply", my essay was gone. Argh!

Possible fixes:

Suggestion: perhaps the preview should open in a "new window", thus not tempting the browser to wipe the message on "page > back".

Another suggestion: is there an option to enable site-wide "auto save" / draft every 5mins for forum posts?

If the forum developers want any help, get in touch. I am "into" these things.

Aside: It seems if a given post contains more than X links or images it cannot be saved or previewed through the forum software, rather than showing an error it just bins the whole post. This happened when writing my initial post too. Maybe its just me?

[callumalden]

Annoying thing is, there isn't much history. There's no service book, no stamps. Just a record of historic ITVs (Spanish MOTs) since the car was imported into the country in 2009. The ITV/MOT is not very detailed, brake problems, lights, steering. Nothing specific is logged in the document the government send you, the current owner doesn't have further knowledge of historic repairs (from before his time). Not ideal. But he's run it for two years with no issues and he clearly seems to be a passionate fan, he has another 480!

Anyway, second hand cars without history, always trouble, eh?

Thank you everyone who responded so cheerfully. I am mulling things over still, it is a good 7 hour journey to inspect the 480 and dealing with insurance companies who don't know me from Adam is painful and terribly expensive! Anyway, I made an offer, we shall see...

I liked all the feedback:

it's also what they say about their 480s

Hah. My previous car, the 240, was built in ´89. The 480 I am currently considering (I just put an offer to the seller!!!) is an ´88. Perhaps I will get an ´86 one day and then I can say "its as old as me".

...the engine blocks are Renault and designed for diesel so they are much stronger than petrol blocks.

How curious. I hadn't heard that one. I watched a great film on YouTube by "Big Car" which notes the engine was tuned by Porsche! Sounds great... I don't know what "tuning" an engine means but delighted to know its a good strong case.

My 2.0 will easily do high-40s at 55 mph.

Wonderful news, although I once read that the point of a turbo was partly to increase fuel efficiency, or did I pick that up wrong? Anyway, it seems the 1.7 N/A model will surprise me. That is good to know.

...still very repairable. Its the greatest era of cars, where they had just enough tech to be Drivable and reliable, but not so much that a laptop is considered part of your toolbox...

Well, this is the main thing. I live quite rurally and I have had so much bad luck with "mechanics" who sigh and huff at my 240 (even when I put parts into their hands and describe EXACTLY what to do). So I like to do things myself these days. Poco a poco they say.

Regarding the control centre light, sorry to be pedantic, but can I simply take a headtorch and shine INTO the instrument panel (from the front... I won't have time to dismantle the car when I'm viewing it) and if I stick the car in ignition mark II I will see feedback on the "control centre" even if the halogen bulb is blown. Is that correct?

...I cut my teeth on a 480 learning about electrics and mechanics as it was my first car.

The first "job" I ever did on my 240 was installing the Kenwood KRC-387 and matching 10 Disk CD-Changer *WOW* which had been stored in my father's attic since the early 2000´s when he removed it from his 240. The actual "business" on the deck still functions and the CD-Changer works, I´ll probably stick them in my 480 (should I make the purchase). However the facia got damaged and no longer lights up, sure I can find a replacement somewhere. Anyway, yes.. the most technologically advanced element of my 240 was my childhood KRC-387, can't wait to take it with me again. It had two IR remotes, one that strapped onto the steering wheel another could apparently be used by someone sitting in the boot, mental times the 90s. We had those rear facing boot seats once but I don't recall my father ever handing over the remote. When I was given the radio it was complete, in box with manuals and receipts. Glorious.

I had to replace a few looms in the tailgate of the 240 and I removed all of the tow bar electrics and repaired the original loom, removing weird "scotch locks" someone had used to patch into the dash. My 240 had no ECU, it was even built before the diagnosis light. So I didn't have to tamper with anything... although I have been building computers all my life and looking at the repair guides on here, capacitor, re-soldering etc. doesn't appear to scary. I feel quietly confident.

[callumalden]

Good news, seller has accepted my offer... which was lower than the asking price taking into account lack of a full service history, few odd repairs.

I will view and test the car on Wednesday.



Other than forum user @jifflemon`s super buying guide video are there any specific notes for purchasing a 1.7 non turbo, its 1988 and, judging by the lamp in the engine bay, is pre bean-counting cost-cutting.

I forgot to mention earlier the most uncanny thing about this 480, it is an ex-British RHD model, imported to Spain in 2009. The 480 was originally imported in June. It was imported by a fella living in the very same city I now live. How weird, eh?

Quite excited now.

[matthew]

Congrats!

Lovely wheels on that one, and doesn't look like there's any rust on the rear wheel arch

[WillC9303]

Great stuff! Black with the red stripe is probably the most iconic of the 480 colours (maybe plain Red as well?). The early velour seats with red piping look great too.

To answer your question, being an early car, it is a fairly mixed bag. On the one hand, you get some really cool early car features and minor details that later cars lacked, but at the same time, they are known to have less reliable electrics. Others will be able to give you more info I'm sure, but I think certain early B18E car parts such as some engine sensors can be difficult to source.

There's a thread somewhere on here that details all the cool things that the early 480s had. Off the top of my head, things to look out for on yours are: Bonnet service light (check), foot well illumination, illuminated seat belt buttons, speed sensitive windscreen wipers, volt/oil gauges, digital slock with stopwatch timer, passenger pressure sensitive seatbelt warning as well as push-button HVAC controls.

Btw, that video was actually made by @edie_fox. jifflemon does not sound like that

[Martin63]

Good news, seller has accepted my offer... which was lower than the asking price taking into account lack of a full service history, few odd repairs.

I will view and test the car on Wednesday.



Other than forum user @jifflemon`s super buying guide video are there any specific notes for purchasing a 1.7 non turbo, its 1988 and, judging by the lamp in the engine bay, is pre bean-counting cost-cutting.

I forgot to mention earlier the most uncanny thing about this 480, it is an ex-British RHD model, imported to Spain in 2009. The 480 was originally imported in June. It was imported by a fella living in the very same city I now live. How weird, eh?

Quite excited now.

As you should be! A lovely looking car Calum.

I am trying to get you the service history from it's early days in the UK. Did you get any more information from Volvo UK customer services? They are surprisingly helpful.

[jifflemon]

Awaiting an update...... looks a good little car! Interesting history too!

Btw, that video was actually made by @edie_fox. jifflemon does not sound like that

...still very repairable. Its the greatest era of cars, where they had just enough tech to be Drivable and reliable, but not so much that a laptop is considered part of your toolbox...

Well, this is the main thing. I live quite rurally and I have had so much bad luck with "mechanics" who sigh and huff at my 240 (even when I put parts into their hands and describe EXACTLY what to do). So I like to do things myself these days. Poco a poco they say.

Regarding the control centre light, sorry to be pedantic, but can I simply take a headtorch and shine INTO the instrument panel (from the front... I won't have time to dismantle the car when I'm viewing it) and if I stick the car in ignition mark II I will see feedback on the "control centre" even if the halogen bulb is blown. Is that correct?

Yes - the bulb illuminates the in the LCD display - if it's blown at the back, illuminating from the front should allow you to see info on the LCD.
I keep the bulbs in stock, so don't go panicking about obtaining the right bulb

[MisterH]

Firstly, welcome to the club. As someone who has managed to blag his way into a classic car magazine column, I am loving your writing style and character!

Secondly, I passed my test in, and daily drive my 1988 Volvo 480ES and I believe it is a real sweet spot in terms of spec: you get the high quality early interior, with the powerful derestricted B18E engine, but, contrary to WillC, I believe 1988 cars came with the first wave of in life improvements after the electrically challenged first batch of cars, so it is an early car, but not an early car. Still it makes up the smallest fraction of 480 survivors (certainly in the UK which this would have been originally) so you have yourself a rare thing.

These cars really do beat the system: you get something pokey, practical and one of the best handling FWD chassis you're likely to ever find. One thing I should note as you live in Spain, they do get REALLY hot inside in the summer, so air con might be a good retrofit if you haven't got it.

Can't wait to see what happens next...

[Jay-Kay-Em]

Looks a nice car. Congratulations!

A 240 it is definitely not, but they have their own merits. Difficult to believe some days they even came from the same manufacturer having grown up with a 240 myself.

Look forward to some more pictures.

[callumalden]

Me again. Apologies for the delayed response. It’s the season of Vic’s vaporub isn’t it?

I did not go ahead with the 480. I was quite underwhelmed by the example I found. I am quite sure it was once someone’s pride and joy, but the present owner had run it into the ground and he was mechanically clueless. It had no service record, no notes of previous repairs. After a three minute test drive, I questioned whether it would have got me home (500 mile journey) I doubted. Under the bonnet I pointed at seeping oil and the missing timing belt cover. He shrugged. I pointed at zip tied cables spewing out from busted looms, like a bad hair day. “What happened here?” He suggested someone else made these electrical bodges. Someone had also done a DIY job on the exhaust manifold with that repair past you might use if you were really stuck… apparently the fuse box leaks as well as the sunroof. The interior was coming to bits, the control center showed no signs of life and the seats were totally done. Everything plastic was a rattle or broken or hanging off. I found it very uncomfortable. What a shame. If you own one of these classic cars you are a caretaker- have some respect!

Anyway. It was 7 hours there. 7 hours back. Lovely views from the train. Sadly I haven’t come across another 480 to get a look at these cars in their prime.

For the past week I have been struggling to find another car that I’d want to drive. Argh. It really is a tricky business over here.

Now I will use a bad word on your forum, show me the door if you must… or share your thoughts; volvo four sixty. Hmm? A 1996 1.6 GLE - one previous owner. 90k miles. Aircon, rust free. Nice paintwork. Body looks clean. 12 months “mot”.

Under the bonnet it is exactly the same as the 480? I think the floor plan and other bits and bobs might be the same too. Might anyone share their experiences?

[WillC9303]

Sorry to hear it didn't work out for you Callum. I'd be pretty miffed to find out the car I'd travelled 7 hours to see was a dog. It looked good in the photos, but I guess they can be deceiving.

If you still want a 480, you might have luck putting out a wanted post on here or one of the Facebook groups.

share your thoughts; volvo two sixty. Hmm? A 1996 1.6 GLE - one previous owner. 90k miles. Aircon, rust free. Nice paintwork. Body looks clean. 12 months “mot”.

Under the bonnet it is exactly the same as the 480? I think the floor plan and other bits and bobs might be the same too. Might anyone share their experiences?

Assuming you meant 440/460 then yes they are all on the same Volvo 400 series platform. Mechanically, they're extremely similar. Bodywork and interior, they share some parts such as gauges, indicator stalks and some switch gear, but not a lot else. Later 440/460s were better built than earlier ones, especially the facelifts which is what a 1996 would be. Aircon is a bonus too, which is quite an uncommon option on 480s. 1.6 was the smallest engine they ever did for the 400 series, so won't be setting any land speed records that's for sure Due to the added weight and height over the 480 will mean they will roll a bit more in the corners. If you can get a nice one with that mileage and just 1 owner, I'm sure it will be fine. Just not as stylish as a 480 though

[Jay-Kay-Em]

The interior was coming to bits ....... Everything plastic was a rattle or broken or hanging off.

I'll repeat... a 240 it is not

If we look at the reasons most 480's head to the breakers it has to be corrosion and the crippling prices of professional weld repairs and/or paint thus making the car non-financially viable to repair. If it didn't need welding and the arches are sound that wins many many more points than a missing cambelt cover loses.

Don't sweat the small stuff. What you have described is mostly "normal" used 480. Leaks are sadly the norm. The fuse boxes leak because of blocked scuttle drains. Its an easy fix and well documented on here.

Sorry it wasn't the car for you and good luck with your continued search. If that search is a perfect 480 you'll need some time.

Share your thoughts; volvo four sixty. Hmm? A 1996 1.6 GLE

Shared floorpan or not, they're two totally different categories of cars. You either want a two door sports coupe or a four door staid saloon

[callumalden]

Not having much luck. Happened to be in Madrid the other day so took the one and a half hour journey to visit a second hand car dealer who happened to have a nice looking 460 which has been described as both "in perfect state" and "needs no work doing". In a separate phone call the condition of the electrics (perfect) and body (perfect) and, most importantly to me, mechanics (perfect) was confirmed. No one likes to waste their time, eh?

Arriving at the dealership (FYI: autOKlever, nr. Collado Villalba) the pack of second hand car salesmen (a gaggle?) excitably surrounded us, before even letting me see under the bonnet the boss shouted "best to let you know, the gear box will need to be replaced". Moreover, although he was certain the car had been serviced regularly and had hinted at a record existing, was unable to show me ANY paperwork or documentation due to data protection!! I have heard it all now.

Not great. 300-400 EUR repair for the gear box according to the sneaky salesman. He was unwilling to arrange the repair or meet us half way on the costs of repair, as I suspect, he knows the quoted price of repair is a stupidly low estimate. Looking at the difficulty of the repair, not something I fancy doing and most probably a Spanish garage would have us for 1000 EUR and take two months with the usual complaints of "can't get the parts, such an old car..." blah blah blah.

Currently back in the UK on holiday where I am thinking it might be best to buy something here in Blighty (where I am capable of sniffing out a rogue car salesman in my native language at a thousand paces) and import to Spain at a later date. I have driven RHD-s in Europe for years and I am quite accustomed to the novelty. Maybe its just a coincidence, but I have spent the month messaging private sellers with all kinds of cars for sale in Spain asking - what in the UK are essential and basic questions - have noticed a notable difference in technique. Whereas in the UK people pre-prepare documentation and evidence that the car has been well maintained the sales pitch in Spain seems to be "I will tell you as little as possible and if you spot problems you are a troublemaker".

We left the garage in Collado Villalba with my partner telling the salesjerk he was deceptive and a liar, which he laughed at... though we saw straight through him as his closing argument was "look, I paid only 1100 EUR for this car... if I sell it I only make 300 profit". So unprofessional, if true they're running a business without responsible margins, how they honour any guarantees I do not know. Idiots.

There we go, rant over.

More to follow.