I get up to 27 MPG in my '91 245 (5-spd trans), with myself, wife & boy in
the car, loaded up w/vacation-type stuff, bikes on the roof, ~70MPH on the
interstates. I would expect a couple MPG less w/an automatic (23-25). Your
Volvo should enjoy the trip. Mine always likes a good long highway
excursion. Did 1800 mi in 1 week once, to northern Maine & back, incl. lots
of driving while up there. Car ate it up & asked for more.
If you do drive, be sure to have a few spare parts (e.g., v-belts, timing
belt, ignition wires, plugs, cap, rotor) tools, and a recent tune up and
fresh oil change, if for nothing else than for peace of mind. Check tires,
don't forget the spare. Remember, Murphy was an optimist.
For speedo repair, there's listings in Hemming's Motor News in the Volvo
section for Palo Alto Speedometer,
www.paspeedo.com and Overseas
Speedometer,
www.speedometer.com. Have not used either, so I can't vouch,
just noting the listings there.
MKL
'91 245 5-spd
144,000 mi