Hi, I am considering purchasing an older Volvo wagon. I prefer the look of the 240 series. Basically I am wondering if there are certain years/engines to stay away from? What are the weak points in these cars, and what should I look for when buying one? How long do the turbochargers last?

 

I've owned several 240s, so here's my take:

I've read, but not experienced, that pre-'85 240s tend to have issues with the wiring harness deteriorating. A new harness is about $250.00, I think.

In looking at a 240, I always look for oil leaks. An oil leak can be indicative of lack of maintenance of the PCV system, which is one of the most basic, and least expensive, maintenance items on a 240. If something so simple was neglected, what else was? I'd check the compression against new spec.

Basically, I'm looking for signs of proper maintenance, and I'm willing to pay for it. My son's '83 wagon has 225K miles on it, but came with a 3" thick pile of maintenance history. I paid a premium for that car and have never regretted it.

 

bump ^

I'd like to add: Pay attention to the steering rack. They get sloppy in there old age and need replacing. The overdrive system....floor that baby on the test drive.....if the mechanical drop down doesn't work, then there are probbaly other issues with the car. Check the electronic overdrive too. SUSPENTION: I can't stress this enough. If it rides like a couch, it needs attention. Bad suspention leads to premature brake replacement and warped rotors.

That's all I got. Everything else is minor fixes..

 

Well, definitely stay away from 6cyl engines, in case there are still some older 260's you may run into...

 

I have an 86 240 dl wagon with 400K+ kilometers, and it's a bit rusty. The floor pans and rocker panels (just under the doors) are a known rust area, as well as inside the rear wheelwells close to the tires. At the pre purchase inspection, the mechanic said had it been 1985 or earlier, the fuel injection system would soon require replacement at great cost, and that 86's and later had a different system that was less likely to fail. I just learned through this forum that 89 and later have a built in diagnostic system that is simple to use, and from what i've read to provides an astonishing range of info about what's not right with the engine. Cheers.

 

Just reread Cbevis's comments and completely agree. My 86 wagon has had a new (used) steering rack, tie rods, rear springs (check to see if the rear end seems to be sitting low). The front rotors do have a tendancy to warp on mine, but they are aftermarket. But hey, what do you expect for a well used car. One day soon I will fix the overdrive...or maybe just make sure the overdrive works on the next volvo I buy. Cheers

 

I found an 86 240 that appears to be in really good shape. There is some rust right at the back of the rockers on each side. Other than that the body and interior looks excellent. The engine is clean and appears to be well maintained. The oil looked clean, plug wires, cap, etc. all look relatively new. I did notice that the brake fluid is low (worn pads, leak?)

The problem with it is that it needs a new blower motor and the owner removed the center console, heat controls, etc in an attempt to repair it. I'm thinking about getting it if the test drive goes well. How big of a job is it to replace the blower motor? I'm just a little worried about getting it all back together properly since I didn't take it apart. The car also needs tires. Asking price is $1500. Would it be worth it despite the problems? I'm thinking of offering $1000.

 

depends....are there other volvos in your area to look at?

If the dash is already taken appart then a blower motor shouldn't be all that tough to put in.....getting it back together isn't that bad either.

 

I think it's too much for a Volvo with rust and partially disassembled interior. Most buyers would run from that. The seller is lucky to get you interested!

 

Well I bought the car for $1300, in my area, people are asking between 3 and 4 grand for these wagons. I don't know if they are selling, but it's pretty common to see them with a 4 grand pricetag. If I were going to pay that for a wagon, it would be a Mercedes 300TD.

The rust is not bad at all, it is small and limited to the black part of the rockers. The rest of the body is mint, not a dent anywhere, original paint still shiny. There was a stack of service records in the glovebox, the car was maintained very well by a Volvo specialist. In April 2006, they had the timing belt, tensioner, all the front seals, v/c gasket, ignition, injection, etc. serviced. The brakes, rad, wheel bearings, alternator, water pump are all less than 3 years old. One thing that is very strange though; the muffler was replaced about once every 2 years since 1994. I don't get that at all, especially since it is the same shop/muffler each time. Are these cars known for short muffler life? If I bought a new muffler and it lasted 2 years, I definitely would not buy the same type again!

 

A muffler may rust prematurely if the car is driven on frequent short trips thus not letting it warm up and dry the exhaust.

 

Boom, I haven't heard of older Volvos having unusual muffler problems. My 1986 240 wagon had a muffler change about 12 yrs ago. But this is in SoCal away from the coast and no rust.
Bob