Hi All

Any suggestions or comments would be most gratefully received. We have owned a Volvo 240 estate (H reg) for many years now. It was bought about ten years ago for a grand from the original owner as that was what he was being offered trade-in when buying a new model.

This car has grown to be a critical part of our family unit, from camping trips to Cornwall, Christmas visits to Scotland as well as several over the channel to France, Belgium and Holland. It has also ferried us up and down from Kent on many weekends as well as all around London on a daily basis.

On top of this we have been building a house and the amazing space in the back has carried literally tonnes of rubble to dumps as well as bringing back tonnes of stuff including 8x4 sheets from builders merchants.

All this and an incredible turning circle has made it a dream car.

However it is now getting on a bit and is drinking the fuel as well as leaking transmission fluid. Also many small things are on there last legs, had an electric window closing mechanism break that I fixed, Heating valve break and generally thing that are cosmetic are falling apart.

Mechanically she still runs well and starts every time.

Only big problems we ever had were several dead car episodes due to corroded fuse contacts and a faulty timing sensor, which she has been forgiven for. Last time she was taken away on the back of a flatbed my daughter cried!

Anyway to the main question I have, What would a good replacement be from some later models? The V70?

Looking for something that is as functional, good turning circle? Needs to be automatic as my wife got her licence in the states, and economical. I understand that Diesels are more economical as they get more bang for the buck out of the fuel? Would also like to have something that can be serviced without being very expensive and that is straight forward enough to be tinkered with by myself if I have the time and inclination.

I guess budget is 5k max

So what is the super economical modern equivalent of the 240 estate?

Thanks

 

I would say 945, 745, or 965. The front drive cars are simply higher maintenance and do NOT have the turning circle as the 240.

 

I agree. I just love my 740. Being a rear wheel drive car gives it that tight turning radius. I am floored by how small an area I can turn around in. I'd say a 940 Turbo Wagon would be your best bet.