Found a great deal on an '86 240. Seller says the exhaust in front of the muffler needs repaired. Will fix it and sell at a certain price, or not fix and sell for $200 less? Which route should I go?

 

Take the car as is. You can replace the entire exhaust system from the cat back for $200 or so. I would not piece together a system that old.

When these cars were newer, we used to drop the entire exhaust system, install all new gaskets, hangers and clamps and have the job done in about 30 minutes. The rear pipe goes under the rear axle.

 

Thank you.

 

Here's a whole kit. I've used Starla brand before with great results:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-242-2...LH_TitleDesc=0

 

I bought the kit from Starla for my 1991 244 back in 2012. Its been great outside of the surface rust.
The only downside was the weld holding the rear muffler to the rod that you slide in the exhaust hanger broke after a month of install.

SS welding rod has been holding up my rear muffler for the past 6 years. Ironically, the SS welding rod has absolutely no rust on it...

 

If ya wanna go whole hog ya can get the ipd ss kit...
https://www.ipdusa.com/products/2078...IaArWvEALw_wcB

 

Unless the seller will guarantee in writing that the stainless will not rust under any circumstances, then fold on stainless. Not all "stainless" is in fact "stainless". You'd be better with aluminized.

 

if i were the OP i would be more concerned with the biodegradable wiring on an '86 rather than the exhaust...

 

I'm sure that he's worried sick about it.

 

well he should at least look at it .. so maybe he doesn't need to be worried...or maybe he does...

 

All things considered, I'd be working on the exhaust first. Nothing can ruin your day like CO coming into the cabin.

 

Yes of course, but the OP was only looking at buying the car. Exhausts are readily available and Starla
kits are cheap. Wiring maybe a bigger issue....