I have owned my 1989 Volvo 240 sedan, 5 speed, for a number of years and still love the car. Unfortunately the gray paint job is shot and there are several small areas of rust that must be taken care of soon. Trim pieces have fallen off and in general, the car is starting to look shabby and I want to have an auto makeover. The car has about 164,000 miles. I have talked to a trusted body mechanic who will fix the rust, replace any and all of the trims strips and paint the car a shiny sexy black for under $2,000.00. My husband, who drives a 740 wagon with over 200,000 miles thinks I am crazy. My rationalization is that my car will look like a million bucks and since I put less than 6,000 miles per year on my car, fixing this car is a better investment than running it as is and having to look for another cqr to buy down the road. I might also add that I am 66 years old and have beaten a 4 year battle with lung cancer. I would feel like a kid again with a sharp looking car. Thanks in advance for any and all feedback. Gail in Vermont
p.s. My brother and my nephew also think I am nuts to invest the money in the car. The car works very well. It still has air and the heated seats still work!

 

If you like the car,it works well and gives you no problem then why not invest?Dont bother to listen to them.These cars run and run and run for ever.

 

I would absolutely do it. You will suddenly become the discriminating owner of a fine classic automobile, instead of just someone with an old car; that's how much difference a really good paint job makes. Two grand is just a few car payments on a new one, especially when you factor in full coverage insurance, which is required, unless you pay cash. If I had just gotten done beating lung cancer, I'd be doing whatever the hell made me happy, regardless of whether someone else thinks it's a good investment or not..

 

I would only paint it the original color or something really close. otherwise all the sheet metal around the doors, under the hood, etc won't match and it will look funky.