Recently came across and 1990 240 sedan for sale for $1,000 dollars. I have yet to see it in person but have seen many pics and have been thoroughly informed about the pros and cons of the vehicle. It seems to be really clean and well kept inside and out. Also, there was a lot of work done to the engine a few years back and the current owner has all the documents to prove it, but I don't have the full list of repairs just yet. The odometer stopped working around 250,000 miles and it hasn't been driven much since and two of the door handles don't work from the outside, but I presume this would be an inexpensive fix.

I plan to see it soon and take it to my trusty mechanic soon who has specialized in foreign makes since the early 70s to have it fully inspected. If everything checks out, I will probably buy it; however, I have a few concerns.

1. I was wanting to buy it because I drive an hour everyday to and from work and I heard these cars are built like tanks and are very dependable and are somewhat decent on gas. I currently drive a 1990 Mercedes 190e which has an inline six and runs on premium gasoline and has only 115,000 miles on it. If I were to buy the 240, there's a good chance I would get rid of the Mercedes although I'm not 100%. So, I guess my first question is, would the 240 be a good replacement for the Mercedes?

2. The high mileage of the 240 is also a concern despite the fact that I've always heard these cars run forever. Is it really worth the $1,000 with that many miles?

If anybody could take me to school with their 240 knowledge or if you have any uncynical wisdom to lend, I would be more than grateful.

 

You might find this of interest..
Top 10 Problems with Volvo 240 Models

Volvo recommends premium gasoline as well; you can get by with regular because the engine has a knock sensor that will retard the timing when necessary, reducing power and mileage. Whether the difference in power/mileage is worth the additional expense of premium gas depends on the price of premium gas, which changes all too frequently these days..

 

premium in a non-turbo?? the original recommendation for our 87 was 91 RON. since US gas is measured as (R+M)/2, 89 grade regular is fine in them. heck, 87 would be OK.

 

Welcome to the forum!

Pics tell everything. An immaculate 240 inside and out is worth the grand regardless of miles in my opinion. With good records, you should be good to go for many more miles.

As far as a good replacement, yes, just because.

240 may be less comfortable, less powerful, easier to work on, mileage is 20-23mpg...

 

we get pretty close to 25mpg in our 1987 240GL, either around the county. long highway trips might see 27-28mpg if we're just cruising easy and smooth. 20-23 is more like turbo 740 mileage (as low as 17-18 leadfooting it around town)

 

Why would you get rid of a 1990 190e with low miles for a 250+ miles 240? I love Volvos but I am not crazy. The car you have is at least as good as the 240 all things being equal. A $1,000 beater is $1,000 beater!

The only benefit to the Volvo is that it's cheaper to maintain IF you know what you are doing... Otherwise, a MBZ shop could be as pricy as a Volvo shop... The mileage would not be much of an improvement. "Built like a tank"? No, built to a pretty good crash standards is all. The 190 is probably heavier and built at least as well. That old "tank" cliche means very little...

 

for sure, our 1991 benz 300E 2.6 is a nicer car than a 240 or 740. but my daughter still prefers her 240 even tho she was given the benz, apparently the benz is 'an old ladies car' while the 240 is hip. or something.

actually, the 240 runs better, the 300e2.6 hesitates and stumbles coming off idle until it gets going. I've fixed a lot of little things, it used to stall. they both get about the same gas mileage, the 240 might be a little better on the highway. that 2.6 is probably the same M103 engine in your 190E

I don't like the benz automatic tranny, it starts in 2nd, and if you want to go fast, THEN it downshifts to 1st, but by the time it gets there, it upshifts back to second. what a mess.

but, the benz has much better road manners, ride, it handles fantastically, and has awesome brakes. of course, the 300E chassis is a larger, more upmarket car than the 190. the benz is also a LOT quieter at highway speeds.

 

Thanks for all of the insight thus far.

So, if I keep the Mercedes, would it be a good idea to buy it just for a beater that I can commute to work in? I really hate to part with the Benz, but I really hate to not buy the 240 either. Also, just found out the the front spring on the passenger side is going bad.

 

front springs are easy to replace if you are replacing the struts.