I own a 1987 240 DL wagon, which needs between $500 and $800 worth of work for a current inspection. It has 280,000 miles, AC that does NOT work, and the body has some rust. It is not the prettiest Volvo on the road, but it has been quite reliable (for the three years I have owned it)and the engine is strong. Someone has offered to buy it from me for $500.

In considering this offer, I am looking at other older Volvos. There is a 1991 740 turbo wagon with 209,000 miles, new tires, and a current inspection for sale at an asking price of $1,600. Assuming that the AC works and it is generally in good condition, would I be better off to sell my 240 and replace it with the 740?

How do the two models compare generally in terms of reliability,cost of repair and maintenance, cost of parts, etc.? The turbo concerns me somewhat, in terms of possible future repairs.

 

The Turbo will give you worse mpg, and some more power but is newer and I think more ergonomic and better riding. The maintenance is not much higher except for possible turbo issues. But if it is "nice", and if you like it, may be OK for you especially since your 240 is problematic. Mechanically they are almost the same... Decent RWD Volvos are getting hard to find.

 

Thanks for your advice. I spoke with the seller today. The car sounds promising: second owner, all records, maintained at same local import shop for the life of the car, no major work (EXCEPT the turbo was apparently replaced at 150,000 miles). Is the replacement of a turbo systemat 150,000 miles a sign of trouble or a benefit?

I have an appointment to see the car on Monday. Anything I should particularly look for?

Kind regards.

 

I would consider the turbo replacementa benefit.My turbohas 256,000 original miles and it has zero problems/shaft play.

Just check the carfor any rust and signs of leaks and what-not. I love my 745t, and have had close to zero problems with her.

Good luck.

 

The Turbo replacement is a good sign, you won't have to do it. If it's a nice car, buy it. All these RWD Volvos are getting harder to come buy in any decent shape.

 

Thank you both for your advice. It is very helpful for someone who is new to these cars and loves them.

 

No problem.

tedv probably knows a lotmore than me about thesecars, sohe might have better insite on them. I just go off of my experiences.

Good luck

 

Thanks TIPSP for the vote of confidence! I know, but I still learn everyday! Ah, the beauty of cars... nobody knows everything, and there's always something new... I have had a lot of 740/940's, like 30, a few 240's, may be 5, and I do pretty much all my own work and actually LIKE to go to junkyards and take stuff apart for the hell of it... Plus being a professional car buyer for 20+ years doesn't hurt...

 

Probably worth more than 500,to part it out. If you have the time

 

ten year old thread.

 

It is amazing how these threads often times drift around for many years and then, when someone is doing a Google search, they'll come up. And the person doing the search doesn't happen to notice the dates. LOL

For years I was the moderator on a wooden boat building forum (hence my user name here, that was the name of my boat) and this happened a lot. But on the other hand, often times it will be these old thread that will attract new members to the forums. Someone new to old Volvos for example will be trying to solve a problem with their car and here they come.

 

OOps. Next time I'll check the date. The car is probably soup cans by now.LOL