I have come across a 1989 780 Bertone Turbo+ in my local classifieds. It has 250,000 miles, but had the drivetrain replaced around 50,000 miles ago. The vehicle needs new front speakers. The universal joints on the rear axle are worn out and need to be replaced. There is a little rust that I would need to sand off, prime, and touch up. The drivers seat is pretty worn out. I have worked the seller down to $500, but he will go no lower. He has several people who will pay him a combined $700 to part it out, but he would rather see the vehicle sold whole. All electronics are functioning properly. The A/C needs a charge, but can't get one due to EPA regulations. The seller therefore snipped off the belt to the A/C compressor to conserve power. The tires and brakes are in good shape and the car drives very well. The car's ABS module is broken and will need replacement. Until this is done, the speedometer and odometer don't work. I see a used ABS module one for $70 onlines or I could go to the place that rebuilt the module on my 1999 V70. The headliner is sagging. Some of the clear coat has come off the hood.

I'd really appeciate some input. How durable are these cars? Could I get another 100,000 out of it? I know that the 240's will go forever (our's went to 400,000), but I have no clue about the 780's. I don't want to put $1000+ into the car and then have it fall apart!

Here are some pictures:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/926/abe51qe1.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2766/ae731vx6.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/245/b7371qi9.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5232/bae51ze3.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1330/c3c41zn9.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1422/c8921ru0.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3557/bf971gb2.jpg

 

Here's the delima.
The 780's are unique. So 760,740 parts from the engines are the only thing that will interchange.
All the body parts are different and expensive to buy.

But on the other hand for $500.00 I would buy and drive it till it dies.

 

The body is in pretty good condition. From what I've seen, the ABS module is the same as the one on the 740's. Is this accurate?

I'm definatly getting the U-joint replaced if I buy it. That+ two speakers+abs module makes this a pretty nice car.

Any more votes?

 

The ABS might be the same but im not sure.
Also the motor is almost the exact same one as in the 240.

 

Parts are a pain for this car, but hey, if you like it, it is unique and the price is cheap. Depends if you like "projects" and do your own work because running to a shop will kill you.

 

I can do everything but the U-joint. I've never done that before, and I'd need to see it done once before I could.

I can have the ABS module rebuilt. I can paint the car. I can put on some seat covers. I can put in a new speaker system.

 

On second thought, if you are a perfectionist, if you need to make this a "nice" car, I don't think it can be done without sinking too much into it. (I looked at the pix). But if you just want a driver and not care how it looks... but then buy a 240... I personally WOULD NOT buy it...

 

I was initially looking for a 240 actually. At least in my neck of the woods, they are significantly more than $500. Even when I add on another $500 of work on the 780, it is still cheaper than a 240. For less than $1000, I get a high milage older 240 with a horribly sluggish engine. I'm sixteen years old and looking for a fun project car to learn on and drive. The 240 is a little to sedated for me. I like the turbo on the Bertone.

The Bertone would literally get 15 miles of driving a week during the year and probably 100 over the summer.

I feel like I'm conveying the wrong impression as to what I want in a car. To the 780 I would:

Have a mechanic replace the U-joint $100
Put in new speakers myself $100
Have ABS module rebuilt $100
Get supplies and paint the car $100
Buy seat covers $50
Clean it intensely $0

That's all I'd do. If that wouldn't get me a nice, running car, then I guess I should look elsewhere. This car was a daily driver up until a couple of weeks ago. The car's owned enlisted in the military. He purchased this car about a year ago from its 1st owner (who had two 780's) as a temporary stopgap before he left for boot camp. Even now, it is in driveable condition.


I also could get for $750 a 1997 850 GLT with 220,000 miles. That car leaks about a quart of oil every month from the engine block

I actually had a deal lined up for a perfect condition 1990 740 Turbo Wagon with 180,000 miles for $700 last week. Someone else offered $900 and before I could respond with a counteroffer, he stole the car out from under me.

 

if you buy it and are looking for a cd player and speakers, i would recomend the sony x-plod package for like $90 you get 4 speakers and a cd player. i just put it in my car, it sounds good and is pretty cheap.

 

the rear end of this car is the same as the 760 irs in the sedan...also the chassis is italian and the drive train is volvo

 

I made the guy an offer. Lets see if he accepts.