'91 240: reliable??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 15, 2018 | 12:54 AM
  #1  
pooluu's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default '91 240: reliable??

Hello all! This is my first post on this forum

I am considering buying a 1991 240, and am not sure if it is a good choice or not. I recently owned a 1990 240 DL, but after 6 months I realized that the head gasket was bad (along with a bunch of other stuff).. so I sold it. I must mention that this was kind of a junker car to begin with so I am not shocked in the slightest that there were all these problems going on.

Heres the thing though: I found this one with about 120,000 miles, garaged its whole life, routine factory maintenance, pretty much a pristine condition 240 and at a good price too. Is it worth getting or are 240's always going to be in the shop? If the car has had such good maintenance can I trust it?

I am also moving across the country soon and am wondering if this car will be reliable for a 3,000 mile drive, because I don't want to be breaking down on the side of the road every 400 miles.. ANYWAYS. What do you guys think? Will this car make it? Do you think with proper care a 26 year old Volvo will be reliable and last me? Let me know what you think
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2018 | 01:29 AM
  #2  
dytha99's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 382
Likes: 3
From: Columbus
Default

Have it inspected by a mechanic that knows something about 240's...preferably a mechanic with gray hair on his head.

27 year old cars break and require repair. If you can't diy the work don't buy it.

Odometers on redblock volvos are known for breaking. I don't believe anything when it comes to mileage on a redblock... except mileage unknown.

Good luck.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2018 | 05:50 AM
  #3  
act1292's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 52
Default

+1 on what dytha said. If you aren't handy with tools and aren't willing to do the work yourself, you're better off buying a newer car. Even though the car has been well kept doesn't hide the fact that it is an old car with a lot of components that may be nearing the end of a wear cycle.

If you work on it yourself you will save significant amount of money getting it to the stage where it can be a reliable daily driver.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2018 | 09:11 AM
  #4  
silvermine's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 721
Likes: 26
From: FL
Default

i would not hesitate to jump in mine for a 3k mile jaunt.. but i do know its recent maintenance history. if this car you are looking at really does have only 120k it is rare beast indeed. getting hard to find them with low mileage at reasonable prices. do your due diligence and if everything checks out go for it!
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2018 | 12:47 PM
  #5  
pooluu's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by dytha99
Have it inspected by a mechanic that knows something about 240's...preferably a mechanic with gray hair on his head.

27 year old cars break and require repair. If you can't diy the work don't buy it.

Odometers on redblock volvos are known for breaking. I don't believe anything when it comes to mileage on a redblock... except mileage unknown.

Good luck.
Thank you for your input!! I still have some thinking to do... but I definitely trust this seller.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2018 | 12:48 PM
  #6  
pooluu's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by silvermine
i would not hesitate to jump in mine for a 3k mile jaunt.. but i do know its recent maintenance history. if this car you are looking at really does have only 120k it is rare beast indeed. getting hard to find them with low mileage at reasonable prices. do your due diligence and if everything checks out go for it!
This is reassuring, it is hard for me to come to my senses because these cars are hard to come by in good shape, so I think I will probably end up buying it. Hopefully she doesn't get totally wrecked on my trip.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
les_vb
General Volvo Chat
3
Oct 4, 2011 11:09 PM
tom10167
General Volvo Chat
3
Aug 15, 2007 03:35 PM
Pelko
Volvo S70
5
Mar 22, 2007 01:52 AM
NCS60
Volvo S60 & V60
15
Feb 16, 2007 01:40 AM
aldend123
Volvo S70
5
May 6, 2006 06:31 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:43 PM.