So I've had a 240 for almost a year and have loved the thing. Saw an ad on craigslist for a 740 turbo that looks to be a steal. I wrote and asked the seller about a few things (one door doesn't match, any dash lights on, has it passed inspection, how does the turbo perform, etc).

I am just wondering if anyone could tell me what to look for in the 740 series that might raise a red flag during a test drive. Specifically, what to look for in a TURBO that is almost 20 years old. I'd hate to buy a turbo that is not a turbo if you know what I mean.

Also, what to look for that might indicate that the car has been well taken care of.

Thanks.

 

run a carfax

 

The 91 has the miniature Mitsubishi turbo and the later style, highly desirable exhaust manifold. Not only does it flow better than the 89< style log mani, it allows the turbo to bolt from the outside instead of the backside of the manifold. That means you don't need to pull the exhaust manifold to remove the turbo, a good thing! Check the feed line on top and the drain line on the bottom for leaks. Some oil is normal as it is 20 years old after all. The drain tube should be entering into the block itself; if it is entering into the oil pan, then it has been converted to turbo...myself, I'd pass on it if that was the case. Not that it can't be done, I just don't buy modded cars if I don't know the builder. By all means run a CarFax as suggested. Know up front that you will probably drop $500 or more into the car within 6 months bringing the car back to stage zero. They are a BUNCH of fun!!!...when running right. Precious few Americans change their oil often enough, turbos are VERY picky! Dino oil, especially when dirty, will coke in the feed lin of the turbo and starve it. Synthetic is really the only option on a turbo car unless it is already burning, leaking or puking oil in which case type of oil is the least of your issues. If you can get into the car for reasonably cheap, you can have yourself a fun car! Keep us posted!!

 

Dang. So, the ad I saw was on craigslist. The car was sold when I contacted the guy. He was selling it for 650! Would have been a fun project.

Also saw another ad for a 940 volvo. Also a 91. Is one or the other a better car(easier to work on, less expensive to fix up, etc)? (940 vs 740)

 

I bought a 91 740T from CL last year. It ran great, they were asking $1400 and mentioned it had minor body damage. The following pics are from when I got it back to the shop. I bought it as a parts car for $200.






This car was definitely totaled but...I was able to drive it out onto our side street and do a couple of burn outs!

 

Nice pics Swift, From the first picture, $1400 seems like a pretty good deal.

So I went to check out the 91, 940 turbo today (800$). Just as I pull up the deal was being made. Dang. half hour too late. Oh well, the search is half the fun for me.

 

I've been driving my '91 740Turbo since the end of June. There had to be a little work done to it, and I just replaced the water pump last week (after 20 years and 117k miles, things like that tend to go). It's a great car:

Sorry for the size, by the way...apparently you cannot change the size?



I noticed you talked about the 940. As far as I know, it is the same exact thing as the 740 (depending on the year, of course) but an estate/wagon.

If you find one (mine was a steal...$565) don't hesitate to get it.