I asked this on the general chat forum and only one person was kind enough to reply....I am interested in the 1988-1993 240 model line.I am looking to buy one possibly an 89 240 wagon. Through my brother's unfortunate experience I have learned NOT to get any wagon with the manual xnsmission!The ECU's in these cars simply do not last more than 110k miles and then one will experience all kinds of braekdowns and poor running....My point is that I am concerned
about... What are the things I should look at and be aware of? What are the weak points with this model line????I am looking at an 89 240 Wagon w/automatic xnsmission that has only 140k miles!!It was owned by a Dr.and it was meticulously maintained and is clean thru out! What do you all think about the 240 models from 88-93?Are they reliable ???I just hate to spend good money without doing some research first..PLEASE ADVISE!!
Thanks BNE

 

All the 240's are good cars.

Your brother had a bad one I guess. My 240 that I had had well over 250,000 miles and no problems at all. It was a manual trans. I see the Manual trans Wagons all the time on factory computer.

Look it all over good. Check for oil leaks and suspension.

 

Sorry I didn't see your note on the main list.

Anyway, after the logical look over the car, definitely go for it. In the years I've been working on Volvo's, I find they respond very well to attentive owners, and quickly reflect neglect.

I'm currently prepping a 1988 Volvo 245 (with the automatic, my first Volvo auto tranny!) and you're more than welcome to mail me anything you're curious about and I'll try and help with what I can.

The car I'm working on is a bit of a mess, and time right now is at a premium, so progress is slow. That said, I am trying to blog my adventures to share with others, and you can check out progress on the car at:

http://daisy240.blogspot.com

Have fun!

 

I bought a 1991 245 from a man who spent a lot of money maintaining it.. When I bought it I just need to replace the brakes, but the supension was worn. I bought it at 160k, interior is superb, minor cracks on dash from the sun, paint is great.

 

Thanks to all for your coments and suggestions....I am looking forward to owning a 240 that will be reliable for many more years to come....When I get it i will be sure to post some pix for you all to see... BNE

 

Buy the car, they are terriffic. Then you'll have an excuse to hang out in Vovo Forums.

 

I checked it out.It is pretty good overall condition and mechanically close to perfect.So I will be getting it hopefully this weekend or early next week.This is a sweet deal for 1700 usd an 89 240 wagon with 141kmiles!Cant wait till I get it and post some pix!!!Thanks to ALL who have been kind enough to advise me.I am sure I will be talking to you all again soon.VFL!!!(volvo for life)

 

ALL 240'S ROCK!!! JUST TRY AND FIND A CLEAN ONE-ENJOY

 

I bought a 1992 240GL with 87,000 one owner miles, service by the same Volvo dealer since new from a dealer in Kansas City and it doesnt have a scratch on it. You will love the 240. My daughter thinks I am a geek, but I love it. Enjoy!!!

RedBrick

 

you dont happen to be buying from a chiro in san diego, do you?

 

I live on the right coast but the car came from Calif.Actually there are a few things wrongwith the car so questions will be forthcoming to be sure...BUT I do LOVE this car...you are no geek...
so Thanks to all for your thoughts VFL!!! BNE

 

I have a 1988 manual 240 with 237k. It is simply the best car I have ever owned. I have had essentially no problems or very minor ones. I do maintain it. If someone hits it where I cant fix it I will buy another. If I had known what a great car it really is I would have bought it new.

 

i have drivin two 89 240 dl's, both manual, and own one. i have no idea on the milage, as the odometer quite working at about 240,000 miles. handles excelent, really fun to drive. the stereo was the first thing replaced. i intend to own one forever, or until i can afford a ferrari.

<joe>

 

OOOOOOOOOps,
This is only for experts? I myself am new to Volvos having just bought my 1st last fall. (850 wag) but lo and behold, I just bought my 2nd last week, a '89 240 GL. It too is a California car, (San Diego) rust free 169k. Paint is a little rough, needs new tail lights and some tlc, but hey, $1000???? I love it! Can't wait to get a few thing doctored up, and put some miles on. Weather permitting. Hate to bathe it in western NY salt.
.........Jim

 

Hi all when I say experts I just mean anyone who has any experience with the 240's..so all ppl are welcome.My 89 is not as perfect as I thought...but it is not that bad either.The day I picked it up and drove it home....the AC compressor was on and it was burning up inside cause all this smoke was coming out of it and it smelled like burning brake pads.A few days later I discover that the ac switch was on...after turning it off I observed that the clutch on the compressor was siezed and would not spin free....then the compressor seized and broke the fanbelt connecting
to the power steering unit...after that I noticed that my engine and xnsmission were running better and the car had much better acceleration...so now I dont have any power steering but the car is running really good...this is with tha auto.trans. I dont know the extent of the damage to the compressor but it will soon be fixed...now I know why ppl call these cars Bricks!Drivin around with out power steering is fun hahaha...ok all gotta go back to work ....Volvo for LIFE!
BNE

 

I bought a 245 (the wagon) on ebay - a 1987 model for $1200. It had 140,000 miles on it. Nice...cleean..factory fog lights. Now have 171,000 miles and have replaced brakes (no big deal) plus some routine maintenance. Same b attery. Same tires...same exhaust. Also had to replace catalytic converter. This car costs me less to maintain than my wife’s Camry and my Mercedes 300 TD diesel wagon. Last Volvo was a 245 diesel wagon. I got 240,000 miles out o that one before the body rusted around the engine and frame. Sold it running to a guy in Georgia who drove it home fro NJ - rust and all. Find a 240 with the lowest mileage and best maintenance recorrd. Change the oil, etc. Turn key and drive away.