Hi,

I'm about to go check out an old 87 740 Wagon, non turbo. It's only got 98,000 miles and is in good shape according to the ad. I've wanted an old brick for a long time and now that I actually have need for a wagon it's about time I got one. I've heard the old 740s are rock solid, and the price on this one is near unbeatable ($1500/obo). Is there anything I should look for while checking it out? Most of the common problems I've heard of relate to other models (the 850, mostly), but there's gotta be something.

One other thing I'm curious about is adding a turbo to an NA car after the fact. If I think I'm going to want a turbo should I just get one off the bat? I can live with slower for now if the mileage is better, though.

Sorry for the newbsauce here, i'm completely new to these.

 

I owned a 740 at about the same vintage and it lasted 240k miles with one transmission change. Eventually died, but I can't kick. At your cited price and low mileage, you shouldn't wait. Get that dang thing and stop second guessing yourself

 

...although, check it over carefully, needless to say.

 

Triple check the biodegradable wiring harness and all wiring in general. That year they still produced bio degrade wiring that ended up being a electrical nightmare!!
Check for underbody rust, fuel pumps operation and rack and pinion!!
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The biggest concern for 240s and 740s from around '84 to '87 was the wiring harness. Volvo used a wiring with "biodegradable" insulation. The problem is they tended to degrade prematurely especially when exposed to heat. Problems tend crop up with the engine harness before you see issues elsewhere due to the heat exposure in the engine compartment. Check for electrical issues. Would be good to know whether the harness has ever been replaced. Otherwise just check for the normal issues with cars of that vintage - mainly rust and wear & tear. How is the interior? All mechanics on these cars are solid and parts are generally available.

 

I have a turbo version of that car. The motor is a bit different and under hood layout is different because of the intake and intercooler piping.
And I echo the concerns about wiring. Almost all wiring under the hood of my car has been replaced. Other areas are problematic too. The wiring in the hatch had to be replaced as well.