Okay, I've done quite a bit of research. Used to own a '61 Comet so I'm not ignorant of older cars, what to check for, etc. BUT I'm not a gearhead either.

I have two dealers I'm working with. One offers a tomato Red '93 940 (Turbo or not is still in debate...I think not) Automatic Sedan with 129,000 miles. AC blows cool, hoses/belts look good, they offer a 30 day warranty. Transmission seemed a tiny bit rocky, but not too bad for a 14 year old car. Body good, leather seats a bit cracked, power windows/locks work great. It had been sitting in one spot for quite some time and still had no leaks underneath it. Didn't start, needed a jump, but this just tells me they don't have alot of interest in it. I got him down from $3990 to $3000 and might try for $2800 tomorrow...

Also tomorrow, I'm going to test drive an '87 240 Automatic Sedan with 109,000 miles. I know less about the condition right now because I haven't seen it, but the photos look promising. It's listed at $2900, but the guy on the phone already said he's ready to deal. Told me it's getting the AC "re-conditioned" as we speak. Also offers warranty for at least 30 days.

My dilemmas are: Older car with lower miles or "newer" car with slightly higher miles? 240 vs 940? Also, the 940 is from a general used car lot, the older 240 is from an exclusive Volvo dealer. I'm leaning towards the 240, but the age scares me. Opinions greatly appreciated! And if I left something out that might help in the choice, let me know!

thanks!

This will be my first Volvo, but being a Swede, I feel it's about damn time I jumped in! Also, having just been rear-ended in my crappy Pontiac Sunbird made me crave a little more safety.

 

I would tell you to go for the 240. Taking nothing away from the 940, which is a excelent car but these cars are funny and need to be cared for in the right way, and the 240 is being sold by a volvo dealer so i would feel safer with that. Both cars are solid.

 

I'd take the 940 handsdown! Much newer and improved, better styling, better ride and much more comfy seats. Bigger also, but better if it's not a turbo...

 

The 240, of course. A picture would be nice to see it. Nevertheless, it's a classic Volvo and it should rather go into the care of an enthusiast than...not. Just be quite sure of the condition of the Volvo and ask about known service fullfillment.

 

I wanted to thank everyone for the advice and help. I went with the 1987 240. 110,000 miles, it seems to be a great, tight little car. I bought it from a used car dealer and the out the door price ended up somewhere in the $3400 range. I realize this is a bit high, but for Los Angeles and for the condition it's in, I don't feel like I got taken. (and believe me...two test drives, three separate opinions, poking at every hose, belt, and button in the thing...I believe the condition is pretty good.) I'll be popping in now and then with questions!



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Question- Do you mean to tell us that you just paid 3400 for an 87 240 sedan? are you kidding me? I wouldve thought 1800 TOPS! Its 20 years old for crying out loud! Guess thats what you get with a "dealer". D

 

That's the out the door price...but yeah, negotiated price was still $2900.

Included receipts for many new replaced parts and labor by a certified Volvo mechanic.

Includes 90 day 100% warranty.

I didn't say it was a bargain or a "steal" but it's a good car, ready to drive, doesn't need immediate work.

Also has new sony stereo.

I didn't want a car I'd have to do anything to.

 

Personally, I just got into the Volvo Scene. I just got a 1990 240 DL and paid $900 (talked down from $1400). It needs a little cleaning out and fixing up but I love it. I would have paid more for it if I had the money. You could have paid twice the price and it wouldn't matter as long as you got what you wanted. Just make sure youtake good car of it.

 

The outside looks quite perty...but yeah 3400.00??? that's amazing. Either you've been had, a bit...or, since it did come from the dealership they made sure the Volvo was Volvo qualified. But I usually figure when going to the dealership, whatever you think the price might be, it's usually at least twice as much. Nevertheless, great choice, may it serve you well, and you it.

 

A car is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If your happy with it's worth it.

 

Yeah, I dont mean to preach- I've spent too much on too many things too many times. I love my 89 240 DL wagon (200k) $1195 yes, had to fix a couple of things, but I never buy anything I dont have to fix up. I dont mind it. A 20 year old car, there will be stuff to repair. 5 year old car there will bestuff to repair. It does look nice, enjoy! Dave

 

I OWN A 1992 240 AND ITS MY SECOND ONE...I THINK YOU GOT A GREAT DEAL LOOKS WISE ...SHE IS A PRETTY ONE! JUST BE GINGER WITH HER AND YOULL GET ALL KINDS OF COMPLIMENTS FROM RANDOM PEOPLE AND IT WILL TREAT YOU RIGHT! GOOD LUCK!

 

Thanks to all for the help!

Mechanic did the following (I didn't have time to learn everything from scratch, needed a running car asap!)

Replaced the Idle Control Valve, Fule Pump Relay, and Water Temp Sensor.

So far so good...I think they tweaked a few other things, but didn't put them on the invoice.