Hi, I'm brand new to this forum I used the search button but didn't find much. I want to buy a 245 and I want to know what to look for and what problems I should look for. I currently have a 94 golf so I'm no stranger to working on cars. I am bored with the golf and I have always loved 240s especially the wagons.

I want to buy a cheaper wagon that runs and that I could put a few miles on, unfortunately I don't have any experience with volvos exept that I was a valet recently and have learned to love them.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. I know with any 20+ year old car I need to look for rust and make sure there are no leaks etc but I need the knowledge that only veterans have. Thanks in advance

 

The general stuff applies. Look for a car that's been well maintained and runs. Rust can be an issue. Check the spare tire spot in the trunk and around the fenders. Check for body repairs. The 240's sometimes have electrical problems thanks to the fuse box, but that's and easy fix with a wire brush. Id look for repairs under the hood that look like there weren't done right. I saw a car once with the wrong airflow sensor and the wire harness all hacked apart. Mileage doesn't make too much of a difference. If it runs well at any mileage, you can expect to keep it running well for many more.

Good luck!

 

Welcome to the forum.
Could not have picked an easier car to work on, imo. I have two place you can start.

Buying a Used 7xx/9xx Same applies to the 240's.

Here https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...16/#post286414 is a response of mine to someone asking a similar question.

 

Thanks for the info. You guys are a lot kinder than the turds on the vw vortex forums, they just yell at you for not knowing everything and there isn't much helping going on, I guess that what happens when you are talking to 18 year olds. I'm really glad I'm looking into Volvo Thanks for not killing me about the search button there is just so much information out there it's a little overwhelming.

There is a car I saw on Craig's list and they want 700$ for it. The front windows won't go up and one window in the back drivers side is smashed. Glass doesn't offend me I know motors on windows go its a 23 year old car it's to be expected stuff will be broken.
Considering if all the mechanics are good do you think that would be a good place to start if I got them down to 500$ or is it like the old saying goes "you get what you pay for"

 

Pics of said $500 car? The windows might simply be window switches that are corroded on the inside, or some corroded fuse. $500 is not bad at all, I would drop $300 easy into a 240 running or not (as long as the engine is not seized) for just a parts car alone. How many miles? Any records?

 

1988 VOLVO 240 WAGON - RUNS AND DRIVES STONG !! NEEDS TLC

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/2824311856.html

It doesn't have the miles listed, so in guessing it's either broke or just high or what they think is high

 

Looks fair. The paint looks faded on the hood(must just be the pic), but I see no major damage. Hopefully the tailgate rust is not bad. Seeing the tailgate hinges need to be replaced, I doubt the tail lights of rear wiper/defroster works. A/C could just use a recharge, of course it's R12, I'm assuming. So you would have to pay for that or retrofit it.
It also has Corona rims, not wanted by most, but more desirable than steel wheels IMO. I would pay $150 for goos ones, so even if this would become a parts car, I think you're safe to buy.

I know you already bumped him down, but $400 would be a done deal, and maybe you could complain about the A/C needing major expensive repair...

 

Make sure the blower motor works on all speeds. That has been the only repair on the 240 that I never want to do again (and I'm afraid that my other 240 needs it repaired).

Watch out for rust. That's the one thing I'm worried about on my 240 wagon. Rocker panels are slightly rusted.

As has been mentioned, very easy cars to work on, and the forums are infinitely better than vw forums.

 

It's got the alloy wheels too.

If you have an after noon and some tolerance for elbow and wrist pain, buff that paint and it will shine like new. Then wax it. Keep up on the wax coat and you'll never need to do it again.

 

[QUOTE=Geoffrey;306953]Hi, I'm brand new to this forum I used the search button but didn't find much. I want to buy a 245 and I want to know what to look for and what problems I should look for. /QUOTE]

Here's a good starting point:
Top 10 Problems with Volvo 240 Models