Do it if you find a good one. My uncle gave his his old Volvo (I'll forever be in debt to him) which he had meticulously maintained. I had never noticed older volvos until then and have fallen head over heels for the car. Can't say enough good things about it. Great ride, reliable, easy to work on etc etc.

I just bought another 240 which had been neglected. I knew it would be a project, and it has been fun working with it. Tranny and engine are good and I expect after getting some of the kinks out that the car will last another 100000 miles at least. The worst part of the new car is a rusty floorpan which I haven't decided what to do with. I'd definitely look for rust if you're in the market for a 240. Newer than 88 seem to have a better track record for electronics, wire harness etc. AC may or not have been converted to the 134 system. Interior on these cars are falling apart because the plastic is getting old and brittle.

Anyway, I like both of my 240s. Still trying to find time to get some pictures of them up on this site.

 

You'll be disappointed with the 240. They didn't improve any over the years.
Keep what you have or try a 700, 900 or 850.
Here's a future use for your TDI. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3850096/2011-smyth-g3f
Ed

 

I don't really agree with disappointment, but they did not change too much, that's true to a certain degree. Everyone is entitle to their own preferences. I like 700s the most, but do like the older 200s a lot too. The 240 is the iconic Volvo.

zloetakoe:
I'm working on mine. Here's the thread on it:https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...3D-rust-51295/

 

I say go for it!

I'm biased towards the 940/960's, but that's just me... the 240 IS an iconic car, people tend to look at it like a vw bug: they either love them or hate them, there's no middle ground.

I bought my current 940 with 190k miles on it, and enjoy driving it more that my truck with only 20k miles, and have less than a grand into it!

find the right volvo, and you won't look back!

 

I picked up a 240 wagon as a beater back in October, as I stored my Mustang for the winter, and absolutely love it. Super easy to work on and mine has been dead reliable (only problem so far, knock on wood, was my water pump grenaded on me back in January). Not the fastest or most fuel efficient car in the world, but it'll get you there.

Being that you have the 190D, you may be disappointed with the interior plastic quality. Not exactly on the same level as Mercedes was. They tend to get very brittle over time especially the center console and map pockets.

My wife has an 850 and I think it's a great car and pretty easy to work on too. Plus, has some more creature comforts than the 240s have.

These are the first 2 Volvos I have ever owned and I've been extremely happy with both of them.

 

Don't overlook a possible bad vacuum control modulator on your Mercedes transmission as a possible remedy versus replacement. I've seen a lot MB transmissions replaced due to what could have been simple/inexpensive repairs. Unless you have a rare 5 speed of course

As to the 240, a great car IMO but not as well appointed as Mercedes.

I've owned a few 240's but I do like the 700's better, turbocharged of course

 

940 turbo is the way to go....I am a wagon man myself.

 

Alrighty. I have found a '85 Volvo 240 dl. Wagon. Its got 245000 miles, needs paint, and seats need new leather. BUT runs like a champ, is it a good deal for $700? Also I know the pre 88 volvos had electrical problems, should I avoid the car soley based because its a 85?

 

Drop the TDI in the wagon.

Like what josh did to his. Picasa Web Albums - Josh - Volvo TDI#

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by bce181

Alrighty. I have found a '85 Volvo 240 dl. Wagon. Its got 245000 miles, needs paint, and seats need new leather. BUT runs like a champ, is it a good deal for $700? Also I know the pre 88 volvos had electrical problems, should I avoid the car soley based because its a 85?

240 odometers being what they are, it has at least 245K. With that many miles, any electrical issues may well have been dealt with already. "Runs like a champ" is not a bad deal for $700 as long as it doesn't have terminal rust or major body damage. You've probably spent more money, on dumber things..