In about 6 mos I'll be shopping for the last version of the 240 wagon. 2nd kid coming, and the civic is just too small.

Anyway, any links/sites in regards to what to look for/inspect? Any tips from y'all?

Also, any comparisons--mostly in terms of reliability or lack thereof--between the 240 and its 740/960/850/v70 cousins? I'm not married to the 240 idea, so I'm open.

Last but not least, if anyone knows a good Volvo shop in the Mar Vista/MDR/Culver City area it'd be greatly appreciated. (Or shops to avoid.)

t.i.a.

 

FYI, 850s and V70s are FWD. Most of us on this particular forum (200/700/900) would consider that to be a major disadvantage.

The RWDs are basically well engineered, reliable, and easy to work on, with a few well known design flaws (odometers come to mind) but have the major drawback of being 15-20+ years old. The newer FWD stuff is more sophisticated, more complex, harder to work on, but, is, well,...newer.

You might find this informative:

http://www.swedishbricks.net/700900F...Used%207xx/9xx

 

+1 ^ And start shopping NOW.

Don't wait till the six months are over and then scramble to find one and end up with a lemon. Get a feel for prices in your area, the general condition of Volvo's. Seeing your in California, most say Volvo's hold their value, so you might be looking to pay more. Anyways, as to the other Volvo's you mentioned, the 240/740/940 is going to be the easiest to work on, which is something you should do. No sense taking it to the shop for minor maintenance.
Like said above, the other Volvo's you mentioned are FF, not in my jurisdiction yet. Exception to that is the 960, which requires higher maintenance in itself. Can't be left neglected as easily as the I4's as parts are more expensive.

https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...0-sedan-56916/ - A link to a recent thread of a guy looking for a 240. I went all out with what to look for, and he never responded, yet. Oh well, maybe it will help you.

Personally, I would go with the 240. This is the proper way to raise a family, you won't be disappointed.

Almost forgot, welcome to the forum.

 

Let me start off by saying that I would love to have a nice clean 240 wagon. Now, they are 19 years old. The thing that stinks about old cars is finding parts and how easy plastic breaks.

You should be able to get any 240 or 740 wagon for under $2,000. Clean. I have purchased a few 960's for under $1,000. The 960's are newer and have all the bells and whistles. Built to rival MB & BMW, very nice car with what I think is pretty low maintenance. I would shoot for one of those.

The 850's and V70's are more fun in the turbo trim, get better gas mileage and do need more maintenance, however, a 20 year old car may need just as much as a 15 year old 850.

Hope you find a nice one.