I am moving this from the newbie thread. I need to make a move in the next few days and thought this part of the forum might get more views on this issue. Any input would be welcome , especially re the last update on the '88 740 with 4-5k in Volvo work done in the last 12
mos. First post:

Hello Volvo heads. I am about to buy my first Volvo EVER. I need a wagon. I WANT a five speed. I have a choice between a '91 with 270k that had an engine swap at 180 and an '88 -all original with 185k.

The 88 had more babying in its life, and while the paint finish overall is good but has a bit more rust. The '91 has an awful drivers seat- badly torn, heated control out - but otherwise seems fine inside. A bit beat on the exterior, though

The '91 needs rear control arm bushings, the 88 needs AT LEAST new front tires and poss. an alignment (shimmies over 55 mph). The '91 is in Beloit WI, the other in South Bend IN. I am in Chicago. The availability of 5 speed wagons is slim here and overall, prices are higher on used Volvos.

I have been researching and planning this purchase for a few months now, and of course the distance is not a large impediment, as the trips are 2 hours or less. Beloit is closer, though, enough to actually be a positive factor.

I will be bringing cash , whichever I go to see and test drive so if I am confident of the car I will not make a second trip. Any input on the year/s and posted issues?

91 Volvo 240 station wagon










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New wagon in the mix
First of all the "88 is $950, not 850, but still, why the '88? The newest option is a '94 940 for $1000. It only has 120k on the working odometer! Hearse black, cloth int. decent clearcoat finish. It is NOT a 5 sp. One good thing is that it is only 5 miles away, not 150 or more. Why so cheap? I don't known yet. The A/C is out, drivers seat heat malfunctioning (too hot). I do not like the design as well on the '94, but as far as I can tell, the engineering is still solid.
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So, the '94 940 priced at a grand went without me getting even a testdrive. My wife wold have liked that one more with the auto trans and slightly smaller size, Oh well, she has her '05 Matrix, which she loves. The shiny black 940 looked like a Herse anyway... So back to the remaining two 5 speeds. Andrew, are the '88s easier to work on than the '91s? is it the original engine and lower miles that would incline you to recommend the '88?
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Newest entry:



VOLVO WAGON 1988 74O GL...*4 CYL. 〉*5 SPD. STICK - $1695



VOLVO WAGON 1988 74O GL ...206K...
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*5SPEED MANUAL SHIFT
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*4CYLINDER (2.3 LITER) GAS SAVER
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NEW TIRES & TUNE UP OIL/FILTER
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NEW FRONT &REAR.BRAKES
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NEW SHOCKS (STRUTS)
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NEW BALL JOINTS & SWAYBARS
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NEW COMPLETE EXHAUST
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NEW REAR MAIN SEAL
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NEW MOTOR MOUNTS
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NEW WATER.PUMP-
=
NEW.TIMING BELT PLUS SERPENTINE BELTS
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NEW.COMPLETE CLUTCH KIT
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******PREV.OWNED BY A VOLVO MECHANIC @...

Just found this, a bit further away and a little past my price range. Would I
be foolish to pass this one up?

 

::1988 240 Volvo Wagon For Sale::

Pardon the funky formatting, I attempted to get the whole thread here but is was no going well. Andrew replied in favor of this one. That was prior to the 88 740 wagon became an option. Thanks, Chris