i'm looking at purchasing a 1991 volvo 240. dealer has assured me he will have it looked at by his mechanic and make sure it will stay running in idle. engine sounds great, a/c works, power accessories work, interior is immaculate. body is in great shape save for the oxidation spots on the roof. car seems to have been taken very good care of. car has 212k miles on it. only problem i can find except for the rough idle which is being looked at is the sunroof crank handle. the sunroof opens flawlessly, but you have to press up at the pivot point for it to occassionally catch a gear and close. is this an easy fix or should i look around a bit longer?

 

Welcome. I guess it all comes down to price. They say all used Volvos cost $5,000. You can pay $1,000 and put $4,000 into it. Or you can pay $4,000 and put $1,000 into it.

I would feel much more comfortable with a deal by paying MY Volvo mechanic to have a look. Fairly high mileage -- suspension may be shot. Have your tech (or yourself if you have the skills) take a look at the shocks and bushings. Also brake rotors and calipers. How's the rear main crank seal. Cylinder compression test would be nice to have. Also, will it pass smog?

 

the sunroof is no big deal-the little gear is loose or worn out and available. it could be a nice car in spite of mileage but do your due dilligence. and it should cost nowhere near $5,000 even after you are done fixing it.