So i found this 89 240-DL for sale. It's got 219,000 miles on (broken odmeter) it and still runs. I've thoroughly looked over the car and these are the issues i've found:

• Odometer is broken
• Hood mount broken
• Poor paint (no rust)
• A/C doesnt work
• Interior plastic is brittle
• Engine is a little loud (Maybe some piston slap)
• Idles a little rough
• Seems like it's missing vacuum hoses
• Slight oil leak (maybe from head gasket)
• lacks power (of course)

I did some research on what to look for and what to expect with these models volvos and it checks out ok from what i've seen.

Here's the kicker, he said the least he will take is $800, which means i can probably get it for $650-$750 if i bring him cash. The owner is a single old man who claims that he is the 3rd owner. He is also an ex-police chief.

I've heard they are THE MOST reliable vehicles you can own and that is exactly what i'm looking for.

Is it worth the money? Is there anything particular i should inspect? Any advice on this would be great.

Thanks.

 

sounds trashed.

 

You could do better I would think. Picked up my 86 with a lot less problems for not much more.

 

Thanks for the replies you guys. I think i'll give the car a pass for right now. If i did buy it, what would be a reasonable price?

 

You should be the getting paid in this transaction...

 

So its basically scrap? Keep in mind i'm a broke college student. I'm not afraid to drive a ugly car, i just need it to keep running.

 

Those issues do not point to reliability. Leaky oil, missing vac lines, rough idle, piston slap, those are all things that are destroying the engine a mile at a time.

 

Even if you get a neglected car for free, the expenses of getting it to usable condition will quickly add up--better off paying a little more for a decent one.

 

agree - keep looking

here's what you can get in the boston area for $1k


The Silver Bullet!