My wife and I are trying to decide what to purchase. After looking at many Subaru"s in the $3500 range and seeing all the problems they are noted to have we switched gears and starting looking at older Volvo's. Although the amount of miles these vehicles were noted to have scared us, we have seen that they can indeed run forever if you put effort (money+care) into them. We need this car to be dependable and last for the next several years and have limited finances, so any answers you have will be taken into consideration. Thanks!

What are the Best years in the 240?
What kind of problems can I expect?
What should I have inspected before I purchase?
What kind of test can a mechanic perform to get an idea of the engines reliability?
What should I completely stay away from!?

Have a great Day!
Robert & Megan

 

Buy a 740 or a 940 if you want a modern feeling car with creature comforts.
Buy on service history and condition first, mileage a distant second. A well maintained car is obvious when you look at it.

Regards, Andrew.

 

For the 240 ... I would get something from the 90's if possible (air bags, abs, updated AC, etc). I would stay away from anything with rust.

 

if you can find an early 90's 240 with low miles youd be set. make sure everything seems electrically sound. and usually a car with few past owners. the only common problems are electrical and fuel pump issues. but id say buying a 240 was one of the best decisions i ever made. you just gotta give em a little love and they work great : )

 

I have a 90 740 bought at 98K now has 298K I like the larger wheel base of the 740 gives a good ride. The 240 are prone to lower control arms rustng out here in the north east the 740 has aluminum control arms. I hope to run this car another 5 years or so. I have heard the hvac systems on the 240 are a pain. I also own a 05 V70 NA 95K I like the feel of this car but not happy I have to remove the intake manifold to service the oil trap : ( Some will say these cars need to much TLC but I feel other cars do not compare to Volvo when my wife calls at 5pm on a rainy Friday night coming home from work in Boston traffic I worry a little less that is priceless