I got a 1988 Volvo 240 Wagon A/T that is in need of repairs. I've had it for 2 years now and I love it!! but recently have gone thru a financial hardship, sold home in AZ(didn't make any money out of it), and relocated to Southern CAlifornia. AZ Volvo shops gave me quotes $700 for water pump(replaced about 1 1/2 age in AZ), timing belt, brake line junction box(leaking) BUT now I have a FUEL problem that has made my Volvo unreliable. Can't hear the In Tank pump go on. So add on another possible 200-300 for that. $1000 in repairs. Should I just get rid of her? Body is in really good condition, has original white exterior(8 of 10), interior(8 of 10), mechanical (5 of 10). How much does a Non running 240 Volvo go for nowadays. Thanks

 

If you think you can purchase a nicer car for what it will cost you to have that one repaired, sell it. My guess is that someone will give you $500 for it if it looks as good as you say it does.

 

Since you mention a financial hardship then I say keep it and fix it as you know what you've got and once fixed, many more miles. I would however look for less expensive mechanical repairs. Check with an independent garage as it's no longer new enough or worth the dealership expense. If I were closer I'd offer to help and I'm sure someone here that is closer would do both for 1/2 those quotes and still be happy. Make sure you test that pump as it might just be something simple, much less expensive and easier.

Best of luck to you!

 

Thanks, I've been banging my head over this. Some-Beach, Im leaning towards just repairing and drving till things weather out financially ,then sale(or keep). My inlaws offered to lend me some money to buy another car(not a VOLVO) but im too proud to take thier money. I don't want to owe anybody too.

Rspi-you're right someone probably's gonna give me 500. That would hurt knowing I've spend $$$ on the old brick.

 

I'd keep it, find someone cheaper to help with the repairs... I doubt you need all that: 1 1/2 yr old water pump should not need to be replaced, timing belt, too, is probably OK for the time being. The fuel pump, who knows? The way shops throw out numbers these days, they are in the business to make money. It'd be a shame to give a cosmetically decent 240 for even $500, as the cosmetics are more important, to me at least, the mechanicals usually are pretty inexpensive since I do them myself...

Where in So. Cal are you?

 

there's a few guys at work that know about cars but have no idea about Volvo's and I just don't trust them.

Im in Whittier,Ca. southeast of Los Angeles

 

A THOUSAND IN REPAIRS???????

I just bought a new made in Japan pump for 18 dollars for crying out loud....! You need to pick up some wrenches and a book and we can help......seriously......I understand you about the in laws offering cash....I had some of the most pretentious ones ever...! You see my little girl, your daddy had to bail your husband out....
IF YOU BRING THE CAR TO ME I CAN HELP OUT WITH THE WATER PUMP AND INTANK PUMP and timing belt(have extra)...WILL TAKE ME ABOUT 4 HOURS.....BUT YOU MUST BUY ME LUNCH AND THE WATER PUMP AT 38 DOLLARS....I GOT A BOUT 3 INTANK PUMPS LAYING AROUND...AND YOU CAN'T PRETEND YOU ARE HURTING WHEN YOU ARE NOT...I WILL know....NO BS.
Let me know as I am about 35 minutes away from you...your not the guy who repairs volvos in Whittier and sells them right? and trying to score parts?

 

I'm with analogies on this one.

I just replaced the cylinder head, timing belt, water pump (FCP had one for $40), rear brakes/shocks/springs, cat/exhaust, and working on the front suspension after I finish the cylinder head job. And I had ZERO experience working on any car (except oil changes and brake jobs). Granted it took me awhile, and I had the luxury of it being a project car vs. daily driver. But this forum can help you with any job.

I paid $800 for mine and although I put probably just as much in parts, my labor has been pretty cheap, I pay myself in beer. A Bentley book is not even the cost of an hour for a mechanic and you can fix anything with that and this forum.

Just my two cents.

 

There you go!

 

is this car a 50 state (california smog approved?) ? if not, how did you register it in California?

 

ANALOGIES, if your serious I'll take you up on that. Because of my relocation I now live in an apartment complex and there too strict about car repairs. Before the Volvo I wouldn't touch anything under a hood but since purchasing I replaced starter, radiator, flushed the transmission, oil changes, brakes and wanted to attack my current car problems before this whole relocation began. No im not a guy in Whittier trying to score parts just someone who enjoys the 240 volvos. I'll send you my contact info.

Pierce, I purchased the car in So Cal drove it to AZ and passed smog without a problem. It's currently registered in AZ but have to get the car running and try the smog here in CA again.

 

oh ok, its a California car in the first place, then.

 

There is no problem registering out of state cars in CA since, oh, like, 20 years ago...

 

Ok mandobizar

I got the:
timing belt
intank pump
pans
tools needed...
you can purchase the water pump


Sunday after 12 noon would work for me.

 

analogies, I sent you a private message thru the forum with my contact#. Sunday is also good for me. check you message box.