Hi all,
I'm looking for a 2nd car that I can drive during winter. My current daily driver is a sporty car that's not the best in the snow. (Michigan winters are the worst!) I'm considering Volvo 240s because they are cheap, reliable, and there's just something about 240s that make them so awesome.
I've been browsing these forums for a while and I have learned a lot just from old treads. Everyone on here seems very welcoming. I just wanted some opinions on a 240 I found for sale.

The owner has it listed for $1400, but he's comfortable with $1000. What do you guys think? Is it a good deal? He couldn't point out the flame trap in the engine bay, and it is a TMU (true mileage unknown) car, so I have some reservations. Personally I'm not sure if it's worth $1000.

It's a 1990 240, with a N/A 2.3 and a 5 speed trans. The odometer broke around 240k miles, the owner thinks there's about 280k on it now.

It started up cold just fine after a few cranks, and the motor felt solid.

The clutch, timing belt, and blower motor have been serviced within 2 years.

I asked him where the flame trap was, and he said that he's heard of it, but he didn't know where it was. I don't think he's ever serviced it.

It was kind of difficult to get into first, and you had to rev match a little to get it into second. (is there a way to fix that?).

 

A well running 240 is worth a $1,000... The question is how much you'll need to spend to fix this and that. If you do it, it's OK, parts are plentiful, easy to work on.
If you go to shops, forget it! This car sounds like it needs a clutch which is not an easy DIY repair for the beginner. I personally don't care much about miles--a well maintained quality car is OK with a lot of miles.

 

Thanks for the response! I'll admit, I'm not the greatest with working on cars, but I can turn a wrench pretty well. Just wondering, how difficult is dropping the trans and replacing the clutch? I'd be surprised if the clutch was bad, when I was driving it didn't sound like it was slipping at all. I think something's just not lining up properly, because it was impossible to put into 1st unless it was lined up just right, then it would go into gear just fine. Same with 2nd, but rev matching helped.

I don't think I'll need to spend that much on parts, maybe brakes and ignition parts, but the motor felt really solid. It's spent its entire life in the northwest, so it probably has a fair amount rust, but I didn't see that much just peeking under the car.

 

That's most likely the clutch... Unless it's adjustable which I doubt, pretty sure hydraulic. I do a lot of work on the Volvos I have but I don't like dropping trannies without a lift--it can be done but it's painful and if there is any rusty bolts, it could be a big pain. Northwest cars usually are pretty rust free...

 

Oops sorry I meant northeast... It was first bought in New Jersey came to Michigan a few years back.

I have access to a lift, but if the clutch is the problem I think I would take it to a shop. I don't trust myself with dropping a trans just yet.

 

If it only happens in second gear,it's probably a worn syncro blocking ring. They don't make 'em any more for the M47 transmission. Switching the transmission oil to BG syncro shift might help ??

 

I'm in the NW and have been watching 240's for sale during the last six months. What I see is you can find a decent running 240 in the mid $1,500 range but the solid ones go fast. I was lucky and found a 240 needing some body work and tuneup but overall mechanical solid after major tuneup. I would say if you feel its a minor repair do it but if you need to spend more than $300 - $500 then you could likely keep looking and find a better option. Maybe open up your distance you are willing to travel for the right 240 as you may find its worth it. With all that said ... go with your gut feeling.