We've just had our 4th boy and it's time to sell the Mercedes Diesel I've been driving (excellent car - an 87 300d six cylinder) and I'm considering a Volvo wagon. I would like something pre-2000's so I think the direction I'm heading is a 240, 740, or 850 wagon (Maybe others I'm missing). What would be a great Volvo to start with? I want something easy to fix and durable. I like simple things... my MB Diesels have been completely mechanical to this point. There is no computer required to run the vehicle. All the MB Diesel cars I've owned don't even need a battery to run. I see this as a beautiful thing.

So... I know with a Gas engine some of that is going to go by the wayside. But is there a fairly simple/reliable/easy to work on Volvo I should look for?

How are the transmissions? I see manuals were an option for several of the older wagons. I'm assuming that would be a nice simple way to go? Probably help the fuel economy a bit?

Just looking for the plusses and minuses between the different wagon models.

thanks in advance!
Nick

 

I am bias, but I would say the 240 wagon

just get the right one, check things like the bulbs are all working, its been looked after, generally you can tell the condition of a car by the outside and the interior, without looking at the mechanicals, then if it has good service history, you will have enjoyable motoring for years to come.

 

Ditto on the 240. Also can't go wrong on an 850 either

 

What is better or worse (mechanically) comparing the 240 Wagon or 240 DL (Not sure what the DL is) vs say the 740 Wagon?

Also, which have the non-interference engine that won't destroy itself if the timing belt breaks?

 

240s have the non interference engine. However, if you do your maintenance at intervals mwhen you are supposed to (timing belt, H20 pump, etc,...) then that shouldn't be too much of an issue, right?

 

I am partial to 940, the later the better for the simple reason that you get the best of the Volvo RWD with the modern technology like ABS, SRS, etc. 1995 is the last year imported to the US.

 

So would the 240 and 740/940 have different engines?

How are the manual transmissions? What about the electronic OD 5 speed manual?

What do I watch out for (if anything) on an 850? I'd guess fuel economy isn't going to be quite as good?

 

They all have basically the same engines and transmissions. Manuals ended in 1992 for the 740, 1993 for the 240, and never were in the US in the 940. The 4+OD, the M-46, is a great tranny, more robust than the true 5 spd, M-47, which replaced it in later models, generally after 1987 except in the turbo cars which always have the M-46 because the M-47 cannot handle the extra power.

 

I just picked up my first ever Volvo, a 1994 940 Turbo Wagon and I am very happy with it so far. Everything just works, seems like it is easy to fix, and parts seem to be readily available. For some reference, mine had 162k miles on it, all electronics work (PW/PL/Cruise/Heated and Power seats/Sunroof) Etc... Ac blows cold and no SRS/ABS/Service lights on the dash etc... I paid $1400.00 for mine and thing it was well worth it. Good luck on your quest!

 

I am partial to the 240. Plus it looks the coolest. I love the classics!

 

Not looking for a 'first' Volvo as I've had my 1981 for 18 years. Looking to replace it but finding a well-maintained 240 is getting really difficult. Am also concerned about the disappearing parts like the engine wiring harness if the original is worn out. The early 1980s harnesses tended to get brittle. Does anyone know if the later 240's had this problem?

Second question: Are the engines in a 940 wagon of the NON-interference type (in case timing belt fails)?

 

I am pretty sure that all of the 4 cylinder 8 valve engines are non-interference weather it be in a 240, 740, or 940 . I and not sure about the 4 cylinder engines that came with 16 valves (they are not very common).

 

The biodegradable wiring issue was basically 80 to 86. Later ones really have no issue. Yes, it is indeed difficult to find 20 year old cars in pristine condition. And don't believe people who make broad, sweeping statements such as " Well, sure it has 200k...for a Volvo motor that is just broke in good". While th B21/23/230 8 valve redblock durability is unquentioned, so much depends on the maintenance. I've had 120k motors piston slap like a big dog, 250k motors that purred like a kitten and had great compression. The modern additions to the last of the rwd cars, i.e. ABS and SRS, are not my cup of tea. First of all, I have no need for ABS. SRS air bags need to be replaced every 10 years. Try finding a new air bag from Volvo and touch base with the price please. So...early technology ABS prone to pump failure and dry rotted air bags...meh, I'll pass. To me, of the late 240's I like the 89 and 90 the best. No ABS or SRS, zero chance of LH3.1 injection and the impossible parts to find, great wiring, parts availability out the wazoo, super dependable LH2.4 Jetronic injection. The 740's share the same drivetrain but are more "Americanized" with controls a bit more recognizable. The 940 is just a continuation and refinement of the 740. The 240 was introduced in 1975 and it's replacement, the 740 in 1982. It's interesting to note the 740 ceased production in 92 whereas the 240 stopped in 93. All the B230's are non-interference from the factory. The 16 valve B234 found in the 90+ 740GLE's is interference. If I were to recommend one or the other I'd be a hypocrite. I can't decide either! I have a 144, 242,245, 740 and a 760! Since the 240 and 740 share the same motor and drivetrain, I would say pay close attention to the interior and body work. The mechanical stuff is easily repaired but it is getting tougher every year to find good seats and plastic molding/trim. I would buy a gorgeous car with a rattling engine long before I'd buy a smooth running, looks like a ghetto cruiser, car.

 

Brickrunner and SwiftJustice44

Very helpful info and fast, too!

Like many seniors, I don't have unlimited income and since I tend to keep my items a l-o-n-g time, I expect the next 'new' old car I get will be my last. I want to enjoy it and your comments really help me in my search for 'the perfect (for me) used Volvo'.

By the way, my 1981 245DL wagon starts right up and runs smoothly in town or on the freeway even though it has recently developed a mysterious loss of brake fluid ..I'll be getting that check shortly. Master cylinder was already replaced six months ago. (No, I'm NOT driving it until that is diagnosed.)

Thanks again.

 

A 94/95 940 Turbo wagon in good condition is, IMHO, the ultimate Volvo. It doesn't have to be the "Turbo" model as the last years plain 940 generally had the same B230FT engine, just not the fancy wheels and gas shocks. These are more spacious than the 240, and ride much quieter and smoother. They also handle really well. The interior appointments are nicer, they can tow just as much (3500 lb trailer, 350 lbs at the tongue, thats a decent sized boat, or a Scamp style camp trailer). They still have rain gutters so yakima style roofracks don't introduce water leaks like they do on cars with Aero doors. The 940 stock wheels take a good tire size, more rubber on the road than the 240 standard tires, but similar mileage.

the final 2 years had improved piston skirt lubrication, and I think they had some minor refinements in the automatic
If you've driven a 240 and a 740/940 that are both well sorted out, you'll surely understand what I'm saying.

Volvos we own (owned)...

• 87 240GL Sedan [400k miles, original owner, soon to be daughter's car].
• (89 780 Bertone Couple V6 [30k miles, totaled, walked away]).
• (93 965 [150k miles, bent when tailended, totaled]).
• (98 S90 sedan [I6 ate timing belt, totaled]).
• 96 850 Turbo wagon [115k miles, my daily driver].
• 91 940SE turbo Wagon [bought this Wednesday for son for $1700 with 230k miles], .