I may go look at a used 940 T wagon with 127K miles.

Can anyone tell me if this one has the piston oil squirters from looking at the vin # YV1JW8709P0083536?

What specifically do you look for in the transmission fluid?

An are there any rust prone areas of the 940? This car spent the first several years in MA and FL before coming out to Washington state.

Thanks

Mike
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1988 245, 240K mi, 5 speed

We've had one ('93 940T) since April 2001. My wife drives it daily, and really likes the car. One of the AC lines developed a leak at the inside right front fender where the line runs in close/touching proximity to another line. The turbo hoses wear out, developing leaks and require replacement from time to time, have had some oil leak problems that've been pretty much resolved through routine maintenance - seals, etc. Never a serious problem. Oh yeah, early on developed the fuel pump relay glitch. Easy fix.

In comparison to the '87 740 I drove for some years, the 940 feels as if it has a slightly higher center of gravity, and feels, overall, a little less sturdy. Nevertheless, the frame and suspension can be stiffened up, if need be. The car is pretty sound, seatwarmers still work, turbo can suck gas, the extra hp, in comparison to that of the 740, is nice. 940's also got a cavernous trunk, very comfortable seating.

We bought the car with 111,000 on the odometer, and it's now got about 135,000 on it. We're glad we got it, even though it was more than we wanted to spend in 2001. We're looking at a 960 wagon as a replacement, but are in no hurry.

Happy Motoring,

Chris
--
In the Country of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is King

I drive a '93 945T with 157,000 miles, it's a nice ride. Slightly off topic, but what do you mean by "oil piston squirter"?

With regard to the automatic transmission fluid, if you get the car go ahead and do a transmission fluid flush – it’s really a simple procedure. Took maybe 15 minutes once I had the hose / empty milk jugs / & new transmission fluid.

Link to IPD’s transmission flush instructions

Link to Brickboard’s FAQ on transmission flush

I don't know the correct terminology, but later B230 engines had an additional lubrication method of "squirting" the pistons. I have heard this reduces/eliminates the problem of piston slap.

I have 244K miles on my 1988 240 wagon. It has had piston slap for the last 4+ years. It has only been an annoyance. I don't know if it has contributed to the oil consumption or not (I add 1/2 qt between oil changes - changed at 3000 to 4000 miles)

Thanks for the tranny fluid info.

Mike
--
1988 245, 240K mi, 5 speed

Not from the VIN, no; the tipoff is an "L" on the label on the timing cover.
A '93 should have 'em.
Transmission fluid should be translucent pink and not look or smell burnt.