I'm looking at a 1990 740 Intercooled Turbo sedan. 115k, nice looking, good leather interior. It drives well, and steering and suspension feel tight with no clunks, bangs or rattles. The idle is smooth and it has lots of power. No visible smoke out the back. Tranny is automatic and shifts nicely.

Any ideas, suggestions, or advice would really be appreciated concerning this model. We've had about eight 240s in the family and still have four, but I haven't owned a 740 yet. One thing I'm wondering about is the cost of getting the AC system converted to R134. Also, the price is $3000. Any thoughts?
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Thanks for all the help. DougC 1981 242, Turbo bars and wheels, M46............1993 245, B230 NA L-Block, M46, Turbo bars.

If the rubber air intake pieces look oily check the turbo bypass valve. It's probably bad. Find out when the timing belt was last changed. Price does seem a little high but 115k miles is certainly worth a few hundred dollars more.

hi doug
the price seems high, well for my area.
then again cars taken care of are worth a little more.
i like the 740 and a turbo gives you that much needed passing power.
good luck
mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the info. Any ideas on gas mileage on the 740Ti?

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Thanks for all the help. DougC 1981 242, Turbo bars and wheels, M46............1993 245, B230 NA L-Block, M46, Turbo bars.

while people quoted you their numbers already, my '90 740 turbo wagon gets 15-16 MPG combined. I do short 3/4 miles trips to work mainly. I just changed thermostat (was not closing) in mine, and that might improve MPG. Also, check this link out:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymake/bymanuNF.shtml

A/C conversion info is in the FAQ.
Click on the "select link" dropdown menu at the top of this page.
Choose 700/900 FAQ and you'll find a wealth of information about the car.

The price seems a little high, at least by New England standards -- but I don't know where you're located.

If it's in prestine condition, then it's probably worth it.

Just my 2 cents, arguably worth that.

Jeff Pierce

Price seems about average for my area (Minneapolis) but better deals can be found. EPA is 19 city 21 hwy. I tend to get around 19 combined if I use BP gas, less with other brands. My 88 764 has 199k on it, and is going through a gradual refreshing after purchasing it 2 mos ago, so your results may vary. I would check around the turbo for oil, and if you can pull the hose going to the intercooler, look for oil. Some can be normal, I hear, but too much is not a good thing. Your best bet is to consult the FAQ. Tons of good info there.
Cheers!
Mark

I'm in Oregon. The car is rust free. The price seems high to me, but Kelly Bluebook lists Private Party Value for good condition at $3150 in our zip code. Maybe it's one of those cars where there's a big gap between Blue Book and reality.

What the high-low mileage range one can expect out of these cars? (Conservative freeway driving versus aggressive in-town driving.)

Thanks for your feedback.

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Thanks for all the help. DougC 1981 242, Turbo bars and wheels, M46............1993 245, B230 NA L-Block, M46, Turbo bars.

I have an '89 740 na automatic wagon finished in matt maroon. I drive conservatively and do my best to maximize fuel economy. On my previous DD (Saab 9000 na manual) I generally got 30 MPG. So far I'm only managing 23 to 24 on the Volvo but it seems a bit heavier. Situation (I've driven less then 1000 miles) has been slightly worse but I don't expect over 25 MPG regardless. Not bad for a big heavy wagon with auto. (Brady)

I too had a couple of 240s prior to getting my first 740. I picked up a 1990 740 a few months ago with 110,000. It needed a little work, but nothing major. It is a great car. Mine is not a turbo and it gets about 25 miles per gallon. The price does seem a bit high, I would look to bargain a bit. Good luck.