Okay guys, I don't want to open a can of worms here, but I'm looking to sell my 1997 850 wagon because I've found it harder to work on than my '84 245. Call me a wimp for giving up too easily, but I'm looking to switch to a wagon that is a little safer than my '84 240(assuming the newer ones are safer due to airbags), and not much harder to figure out (i.e., you can see the parts, and they aren't all computer modules).

Maybe a 90's 240, or a 740, or even a 940? So what's the verdict out there? Any particular years to jump at (or avoid) with any of these?

Many thanks,
Mike in Colorado

Hello,

I recently upgraded to a '93 945T, after driving a '84 245Ti (with B23 engine and lots of mods) for 8 years.
The 945 is a lot more confortable, has a lot better AC, is quieter, and a superior car overall. I don't like the lack of standard trans (altough it's a very good automatic, IMO), crappy headlights (early 240s are easily upgraded to H4s), and rear visibility. When I turn my head to see if there is somebody on my right side the rear headrest obstructs the view. Of course the 940 has a convex right side mirror, so looking is probably not necessary.
I don't find working on it any more difficult than the 240. Replacing the 940 heater core was just as difficult as replacing the 240 heater fan :-)
'94-95 has dual airbags and you can also find a 'stripper' turbo wagon, ie. without leather, sunroof, power seat, etc. If I would have known I might have gone with one of those...
If I were you I'd look for a '93 240 or a '94-95 940.
bye,

Csaba

Mike:

Having owned and enjoyed all 3, I still have to give the nod to the 940. My 940 SE wagon may just be the best car I've ever owned. Period.

Hope the search goes smoothly.

--
Guid ('92 745 249k, '91 940 SE 267k,)

I've had both the 240 and, now, a 940 wagon. The wagon I have is a '93 940. I'd say the 940 is much the better of the two models with a few plus points to the 240. The front brakes and possibly the front suspension of the 240 may be better. All else in the 940 is superior to the 240:

Seats are more comfortable

Driver vision out of the car is better

Handling is better

The back seat fold-down in the '93-'95 940 is vastly more convenient than the 240 or earlier 740 and 940

The design of the electrical system actually looks like it was planned instead
of just growing over the years, It seems more reliable and easier to work on.

The tailgate design is better and doesn't leak!

My 940 has electric windows, electric driver's seat, heated mirrors, mirror positioning from the driver's seat, heated seats, sun roof, tachometer, Electric cooling fan for the engine, a very good R134 AC system, and decent headlights. Fancier models include fog lights. None of these are essential but they are nice to have. Makes the car feel pretty modern.

The layout in the engine compartment is better to work on. They have reversed the positions of the alternator and the power steering pump. The engine is the familiar, reliable, red-block with oil squirters which remove the piston slap problem.

My 940 has the Regina (Bendix) fuel system. This is used by many makes of cars and has been reliable. No expensive AMM to replace.

My main gripe is that the 940 only comes with an automatic, the familiar AW-70 (or maybe AW-71). This has a locking torque converter. The tranny works fine in town and in merging on the freeway if you keep your foot to the floor. However, at speeds of 50 to 65, there isn't as much passing power as I used to get with my '88 240 with the 5-speed tranny downshifted to 4th.

All of that being said, there is a mystique to the 240 wagon that many really like. If I did buy a 240 wagon, I'd go for the '88 with 5-speed or the '93 with the R134 AC system and 5-speed.

There's a few good posts in the archives on this with details of good and bad years. Like 88 240s are good because of the reliability of the LH2.2. 89-90? potentially have the unreliable 561 ECU. 91-93 240s are supposed to be good years. 740s with the b234 require extra diligence in preventive maintenance, again 88s are a good year. When I went from an 83 245 to an 87 745 I couldn't believe the refinement of the 740s handling and ride. Now I'm back to a 93 245 and I like it better for a number of reasons especially the extra headroom and the fact that there is almost no wind noise with the windows open. I'm not looking forward to replacing the blower motor though.

Ron
93 245
near Brantford ON Can

Welcome back from the dark side. Nobody on this forum is going to call you a wimp for dumping your FWD car. We're all working as hard as we can to keep our RWD cars going as long as possible so we never have to buy a FWD Volvo.

I think the consensus would be to buy the latest model 945 you can find/afford.('95 was the last year) If you want a passenger airbag, then I believe you're limited to '94 & '95 -- I know my '93 945T does not have one. If you want a turbo, '93 - '95 have under-piston oiling. The NA cars have it too, but the major benefit seems to be that it eliminated piston slap in turbo cars.


--
Jeff Pierce (Post back with your results... it's what makes this forum work.)

I hope this is not heresy to suggest this, but I switched to a 97 960 three years ago and have been happy with it. the six cylinder has tons of power, no turbo or oil seal problems to contend with. My only complaint is the squishy ride and the car eats up front rotors like nobodies business. Presumably from that big six up front. But I am still on the lookout for the cherised 94-95 945 for fun.