Hi;

New member. I have very fond memories of the 122S that I had in High School. I have really grown tired of the complex and unmaintainable wrong wheel drive cars that I have been driving in these later years so I am beginning to save up some money so that I can get back into a RWD Volvo.

The only real experience I have had is with the 122 but have done a little searching to try and learn more about other RWD models. So to help me decide which way to go I want to compile a list of advantages and disadvantages. So let me start with a brief rundown and see if any of you care to correct or add to it.

Let me start with the one I know best

122:
Adv:
- Beautiful girl. One of the prettiest of all Volvos IMO with the only exception being the P1800. This is much less true of the 122 station wagon as it was a little goofy looking in my opinion compared to later models.
- Simple systems. Everything is very accessible even behind the dash. Can change the tranny even without a jack. Very few special tools and no secret electronics.
- Sturdy engine. Has timing gears as God intended. Especially good if you are lucky enough to get one with the all metal gears.
- No carpet. Love those rubber floor mats when it is time to clean.
- Hand brake perfectly placed for hill holding and hand brake turns (yes my misspent youth is revealed. ;)
- Manual enrichment system (not really a choke) and hand throttle.

Disadv:
- Not as fuel efficient as later models.
- A/C and sunroof are rare. If installed A/C likely to be incompatible with new refrigerants.
- More costly to buy a good one than later models.
- OD is rare and not a straight forward as true 5sp. available on some later models.

P1800:
Adv:
- Even prettier.
- Sportier handling and all around better performance.
- I think OD was more common on these.

Disadv:
- $$$
- Rare
- Seems to be more prone to structural rust.

140 Series:
Adv:
- Less costly with more room esp. in the wagon.
- More modern amenities such as sunroof and more common A/C

Disadv:
- older than 240 and 740 series without the true classic looks of the earlier models.

240:
Adv:
- Fairly recent examples available with lower mileage.
- 5 spd. available.
- Sunroof and A/C common.
- Many examples on the market.
- increased comfort.

Disadv:
- More complex systems and shorter lifetime components such as timing belts (yuck!).
- Emissions control systems are now rather complicated.

740:
Adv:
- very modern styling does not look at all out of place on today's roads.
- highest comfort level of all I suspect.
- slight efficiency advantage over earlier cars.

Disadv:
- Much more complex with specialized equipment more likely to be required for maintenance.
- lower slung making it more work to get in and out of.

So how did I do? What is your advice?

mike