In that climate the big one is rust. Floor seems, fenders, rockers, bottoms of the doors and tailgate, around the windshield, under the carpets. Everything else takes a back seat to rust.

'90 is a good year, but a little bit on the computerized side. Check the condition of the RPM sensor wiring (at the center of the firewall). Yellow band on the end that plugs into the harness means it's original. White band means it's a replacement, but even if it's been replaced check the condition of the insulation carefully. It also might be worth a look behind the passenger's side kick panel at the ECU. Pink label 561's have earned a bad reputation.

Make sure all the accessories work properly--especially the ones in the tailgate (or otherwise budget in for two new tailgate harnesses). Make absolutely certain the blower motor works properly and quietly on all speeds. Tough to test the AC at this time of year.

Look for broken plastic in the interior. The knobs on the seats are particularly fiddly to change. Is the driver's seat comfy? Does the odometer work?

Check all the power windows. One that doesn't work is a dirty switch 99% of the time (very easy to take apart and clean), but it's a good haggling point. Same with a broken door handle. An almost rusted out exhaust is another good one.

Shake at idle could be motor/tranny mounts. Make sure the oil filter isn't resting on the cross-member under it. Is it a Mann or Volvo filter? Or has it been maintained by Midas or Jiffy Lube with el-cheapo filters (bad sign--look for a sticker in the upper left part of the windshield). Is the valve train clean when looking through the filler cap? What color is the brake fluid?

It's missing a bit of bumper trim--any sign of it being in an accident?

Does it have a maintenance history? Does it drive well? Does it run strong? Shift smoothly? After you've driven enough of them, you can tell a good 240 from a bad one with your eyes closed. (Though it helps to look around a little too :-)

I agree with the price being a little high, but I tend to buy them rougher than that and then bring them back.

That's one of my favorite color combinations, though. Especially with the cloth....

Good luck!

Best,

Afton
'68 122, '87 '88 & '92 240's, all stick shift station wagons