Bought my 85 244 in 87 with 39k miles on it. Purchased it from the original owners, a couple who just had their 3rd child and couldn't fit a 3rd car seat in the back seat. They regretfully sold it to me and bought a 245. Can't say I've noticed a change in the engine sound. Always sounded a bit like a sewing machine on steroids. Used to check the valve clearances every 50k but stopped because they were always spot on. It's got 216k and the original starter, alt, clutch (M46) and brake discs/calipers. OD still works (running Amsoil in the M46) as does the cruise control. Just can't figure out why the low beams don't work so I adjusted the highs down and run them. I'm on my 2nd IAC and AMM and 4th timing belt. It's been incredibly reliable and I've always enjoyed driving it. I've treated the rust at the rocker panels and plan to see how many miles this brick will go.

I think a running, 25 year old 240 could be one of the "greenest" cars around when you consider the number of cars one didn't have to purchase over the years in its place and the fact that about 1/2 of the energy associated with the life cycle of a car is the energy used to make it.

Keep on Brickin'
Dukester