I have a chance to buy an 1985 DL sedan with 36K original miles. The car looks and drives superbly, but does need its 30K service. I figure this might be the last Volvo I'll ever need to buy.

My question is whether I should expect any trouble getting parts to maintain this car. With the changes in ownership of Volvo I don't expect to be able to get parts from Volvo, but what about the aftermarket? Anything I need to worry about?

My thinking is that I'll need to budget at least $1000 to get the car where I want it (I don't do any of my own work) - start with the 30K service, but also make sure all the fluids are changed, brake fluid, coolant, tranny flushed, auto steering fluid, maybe even the rear end. What do you think?

Any comments or counsel will be appreciated.
--
'94 940, 40 linear feet of vintage jazz, r'&'b, funk and soul

Check out the condition of the wiring harness. Not sure which year, but the 1985, 86 or 87 models were the last year of the biodegradable wiring harness.

What a rare find with only 36K miles. Volvo parts are easy to get and reasonable priced except from the dealer. My local Autozone stocks an amazing amount of stuff for my 87 240 wagon. Places like IPD are great as well.

I would recommend finding an established independent Volvo repair shop that knows 240's and let them look at it. Coolant, engine oil and transmission fluid changes are a good idea. P/S, brake and rear end fluids are a good idea but to me would be a secondary priority

I would replace the timing belt. Inexpensive and will keep you from getting stranded. Yours is most likely the original and in need of replacement.

Good luck with it, that is a priceless find. I am on my 6th 240 and have loved every one of them. They do have their quirks but overall are great cars

Hi, sounds like a nice deal. I have a '83 244 B23 M46 transmission. I have no problems getting parts. Suppliers like IPD, eeuroparts.com, and fcgroton.com.. a lot of people use rockauto.com. I tend to lean toward the free shipping suppliers, but I buy from all of them.
Hope this helps.
--
Sandy '83 244 DL current, '90 240, '93 850 memories

Nice find!

Parts are (for the most part) plentiful and cheap. Most of the service work mentioned are pretty dead simple as most jobs are on 240’s… Thats if you want to get your hands dirty. It’s a much simpler car to work on then a 94’ 940 would be.

I’d be a little suspect of the milage. It’s rare to find any year of 240’s under 150K let alone 36k! I’ve encounter roll-back / speedo swap artists on craigslist before. Records or a CARFAX would be nice. If it’s legit, thats great!
--
1990 240 Wagon, 1984 Turbo Wagon, 1971 1800E Auto, 1971 1800E 4-Speed