I am considering to buy '83 245T on auction. The car has 180,000 miles. It needs paint on body and wheels. The interior needs work also. But my main concern is the mechanical/electrical condition of the car. Could you guys give any advice on things to check for this specific model/year? The bidding price starts around $600. What would be a reasonable price to pay for a car like this? Also I found the same car with 230,000 miles at a dealership for $ 3,000. Is this a high price? Thanks for any reply.

Two months ago, an '85 245T sold on eBay for $300. I happened to see and drive this car as it was being sold by a dealer near where I work. He was selling it as an "engine and tranmission" because his techs told him the "frame" was rusted out. This one had decent paint, nice 5-spoke rims, a good leather interior and started, stopped and steered OK. The rust was about what you expect on an early '80s Volvo here in the Northeast. For $300, someone got a good project car. If they trailer a rust free body up from Texas they'll have a great car. But in my view that car was not worth more than $500.

If you'll let me know where 200,000 mile Turbos sell for $3000, I'll be there with mine on Monday!

Again if you can get it for under $1K and you can do ALL the work yourself, this car is a rare and great treat. Also, you could easily sink $5000 grand.....but it'd still be worth it from my point of view.

BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.........if it's rusty I'd still skip it. Pull the carpets up.

I plan on driving mine to the brink.....and then some.

>I plan on driving mine to the brink.....and then some.

That's it Paul...To infinity and behond.

Hi Angel

Unless you are a mechanic and can do ALL your own work, I'd avoid this car like a free kitten. ( of course there's no such thing...right?) Turbos are notoriously hard on themselves and the rest of the car. If it needs paint and interior already, it probably needs a lot more. ( and there is a LOT more) Volvo 240s are great cars, but auctions are not great places to buy one because you just don't know who's problem you're buying.

Like someone else said, I'd be dubious about the condition of the engine when the externals are in such bad shape. The likelihood is thought that if you get the $3000 one, you'll probably spend some money replacing stuff. Don't be afraid of the mileage alone though. I got mine at 230,000 and it runs great. I've had to replace some stuff, but the engine itself is in great shape. Plus I'd much rather be driving my 242T than many other cars.

My thoughts are; if the paint is bad and the interior is not happy, what did the previous owners do or not do to the motor?? at $600 you take a chance...not much more though.

Thank you guys for your response. I will give a thought.

I'd say around $600. If it needs paint, a new turbo, wire harness, clutch and suspension work, it will be a $3000 car before you know it even doing a lot of it yourself. Of course, if you work like a dog and get it running right (and add an IC) it will be a good, safe, high capacity family car, that hauls ass, big time. You'll be able to blow away 99% of the cars (costing much more) on the road, should the need arise.