Hei! This is my first post here and a bit of an odd location since this is an American site. I am a Scot living in Helsinki, Finland where the best car I can afford ($1000€) is a Volvo 240 series. I have found a 1.9 244 Gle with a mere 195k miles on the clock. It has zero rust(!) and whilst I know Volvo 4 cylinders can easily do 300k miles, this engine seems pretty under powered for the weight. Is this just cos it is the 1.9 single carb? Also the Ac doesnt work although that is not a big deal (I presume) if you just dont use it?

Any buying tips appreciated.

Good afternoon, or I suppose it's evening there.
Welcome from New London, Connecticut, USA.
The 1.9l version is undoubtedly a bit slow, since even the most powerful (2.3l) 240's aren't precisely race cars. I think it's rated about 80 hp.
They weren't sold in the US (just B21/B23/B230 engines) so I've never driven one. Typical tune-up and maintenance items all apply to the 1.9l version.

The main thing to look for is, of course, rust. Look in the rear wheel wells, where the spare tire stands and the same spot on the other side. Look at the rocker panels along their whole length. Look especially at the floor, right under the front seats, and make absolutely certain no rust has gone up into the tunnel along the center driveshaft (propellor shaft) bearing. Look for signs of water damage at the fuse block inside the left front door. Could have windshield leaks, regardless of rust.
If it's clean in these locations, you should have a good solid car.
When you're tired of those seats, or they're too tired for you, you can swap in any seats from a 240 up to 1993. Keep that in mind- they're very easy to change out, and usually shot on a car this old.
Best of luck!
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Rob Bareiss, New London, CT 86 244, 87 244, 88 744

Thanks for you replies. It is the total lack of rust that attracts me to this car; I would rather have a 242 (didnt get them in UK) or 140 series. The seats are leather on this model and although the buttons have popped off (still in glovebox) they are actually in good condition. The father in law has a saab 99 and boy are the seats bad on that! (And the gearbox.....)

Thanks again, I probably will go for this car but shall in investigate a couple of 144s first...

Jamie

Ahh, yes SAAB gearboxes... one of the reasons I have a Volvo instead!

This sounds like a good one despite its age. Other fun things you'll want to look for are heater core leaks, wiring harness problems, and cooling system service- anytthing still original on a car this old should be replaced. Probably has, but make your life easier by checking it all out.

One of the things I've noticed on all Volvos that get wrecked over here, is that they're in the junkyard (or breaker's) with the drivetrain completely intact- they get crushed up with the engine and trans in them. What gets taken? The seats! People wear out the seats before the mechanicals fail. A far cry from American cars, in general.

Good luck with your future Volvo. And stay warm!
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Rob Bareiss, New London, CT 86 244, 87 244, 88 744

The '79 240 is a good car, and if it has been well maintained, 195k should not scare you. A '79, especially a carburated version, is not technicallogically advanced, as say an '82, but it should be a good car for you. I had a '76 I drove for many years, and enjoyed having it.

As for the a/c, as long as the compressor is free spinning, fix it or not -- doesn't matter. IPD, an American company , sells an adapter for the fan belt pulley which will enable you to remove the balt going to the a/c compressor. Such a modification would completey remove your worry about potential frozen bearings, etc. You might want to check on that; I do not know if it would apply to your particular model of car or not.

Volvo are addictive! Enjoy.

A.Hendry, Scotch ancestory, '88 745, '91 240