OK... I bought my 1st 240 sedan ('88) in 1992 then it had 86k on it at a sealed bid auction paid $5k in Midwest USA... had serious buyers remorse... 14yrs later I still drive the same car daily (55 miles each day) 3 years ago the odometer quit at 214K... WOW what an awesome car... I love it... ANYWAY the family is getting bigger I want a wagon.. It's hard to find 240's in the Midwest (Kansas) I have found a 1996 850 GLT wagon $5900 120K... I am not a mechanic... & have my 240's (I now have 2 of them) serviced at the local Volvo dealer.. timing belts... oil seals.... fuel pump relays & pumps.. water pumps etc... MY QUESTION can I expect the same dependability (or some what close)to what I have experienced with 240's with 850's....

Jennifer,

To me nothing says Volvo like the 240. I bought a 1990 new and still drive that car on a daily basis. Also wanted a Wagon with a 5 spd. and found a 1990 for $1500 back in Oct. It will probably be many more years before a stop driving a 240. The 240 is built like a sherman tank. The 850 front wheel drive and is probably a great car. More modern than a 240 but to me not as much a "Volvo".
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1990 240 Sdn 277K,tach,strut brace, 1990 240 Wgn M47II 157K,tach,strut brace,poly bushings,IPD sways

What part of Kansas are you in? If you're close to Kansas City, I know of a few Volvo places; I'm bet that you could find a nice 240, 740, or 940.

And if you're in Wichita, that's still close enough to KC to find a nice car.

In my opinion, the 940 looks much nicer than the 740. The 700 has hard lines, whereas the 900 softens the look in the right places. It still has the b230F as well (940). That will be my next venture, down the road when they fall into my price bracket.



steve
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'90 245 DL 253K M47

MSW makes a good point. If you need more room and love the 240's go for a 740. I saw a 760GLE Wagon (4-CYL) go for $1200 out here in Southern CA and it only had 100K and needed a front-left turn signal glass that had a chunk of the glass missing from it. The 700 series are nice and have the same quirks as the 200 so the parts network is still there and they are about as easy to maintain as the 240's. Depending what year you get they are almost identical to the 240's. Good Luck!

Sincerely,
--
Julio Meza

1979 264GL B27F 122K

Features Added:

BW55 To M46, Central Locking System, 25mm IPD Front Sway Bar, 81+ Dash W/ Oil & Ambient Temp Gauges In C, Oil Pressure, Volts

Next Project:

+Cruise Control

I'll admit off the top that I don't have any personal experience with them, but if you liked the 240 and want something a little more "modern", how about a 700-series?

I used to own a '93 850 that had 178,000 when I bought it and 202,000 when I sold it. I loved it - it was reliable, dependable and real good looking. More expensive than a 240? Definately. I love both 850s and 240s but I think I can sum up the advantages and disadvantages with one fact. When I sold my 850 the buyer was going to give me $4000 for it. He however had an '87 240 he wasn't going to need anymore with 135,000 miles. He ended up giving me $3500 AND the 240 that had 67,000 miles less than the 850.
You've got your pros and cons but basically it just boils down to how much you want to spend on your vehicle.
-Cameron

The 850 is a different car altogether. I've had two mechanics tell me it's more expensive to maintain, period. It's also a front wheel drive which you may or may not like, and with comes a host of debatable issues. It's got an interference engine, which means that if you break your timing belt, the engine will have serious issues, major money. It's a fast ride (five cylinders) and comfortable, but more expensive to keep running. You'll lose the 240 network that includes parts and advice.

steve
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'90 245 DL 253K M47

If you don't mind the fact that a manual transmission isn't available
in the U.S., consider a 940, 960, or V90 (basically very similar
cars, except the 940 has the 4-cylinder, while the others have the
_inline_ six now used in the S80 - this is generally a good engine,
unlike the V-6s in the 260s and older 760s). These cars are rear
wheel driven, which makes for a less cluttered drivetrain layout
and easier maintenence, and are probably just as roomy inside.
.
-b.

My daughter is going to have an '88 240 wagon for sale soon; recent exhaust, Boge turbo shocks & struts, and front end kit about 15 months ago. Nakamichi in-dash CD receiver and new speakers. In Louisville, Ky at present, but I can get it to southern Illinois. Holler if interested.
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We have met the enemy and they is us. [Pogo] S70 cop car : Rough Rider tires& suspension, Walmart fog lights, eBay speakers, ambiance by Pall Mall, trim by Le Duc d'Tape, 8-channel THD by OEM amps

Off-thread question: How do you like the Boge Turbo Gas shocks and struts? How would you describe the ride? I'm considering them for my 242 and would appreciate your opinion.
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Thanks to everyone for the help, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, M46; 86 244, 140k , auto.

I don't suppose there's any chance you'd sell the Boge shocks (and possibly struts) independently of the car. I presume they'd go on a (my) sedan without problems, so I'm considering getting some.

What do you mean by "front end kit"?
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'89 244 GL--25/22 ipd sways, Alpine head, Eclipse front speakers

I think so... wifemobile is a '97 855, very comfy, peppy. Service is a bit pricier than the 240, but nothing has died prematurely... now at 135K