I found a 1991 740 wagon that I'm interested in, and I'm wonder what the standard problems or things I should look for when I go test drive the car. It has 138,000 miles, is N/A with an automatic. The only stated problem with the car from the owner is a non-functioning heater. I've poked around some of the parts sites and found it does use a heater valve and that is my first suspect. Thanks for any help.

Be prepared to do shocks and with the struts the control arm bushings, and probably ball joints. Our '92 740 wagon is a fairly new acquisition, with 132k on it. And original shocks. The ball joint boots were split, and the bushings were just about totally missing. A pretty straightforward job. Good step-by-step instructions in the FAQ on all aspects.

If it does not have heat, most likely the heater core is shot.Check to see if the heater valve is missing and was bypassed. You will see two valves coming out of the firewall, engine side with no hoses attached. Check all hoses for cracks,splits and softness.
And as mentioned in previous thread check out http://brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/BuyingUsed7xx.htm
Good Luck!

I have a '91 turbo wagon (740) and love it, 168k miles on it. Very durable car. Look around and you will see lots of early '90's or late '80's 740's that are in pristine condition. These cars are built to last and not to rust! I had a '86 740 NA and loved it as well, and had no problems with it (a lot simpler than with a turbo). Take care of these babies and they take care of you. Good luck.
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Darius in Albany NY '86 744 GLE (175K, given to my mother-in-law); '91 745 Turbo (167K-my "Little Red Wagon"))

Very possibly the heater control valve vacuum line is cracked or fell off. Or the actuator arm is loose (I have seen that one as well).

A few things to look at: Does the car have ABS? A lot of 1991s did (good option). The rest of the car is pretty straightforward. Very good car, good HVAC system, solid all around. The 700/900 FAQ has a lot of information.

First go the FAQ section under features and click on "Buying a Used 7xx/9xx" That should be your first step.

HURRRR Me = moron. Thank you.