I'm still in search of the near perfect '93 240 Classic Limited Edition Wagon for the right price. I found two: one in Denver with 116K for $8,995 and the other in New Jersey with 63K for $12,000. Both are a bit unreasonable especially considering the instant mileage increase on the Denver Classic. What are these Classics worth anyway? It's still a 240. Both are in mint condition. That is what I am looking for. Although I would settle for a '91 240SE Wagon with the same credentials. I just bought and returned one I purchased on eBay, it simply did not measure up. Any hope?

I have a 240 Classic with 96K on it and in beautiful shape. But...it's not for sale. Nah! Although 12K might start releasing my grip on it :-) The again...what am I gonna buy for 12K?

:-)

-Ted

thanks.

Having seen and driven a 245 Classic, there are a few things that set it apart from other 240's which may or may not add up to a higher price tag for the Volvo lover/user as opposed to a collector. The BBS alloys are at least worth an extra $2k over a common 240. The interior is quite a bit different, some nice leather that is way better than the optional 240 GL leather; add another $1200. The trim/paint package is differrent, one which I like a lot more than the stock trim; add another $500-700. The sound system is a whole lot better than earlier years, although could be found in any '93 240 as an option, add another $500.
I had a '92 245 black with Euro trim, really nice, beige leather. I saw the Classic and wanted it bad. The dealer had it on the lot for $12,500 w/80k miles. That was in '98 when my sweet looking 'stock' '92 245 with 92k miles went for $10,300 on a trade-in. I opted for a '94 965 w/44k miles instead of the Classic.
Do I regret it? Yes
Would I pay $12,500 for the same car now, even with 60k miles? No
What do I drive now? A black Euro trim edition '89 245 w/5-speed. Just as good, if not better. It took me 9 months of search on the internet to find it after the 965 was in an accident. $2500 w/ 146k miles. I still wouldn't get the Classic unless it had a 5-speed, and to my knowelege, never came with a 5-speed.
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'89 245 Sportwagon, '96 960 sedan

The one in New Jersey is a five speed with 63K miles. I will not pay $12K for it though. So, the search continues.

OK, I certainly don't want to talk you into spending too much money on an old 240 - Classic or not. But you seem pretty eager. A 5 speed is truly rare, and 63K is very, very low mileage. I love both our working late-model 240s, but I sure wish they were standard transmissions. Have you tried to negoitate with any of these type of expensive sellers? You have to think about how much the car is worth to you. Geez, millions of people pay 10 - 20K more than they should just to have a new car that probably won't run as long as a 240.

Low mileage on these 12 year old cars gives them resale value now, but won't once you put some miles on them. Paying more for low miles is worth it, I think, as long as you plan to drive it for a long time. So, $12K for this car, vs. $20K for a 2004 Jetta? For a brickhead? I don't know. That is too expensive, but what about for $10K? Questions, question, questions, and the joy of the hunt!
-pu
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((1993 245 Classic, 94K)) ((1992 244, 106K)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego

You are on a difficult (but fun) quest. For what its worth, we got ours earlier this year. I was looking for a wagon for my wife, and not necessarily a Classic. I was excited when I read the ad, and we talked the previous owners (very nice people) down to $6000. The car had 93K, was in great shape overall with vinyl seats and sea-green paint. Upon close inspection, it had some body work early in its life on the passenger rear quarter panel. But the initial work was very good and you can't see a difference. It is, after all, a 240 with some fancy plastic. That's all. I understand the nature of your quest. good luck.

-pu
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((1993 245 Classic, 94K)) ((1992 244, 106K)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego

I see the appeal in having an obviously-limited release car (the whole number thing in the dash), but other than the knowledge that you're "XXXX out of 6000" or whatever, I can't think of anything of note that distinguishes these cars. They've got the same engines, the same interior, the same reliability of the cars from the previous year and before.

If you're looking for a car that does daily chores but has some notability (coming from the limited nature), just get a 240 GL. The youngest of all 240s are 11 years old. Though a ton were produced, most aren't going to be on the road for another 11 years. If you keep your car in good order, it'll be just as unique as a Classic.

If you're a car collector, well, I wouldn't think you'd be really that into 240s. I think the Bertone 780s are easily the most deserving of collector status, and they just don't have it. A mere 240 Classic is even less in comparison just to that car.

But, it's up to you. I don't think $9K or $12K is at all reasonable for a 240 in any form, except for a 1984 Flathood 240 (turbo) in perfect condition, and then it'd be out of my price range, probably (I've *got* a working car).

For a Classic, getting that little fascia with a number on it is not worth $6000, which is how much extra it costs when compared to some "normal" 240 wagons in equally good condition.
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'89 244 GL--25/22 ipd sways, Volvo truck amber turn signal lenses

I have a '93 240 Clasic with 140K that is in excellent condition. I was toying around with selling it last year and struggled to get an offer of $5,000. Granted, the ones you are looking at have less mileage, but those prices are steep! Like it's been said, it's still a 240. I'm not sure if they'll ever be a true colletor's model. I think if you are a Volvo fanatic, that knowing what you have is the pleasure of owning it, like a 240 GT, a turbo, or even a Bertone. I don't think I would see a 240 Classic as an investment, therefore, I would not pay much of a "Classic" premium over regular 240 prices.

Tom

I forgot to ask you if it's a 5-spd or an auto? $5,000 doesn't through me off at all. I'd love to see it.

PLEASE SEND PICS AND FULL DETAILS OF VEHICLE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING. DO YOU HAVE SERVICE RECORDS? ARE YOU THE ORIGINAL OWNER? WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? I AM IN PLYMOUTH, MA. I'M NOT LOOKING AT THE CLASSIC MODEL AS AN INVESTMENT I JUST LOVE THESE WAGONS. I'VE OWNED 4 240 WAGONS- '82, '85 TURBO, '91 SE, AND A'92. I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A '93 FOR THE RIGHT PRICE AND IN THE RIGHT CONDITION FOR A LONG TIME. THE TWO I'VE FOUND ARE IN MINT CONDITION BUT I DON'T FEEL GOOD ABOUT CHOKING OUT 9-12K FOR AN 11 YR OLD CAR. I JUST LIKE AND APPRECIATE THE OLD DURABLE, RELIABLE BRICKS... I'LL LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

Sorry, if I gave you the wrong impression. I decided not to sell it. When the prospective buyer backed out, I was greatly relieved, as I was having serious doubts about selling it. As far as 5 speeds, I understand there were either about 80 or 160 made, roughly equal in each color for both the sedan and wagons.

I thought that might be the case. Let me know if you ever change your mind.

Sounds pricy. I think it can be summed up by what you said: "It's still a 240."