I own a 1991 Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon currently with 226,000 miles on the odometer. The car runs great, especially since I had a new fuel relay and distributor cap replaced on it recently. I love the car a lot and I know I will probably driving it for at least another year. The car looks good despite a large dent in the front fender from an accident with a dear, plus other minor scratches and dings from the last 13 years. The A/C needs a new compressor, the back hatch does not open from the outside, some steering parts may need to be replaced in the near future and I need a new fender. I also have found a good deal on some 16" Hydra rims and was considering replacing my 15" Draco's. I just wanted anyone's opinion if it is worth putting any kind of money into car of this age and mileage and I do not know when something else will go on the car down the road. In the last three years I have replaced the rear brakes and rotors, new timing belt, altenator and belt, battery, fuel relay, distributor arm and cap, tires, transmission belt, water pump, installed factory front fog lights. The cars runs great and everything functions as it should. I just wanted any suggestions that I should put mostly cosmetic and comfort things on the car or would not really be worth the hassle and expense? thanks (I can add pictures later if anyone would like)

I'm kind of in the same boat. I have a 1985 (much older) 745t that more or less runs like a top. However, as with all old cars it requires ongoing mini-work to keep it running; part here, part there, etc.

My opinion is that at some point you have to establish a line and just decide it is or is not worth it. I've set that line at smaller parts I can swap in and out or haave done cheaply, but no big stuff.

Case in point I;m currently replacing the distributor and pre-pump for about $210 all told, but I'm not planning on replacing a wearing clutch disk (breaks free at low rpms, high gears, full boost). I'll do what I can to keep it running in good shape, but I'm drawing the line at really big work that starts to approach a new used car level like a clutch, a turbo, engine work, driveline or axel work, major steering work, etc.

Of course on the flip side its worth remembering that the value of the car is also that you know what you've got. A new used car comes with a lot of question marks, and there's some value in knowing the weak points of your vehicle ahead of time... when you've replaced lots of stuff over the years you've got a good hedge against other issues cropping up.

Personal preference I guess.

-rt

It depends on the overall condition of the car. I thought that it might be a great idea to replace my 88 240 with a 93 240 with 70K less miles. I thought about it and decided no way. I would have to come up with 2 or 3k just to buy the car, and then It needed about 1500 worth of mechancial work. My car needs a paint job, and at some point I will probably put that into it, as would be a lot cheaper then buy another car just like mine!

Good luck and Happy bricking.