OK, brothers and sisters, I need your help again!

I have an opportunity to acquire a 1983 242 GLT (not a flathood). It sounds like a car I'd really enjoy, but I fear that a turbo with all sorts of electric doohickeys may be too high-maintenance. (I'm not the least bit mechanically inclined.) I don't mind the occasional part replacement, but a project car would be way over my head. At the same time, the increased speed and the convenience of all those power doodads is appealing.

The owner has given me a list of things that he's replaced and says the car is super clean, but I'd like some general feedback on these cars, if someone has the time. I don't want to end up with the Volvo equivalent of an Alfa convertible (sweet but needy).

Thanks very much in advance for your insights.
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John--'88 244DL, M47, 103K, white/blue, IPD sport exhaust--'Hilda'

These are fun cars to have, but require a lot of attention, and refering to what has been mentioned, will make you into a mechanic. I bought my 83' in 1999 with 182k mils and have done a lot of work over the years to keep it up and going, but in the end it's much less expensive than making a monthly car payment. Turbo models are similiar to N\A models in many ways, but are much more complicated in many ways as well. The car itself is not overly complicated, and when you figure out how to keep it happy, it will keep you happy as they are much more fun to drive. It's a night and day difference from driving my mom's 81 244 DL.

Good luck,
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Zack Silver 83' 242Ti (220k)

Appreciate the advice, Zack!

Yeah, I think I'm gonna stick with my NA baby.
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John--'88 244DL, M47, 103K, white/blue, IPD sport exhaust--'Hilda'

Turbo or Not, 240's are a hobby and really are intended for mechanics to own.

That's ridiculous. I don't even change my own oil. I have a great mechanic, and I'm more than happy to pay him to keep my car in top repair. My car isn't a "hobby"; it's a dependable, safe, and I think rather distinctive means of transportation.

No car is "intended" for mechanics to own. But the only cars so unreliable that you need to be a mechanic to own one are cars no mechanic would be stupid enough to buy (e.g., VW New Beetle).
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John--'88 244DL, M47, 103K, white/blue, IPD sport exhaust--'Hilda'

I'd say rehabing a 240T will make you a mechanic, or drive you to the poor house. They usually need a lot of straightening out if they have been neglected. Lots of things NA cars do not have, less room to work on it all. Wastegates, exhaust manifold studs, plumbing leaks, on and on.

Over the years, I have had 5 cars of that age and model (1 was a turbo wagon, the rest were 2 door turbos). You need to expect any car of that age to need occasional attention and a trusted mechanic is important. Good maintenance records are a big plus. The turbo is the biggest question mark. If the turbo is water cooled, it has been replaced at least once and you may be ahead of the game. From my own experience, Volvo dealers don't have a lot of expertise on 20+ year old cars. If you don't have a good indy mechanic nearby and are not inclines to DIY, you might want to shy away. These have been my "hobby" cars and I enjoy working on, modifying and driving them. Your results my vary.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'83 242TI Flathood