I've done a 964, 854 N/A, a 945, and currently have a 855Turbo, but want to pick up a nice 240 (will do sedan or wagon, depending on condition and records...). I'm thinking '93 or '92 w/ lo miles. Will fly to get a nice one. These newer 240s have the updated A/C system, correct?

What to look for besides service records? T Belt not as impt as w/ the interference engines like the 960 and 850, but what else to look for?? Are there huge electrical probs w/ these cars? I want one under 100k (or right around there...) and want to keep it to 200k..love the old school bricks.

I'm in FL and there are some decent ones down here, but, like I said, I'll go anywhere to get the one I want...

Nick

Honestly, any 240 made from '76-'93 are about equally reliable, as long as the oil has been changed regularly. ('75s had a B-20 engine, which some think was a good thing, while others think it was a bad thing... I'd pass on an under-powered 94 hp engine my self...)

One big draw back the later models have is the headlights. They are absolutely worthless. You'd be better off duct taping some flash lights to the side of the car honestly. Earlier models ('75-'85) don't suffer from this problem.

Wiring harness problems are more common on '81-'87 models. These problems were corrected by '88.

'89s sometimes came with a problematic ECU that could cause some problems. Some '90 models did as well from what I understand.

As long as the car isn't rusty, and the oil has been changed regularly, I wouldn't worry too much about the mileage. Hell, I'm pushing 440K on my '80 245 with no signs of quitting any time soon. I also just sold a '77 244 with over 300K, still running strong.

All that said, many here on the boards say that the '90-'93 models were the best of the production. I haven't personally owned a 240 that new, but I've learned to never argue with the board.

There's lots of nice cars here in Portland. (Oregon is Volvo Country after all.)

Good luck!
--
If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as 'Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!'

The electrical problems on 240's were all before 1988 so if you buy '88 or later you won't have the electrical wiring degradation that was famous from '85-'87.

If you're going for a wagon make sure it is at least a '91-'93, the older models had cargo window seals that began to leak later in life and cause rust problems. '91-93 wagons had flush mount windows on the windshield, the tailgate AND the cargo windows which resolved that problem.

I've been looking for one in the boneyard for about a year now ...

jack
--
'86 245, 272,000 mi., '87 760T 157,000 mi. - Columbus, Ohio

"'91-93 wagons had flush mount windows on the windshield, the tailgate AND the cargo windows which resolved that problem."

Is that so? Could these be retro-fitted to earlier years, like the 93 windshields can?

If you specifically want the newer safety options (airbags & ABS), then 92-93 will do you just fine. If you are not going to get a brick with those features, then you're better of with an '88.

Look for *verifiable* service records (with receipts, hopefully), and of course look for rust.

I would agree with getting anything from 90-93. I see a lot of them in the local paper (Southern CA) going for $2-5K and ranging from 75K-150K Miles. I'm sure with a little research in the papers and internet you should be able to find the 90's 240 you always wanted. Welcome to the Club!!!

Sincerely,
--
Julio Meza

1979 264GL B27F 126K --> BW55->M46, CLS, IPD Sway, 81+ Dash, Gauges, Flat Hood & E-Codes

1979 262C B27F 161K --> Restoration Project

1984 245DL 216K --> Wifemobile / Sport Wagon

Ok, I have a 92 240. I really cannot say anything bad about the car except that stupid overdrive relay. I wish like the other guy said...I had a Moonroof and nicer Seats(Leather). They really are not that hard to find at all. Just look in local picture book or newspaper.
--
92 240 2.3 L with a Borla! 104,000 Miles !!

IMO - 92 or 93's are the ones. Yes, they have the updated A/C. Wish my 90 did...

Personally if I bought another 240, I'd buy a 92 because they are the last year with a sunroof. My 90 DL has the roof, cruise, AC, PW and PL. Amazingly they all still work with 1/4 million miles!!!

Check for brake problems, cooling system and engine leaks (usually due to neglected flame traps/PVC parts). Later cars have minor if any electrical problems - poor grounds or maybe some corrosion problems....


--
90 244DL about 1/4 million miles - original engine/drivetrain :)

CFC-free air conditioning system introduced in 1993

http://www.swedishbricks.com/ModelFAQ/140240model.html

CFC free is nice, but I was referring to the stronger compressor and other improved components that were installed in (I believe) 1991-93 models resulting in better performance than the earlier A/C's. IMO - Probably critical in Florida....


--
90 244DL about 1/4 million miles - original engine/drivetrain :)

The only problem you'll have is getting a manual tranny, rare! Also there are 50 state cars that are slightly wimpier in power. They have teh extra EGR up by the battery. Huge electrical problems? Are you going to buy a flood car? Where in Fl are you?

I'm in Tampa...not buying a flood car, had just heard thru the grapevine that these guys had some electrical gremlins. Could be total BS...at least I hope so!

NJA