thinking about buying??? a used 1991 740 has alot of updates and looks in very good condition.
i have a 1992 240 with 185,000 and running strong.

any thing to look for on this model? not very familiar with the 740's.

thanks - dpdy

If it is a turbo be sure to check this out thoroughly. I think anything over 175K is turbo "borrowed time". Take it on a long uphill run if you can and try to keep the boost on (in the yellow zone) for at least 15 sec or so to see if the turbo locks up. It's an expensive fix if you can't do alot of the work yourself. Motor mounts go out also. Make sure there's some engine movement when it's idleing. If it just sits there the mounts have collapsed and the oil pan is on the frame. Ask when the timing belt was last replaced. Every 60-70K miles has been mentioned in brickboard as a good precautionary replacement interval. Water pumps also go out about this time. Was it recently replaced?? As with any used car you're going to be hit with some repairs. I'm relatively new to this web site but there's plenty of quality advice here and lots of really knowledgable helpfull people to help you with any problems you bound to meet. Good luck.

I believe the timing belt interval, at least for the B230F 4-cylinder, is 50k miles. The later year 900 series cars with the rounded tooth timing belt allowed it to be pushed out to 100k miles.

If indeed the car in question is a B230F then not a big deal if the timing belt breaks, it will just leave you stranded...no piston/valve damage. Check any records for the car and make sure it was changed somewhere around 150k miles.

Bean
--
'80 242GT 93k, '94 945T 139k, '89 765T 68k (new '94 B230FT)

If this car has been well maintained, you should expect another 70,000 miles of service before major systems begin to wear out and fail. The engine and transmission are identical to what is under the hood of your 240, and IMHO the Regina fuel injection system is more reliable than any version of the Bosch LH-Jetronic systems that were used in the 200 series cars.

One big item to consider on a Volvo of this age is the cooling system. To elaborate, the factory installed radiators employ an aluminum core with plastic end tanks. Result is that the radiators have an effective service life of anywhere from 8-12 years. The heater control valve is another plastic wonder on these cars with a service life of about the same length. When they go, the rapid loss of coolant can cause the engine to overheat and take out the headgasket and/or warp the cylinder head in the time that it takes you to pull over and shut down. So, if the work hasn't already been done, you might want to budget a new radiator, new hoses and a new heater control valve for this car.

Only 70K more? I have a 92 745 w/ 230K. There is quite a few nit-picky things that need fixin' - but over all she is good.

I expect to get to 300K and beyond without too much problem, and something tells me that if I just take care of stuff like I should that the drive train will go on pretty much forever.

Maybe I am looking at this with jaded glasses - but, heck ...mine might be another 'MILLION MILE VOLVO' ..(do a Google on that if you are not aware of the MMV)
--
'94 940T (160K) , '92 745T (200K+)

Totally agree with you!

Have about 1/4 million on my 240, I'd be down right surprised if it didn't go 300K+ on its original engine/drivetrain. Doesn't seem like it is going to die anytime soon......

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

If all seems well I'd get it, we have a 91 740 turbo with about a hundred and eighty six thousand miles on it and still running strong. Have only had to do routine maintenance, but we know our volvo and can feel any trouble starting before it becomes and big proublem. We keep up on its needs carefully. Have never had any major issues.

If it's a plain 740 (not a turbo or a GLE - 16 valve) it has the same engine and tranny as your 240, but with the Rex-Regina EFI system instead of the Bosch. I have both and I think I prefer Regina, though parts do tend to be harder to find used and more expensive new than similar items for Bosch.

Check the FAQ under Features above and read the section on buying a used 740-940.

--
Andy in St. Paul, '91 745 Regina 198K mi, '89 244 142K, '87 245 RIP