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Thanks in advance for everyone's help....Ok, here's what I've got to do, I'm about to start driving, and I need a car, I talked my father into a 1994 940 last year and its been a great car, I've worked alot on it, and I really enjoy wrenching on it. I have 3 different cars that I am looking at right now, and I hope someone has an opinion on one of them. One is a 1990 Volvo 240 automatic (not sure what model) with about 120K miles on it, the story is that it was a one owner, woman, always seviced etc. The guy is selling it for his friend's mother, he wants $2k I was thinking mabey $1K I'll probably go look at it on Sunday, he says the only thing wrong is that the fuse panel is corroded, and thus the blower and pwr. windows work intermedietly. #2 is a 1989 Volvo 740 GLE Turbo 4 speed with electric OD, sat for one year (today) seems clean, not much known, he says it ran great, may have leaked a little oil. 147K miles guy wanted $1500 last year, says $500 now. (I was thinking $300-$450) #3 is a 1992 Volvo 240 (model unknown) guy took it on trade for contracting work. he doesen't know how many miles, its been sitting about 6 months. the front section of the car appears to be repainted, because it is faded compared to the rest of it. he says $1500 I said $500. I am not trying to be unreasonable with the prices of any of these vehicals, seeing as though they all need work. If anyone has any suggestions, or opinions they would be greatly appreciated.
-Tim
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going back to try to get the 740 started today about 3:30-4ish...i don't think it was a 16-valve I thought that all it said on the back was 740 Turbo Intercooled....but I may have missed something. The oil leak seems to be the same as the 940 (rear distributor seal) I stuck my hand back there and got a handful of oil. The 940 is staying put for now, my father is driving it, speaking of which, the exhaust system from cat back is shot (just turned 179K and I have reason to believe it is original) so thats today's project...anyway, I'll keep everyone posted...
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OK, good news and bad news on the 740...Good News: it runs, it moves, its NOT a 16 valve, and the exhaust doesen't seem to be compleatly shot (doughnut before cat came off(possibly back pressure???) BAD NEWS: TWO COUNT EM' TWO gas leaks, one in the front by the driver's side door (940 has this problem currently) and the other is leaking off of the gas tank strap (probably comming off the sending unit?)....any ideas? I'm going to make tomarrow a 240 day...
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Brownboy says it well- they've all got flaws I'm sure, but the first one sounds most promising.
I try to avoid accident cars unless it's obvious what was done, and they're cheap to boot. My 89 is a survivor of a deer hit, or some other similar light front end hit. I can see exactly what was replaced and it didn't bother me when I bought it.
My other cars are not prior wrecks so I don't worry about anything with them except warding off rust.
Likewise, you have to look for rust in all of these. The 7 series doesn't rust like the 240s, but can and will rust in the front fender/ firewall splash areas, and base of the strut tower and battery tray. The 2's can rust anywhere. Most common spots are under the front seats, either side, and all along the rocker panel. A car with rocker rust-through is not structurally solid. Avoid it. Also look at the panel just inboard of the rear bumper- they all can rust there, sedan or wagon.
Otherwise, 120K sounds very gentle on a car built for a half-million. Do the maintenance basics on it and enjoy it.
The 740 sounds like it's a 740 Turbo, not a GL or GLE. If it's actually a '89 GLE, run away. That's a 16 valve engine, and you don't want it. The turbo has its quirks, and leaking oil is one of them, but at least it can't grenade the head.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 234K, '82 245T/M46-182K, '84 242DL/AW70-100K, '89 244DL/AW70- 212K and I miss my: 86 244DL 215K, 87 244DL 239K, 88 744GLE 233K, 88 244GL 147K, 91 244 183K
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Hi Tim:
Well, I'd keep the 940. But if that's not an option, I'd look carefully at the 1990. Since its got a corroded fusebox its almost a sure bet that its a 240. Be aware that replacing the blower motor is a real bear on the 240s. I'd look at this one if it is in good shape because I think it has ABS and driver airbag. The 4 cylinder engine is tough, the auto tranny is bulletproof and the mileage is fairly low. Its the same engine as the 940 so you'll be familiar with it. I would get it checked out by someone who knows Volvos. See if the seller has service records for it and I'd spend the dough and run a carfax. If you can get it for $1000 then it isn't a bad price (although not a steal by any means).
The other cars are disadvantaged by the fact that they haven't been running for a while. The turbo plus manual tranny on the 740 (probably a 760) would be nice, and if its the 760 it will have a nice interior. But if it "leaks a little oil" I'd be afraid that its leaking oil from the turbo, so you might be looking at turbo replacement. Of course, if you get it for $300 you can afford to do some repairs. The other 240 has likely been in a wreck, which isn't necessarily the worst thing, but I would find it a dealbreaker.
That's my 2 cents worth. Sounds like you have a fun choice! Good luck with your choice and let us know what you decide!
Happy New Year!
Mike
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Mike Brown Greenville, NC 1996 965 113K 1994 940 135K 1986 244 137K
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