A friend practically gave me his 245 - $100. It has 149k miles. I immediately put in a new battery, new alternator, new rear shocks, complete front brakes, master cylinder, and complete exhaust to make it road-worthy. I will change out plugs, cap & rotor, the timing belt, water pump, all belts, thermostat, 3 seals, flame trap, oil sending unit (had 2 go - doesn't stop the car but very unnerving). This will be the wife's car, and it has to be reliable or she'll kill me. Even though I'm in Ohio, the car has neglible rust, so it's worth putting money into. Her current 245 (rusty) had the starter go this last winter and strand her, so I'm putting in a new starter to be safe. I'm mainly concerned about replacing things that might strand her. I've owned 5-6? 240's in the last 15 or so years, so I have a good idea of what goes wrong. I've cleaned up the fuse panel, will replace the fuel pump relay. Should I replace plug wires ($40). Coil ($72-I've had 2 go). AMM($200?-I've had 2-3 go, not due to heat). Fuel pump?($200). Fuel pressure regulator?($43) O2 sensor($35) I guess I need to err on the safe side or I think she will threaten to spend even more money on a late model Toyota or something. She does like and use all the space in the wagon (she does art projects). Suggestions appreciated.

Replace the crank position sensor if it has yellow bands on the cord. If it has the 25 AMP fuse holder by the battery replace it with a waterproof marine unit. Spare Power Stage Amp. Keeep the spare parts (AMM, ECU, FP Relay etc..) and tools to replace them in the car so you can rescue her if something fails. Dan

Don't forget to clean and seal the fuel injector grounds on the intake manifold ( and replace the ends if they are corroded), engine to frame strap ground, and the pre-pump and main fuel pump grounds. The pre-pump ground is in the trunk on a sedan, and the main is under the back seat. Don't know where they are on the wagon. Also make up a new grounding pigtail at the alternator. Cheap insurance.
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Gary Gilliam Sumerduck VA, '94 940 na Regina 150k, '86 240 180k

Before you "give" your wife the car, take the seat covers off the seats and wash them and replace the foam. Buy a bottle of AtmosKlear (from Truevalue hardware) and spray the carpets, trunk, and the fresh air inlets. You don't want it to smell from someone else's neglect.
Oh, change out the light bulbs. They get dim with age.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Get a spare 951 ECU, 016 AMM, fuel pump relay for the cargo hatch, and show her the 25 amp fuse if the '90 still uses that.

Change the fuse holder for the 25A fuse in the engine compartment! That's usually just a matter of time, and certainly will strand her. Many, many posts about this one... Plenty of info in the FAQs too.
-Chris

I've never had a problem, but I got one in the past (if I can find it!), so will do. Thanks.

When you clean the fuse panel make sure you have all brass fuses so they don't foul up. You can get them from fcpgroton.com if you need some for super cheap.

It couldn't hurt to clean up the electrical contacts at the back of the instrument panel -- it won't strand her, but it can be unnerving if the instruments aren't reliable.

You've probably done this, but inspect the front suspension bushings, ball joints, etc. Those generally make noise prior to failure, but it's worth a look.

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244, 855, 765t

Will do. Good point.

You keep the volvo and give her the new one. Your great! Al P.