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'83 Volvo 242 turbo ---- Thinking about buying this car.... 200

HI Everyone,
I posted on here a couple months ago with questions of what to look for when considering buying a '83 Volvo 242 turbo. Today I inspected this car and came away with mixed feelings. My first impression was that this car needs a lot of work. I would like some guidance from those of you with more experience who can give me an idea of how much $$$ it would take to make some necessary repairs on this car should I decide to purchase it.

GOOD:
(1) 1 owner car asking $1700/BO
(2) Clean title (not Salvage and no accident records)
(3) 4sp w/ OD, A/C & Sunroof
(4) Clutch seemed ok
(5) Gear shifting seemed smooth both up-shifting and down-shifting.
(6) All gages worked except the clock.
(7) Original turbo wheels
(8) Original owners manual
(9) Body is very good. No visible rust or dents (CA car).

BAD:
(1) 255k miles
(2) Engine runs poorly when cold: hesitates, stalls and has no power when accelerator is pushed. Need to feather accelerator to keep it running. It runs much better when hot, but still not right. Needs something. Boost gage moves into "yellow" range when turning 4000 rpm (I did not rev it higher). Seems like turbo is supplying boost.
(3) Oil leaks. Underside is very oily from engine front & rear ends. Power steering pump also leaking. Oil even on underside of rear end.
(4) Wheel alignment. Car pulls badly to the right. Tires worn out.
(5) Windshield has a quarter sized crack
(6) OD does not engage
(7) A/C does not work
(8) Front seats badly torn
(9) Severe vibration in the steering wheel when hitting a bump at 60mph
(10) Paint needs a coat of clear coat to restore a shine

So my basic question is what would it likely cost me to get this car in reasonably good running/driving condition assuming I took it to a reputable shop with Volvo experience?
(1) Fix engine cold starting/running and overall performance
(2) Alignment and eliminate severe vibration (worn bushings or steering?)
(3) Stop the major oil leaks (replace engine seals?)
(4) Fix OD engagement problem
(5) Re-upholster the front seats.

Is buying this car and fixing the above 5 items seem like a reasonable investment should I decided to sell in the future?

Thanks for your time and valuable input.
Brian Schultz






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New '83 Volvo 242 turbo ---- Thinking about buying this car.... [200]
posted by  Brians_jab  on Sat Jan 24 17:10 CST 2009 >


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