I need some advice. I currently own a 1987 740 turbo that has been a great car for the 50,000 miles I have owned it. It currently has 195,000 and costs roughly $150/month to maintain. The only problem is that it's our only car, and when my wife goes out of town, I'm on the bus.

An friend is selling a 1983 240 diesel for $100. He says he thinks he could get $600 for it, but he's trying to help someone out. I'm going to look at it this weekend with $100 in my pocket, on the premise that I can at least drive it to the crusher (although I'd hate to chrush a Volvo!) of it turns out to be a dog. He says that he has owned it for 10 years, that it has about 190,000 miles, and that there are no known problems beyond some oil burning. All I'm really looking for is a second car to drive when my wife is out of town.

I have owned and driven a 1983 Audi 5000 Turbo Diesel, so I know generally what to expect as compared to a gas vehicle.

My question: is my thinking correct? And, if I did hold onto it, what are the major issues to look at beyond compression? Could I keep it for less than the $150/mo. that I currently maintain my 740 at? Or is it just a wast of money to put anything into a diesel that old?

Also, I have heard that the engine is of Volkwagen manufacture, so that when I select a mechanic I should look for a good diesel mechanic as opposed to a good Volvo mechanic? Any thoughts on that? Any info on the general history of Vovlo diesels? Any links you could point me to?

Thanks in advance for the sagely brickboard wisdom!