...but I know little about them. I currently drive a 1980 245 4 speed with OD, and (somewhat) a 1977 244 Auto (ugh). I know quite a bit about my 240's. I've tackled all sorts of jobs on these things, (including the dreaded heater fan motor). I pushed the '80 to over 415000 miles (and still going!) Other then the 240's, I don't know much about Volvos (other then they don't make them like they use to!). I've heard nothing but good things about the 1800s, but I don't know much about them.

Basic questions...
I've noticed most of the 1800's I've seen are sticks (thankfully). 1800's are equipped with OD also, correct? Is it a switch on the dash, or on the gear knob?

I hear quite often that rust is a problem on these cars... I live in Portland, and while it rains an awful lot here, they don't use any chemicals on the roads (like salt or whatever). Not too many cars around here have rust problems (it's easy to spot cars from the mid-west), That said, are there some places I should look for rust that aren't clearly apparent?

What years/model variations are reliable, or more reliable then others? (I know with the 240's, ones made past 1983 were fitted with computerized junk.)

I've learned that with the 240's, high mileage isn't much of a concern so long as the owner has a kept a good, consistent history on the car, and maintained it. Is this also true on 1800s?

How about Gas mileage? I'll bet most 1800's originally ran on leaded fuel. How do they run on leaded fuel? What about additives?

Is the heater fan as horrific on 1800's as on the 240?

Any other simple/basic things I should look for? Maybe not so basic?


There's an excellent Volvo recycler here in Portland, so I can get any parts I would need for this thing.

Thanks for everyone's time.