This car hunting is making me crazy. Still looking for a 240 wagon, and finally testdrove a diesel I have been driving past for a month. I truly do appreciate any advice, based on the facts I have. Here goes...
1982 240. 200k mi even. 4speed manual w/ non-working overdrive. It started and idled nicely, although it sounds like my '68 Ford diesel tractor. VW diesel, block a faded green. Amazingly simple engine compartment compared to regular 240. Wiring harness at the firewall was not cracked, unlike the '86 they had. AC worked. Frostbite will not be an issue, but you could tell it was cooling, and clutch was energized. Interior is fairly crappy from a cleanliness standpoint, but it wasn't ragged. All windows worked, except the passenger rear. It didn't work from driver side or actual door switch. Now, the testdrive was interesting. It was very loud, esdpecially due to shifting boot being torn in half. Could lift it up and see the pavement. Car drove OK, steering was about like most 200k Volvo. Brakes seemed OK. Clutch seemed fine, although all I can say specifically is that it worked without noise. The most disturbing thing of all was this car smoked on acceleration like a coal burning freight train. Didn't smoke at idle. Bottom of car has no rust at all. Body is straight, faded white paint, but no wear-off. Roof rack. Tires have tread, but have age cracks. Guy is asking $1000. VIN is YV1AX7754C1409895.
I am grateful for yalls opinions. Jimmy