Here's the deal. I'm driving a 1985 245 GL with 140,000 miles on the clock. I bought her three years ago in St. Croix, U.S.V.I. for $3,500. Her book value was $2,800 at the time, but we've got shipping costs and a one-time road tax here, payable at time of entry, so I thought it was fair. I've replaced the shocks & struts, timing belt, fuel pressure regulator, constant idle speed motor, fuel filter and in-tank hose (the itty bitty rubber thing between the pump and pick-up tube), and a host of little things I can't even remember now. She's running like a clock and is a joy to drive.
Her issues: clunking from front end going over rough road, probably bushings; old "heat degraded" engine wiring harness, bought a new one but it's still in the box; 21-year-old paint is faded; rust holes in storage spaces behind rear wheels and below right rear "fixed" window; severely pitted windshield. She's in remarkably good shape for such an old girl. I figure she spent most of her life in a garage in Maine (she's got a dealer sticker on her rear).
So, if I decide to move back to the States, where I have a '92 745t, should I go to the expense of shipping her back ($600 to $800) and fixing her up? Paint, rust, windshield and a new cover on the rear bench bottom shouldn't be more than a couple of grand, right? It would be nice to have a second set of wheels, considering both are pretty old, and I enjoy driving the older car. She's great for hauling around my dog, which is why the leather on the back seat needs replacement.
I'm just sort of mulling over the possibilities and am looking for opinions. Oh, Stateside would be Reading, PA, where I have an excellent volvo mechanic. There ain't no such thing here in St. Croix. I've done all the above mentioned work myself, except for the shocks and struts.
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'84 245 GL, '92 745 Turbo (stateside car)