|
My Dad is 72 years old and didn't want to fix the flywheel on his '86 240 ....probably because of other "cosmetic" issues with the car, i.e., the paint on the hood was gone, the head lights were busted out during Katrina, etc. He and Mom don't have much money. So I wanted to make sure anything they spent was spent wisely. Dad was set on getting a newer Volvo instead of fixing up the '86 (261k miles).
I suggested that since he was hell fired bent on getting a newer Volvo...that perhaps we could replace the '86 240 (even though it doesn't use a drop of oil and has been in the family since '88) with another shinier 240. Since I know alot about the 240s (replaced front suspension on my daughter's 89, replace timing belts, water pump, etc....and I personally own a '93 245), I figured I could persuade him into getting another 240. Well! He wanted leather!!
I figured it would be a hard time finding a 92 or 93 240 w/ leather...I have scanned all the southeastern classified ads looking for a good 240 w/ low miles and one that the A/C is working on (preferably the '93 refrigerant too) We even found a '92 240 w/ real leather seats...(but it had been driven over something big like a curb..because the oil pan was dented and stuff)....my Dad wasn't satisfied...UNTIL....
Until we drove past this 940T (1991)that happened to be for sale on the side of the road. I told him that I didn't know anything about turbos and that I thought that most turbos only lasted for 150k miles and that the turbo engines didn't last as long as the NA 240 engines...this car may soon need a turbo (159k miles)....we even got into an arguement about buying the car........I could see that he wanted the car...and because I love him, I went with him to buy the car. Way too much money. He was SO glued on this car. It was a one owner vehicle and the body was in great shape...but I couldn't stomach letting him waste his money on a turbo. He basically paid about $1k OVER what the car is worth. I figure it's only worth about $1700. (you do the math)
Since we were out of town (Atlanta vehicle), I changed the oil in a Walmart parking lot and drove it from Atlanta to Huntsville Alabama. (totally against my nature to drive an "unknown" volvo that many miles before I had more closely examined it) It drove excellent (I'm a 240 guy remember?)...but I soon found out after getting it home that the front seals were shot. Because of time constraints,....I had a local shop service the front of the engine (new water pump, timing belt, front seals, new crankshaft pulley). I changed the oil again (just to be sure), flushed tranny and coolant, and replaced the front rotors/pads, and rear pads...and then drove him back to New Orleans. (First time he's been home since hurricane...he's been staying with me the whole time). Car drove excellent. A/C works good.
Talk about a stressful time though....I have my fingers crossed that nothing will go wrong. He's very happy with the car. But, I am holding my breath....nothing like bringing a new car into the family....even though it's a Volvo...it's a TURBO! (<---he's 72...what does he need a turbo for???)
Now I'm looking at the old '86 sitting in the yard. I suppose it's going on ebay or something. I figured I'd sell it and the proceeds could go towards the maintenance bill on the 940T. It's really a great looking car...but a turbo?? c'mon....I'm a die hard 240 guy. Thanks for letting me vent here.
Cabbie2169
|
