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Fortunately the previous owner kept up our '89 240 (245) quite well, but time does take effect. Our wagon is in great shape, cosmetically AND mechanically, about 260K miles now and no leaks, no oil consumption. Biggest issue we had at one time was the trans, had to replace it but found an AW71L at a great price,to replace the AW70. That trans has been great-only 120K miles, verified!I also then installed an auxillary trans cooler. (I would personally suggest anyone with an AT think about installing an AUX cooler also!)
Of course Ive kept it up, replaced what needs replacing when it needs it or even before 'it' needs replacing. Made several heavy duty upgrades, suspension, the aux trans cooler, 3 row radiator, stuff like that. Inside and out its not bad at all, BUT it takes $$$ to keep it that way. I pay a mechanic mostly now as with age my back went somwhere, havn't found it yet, but I can change the spark plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor. I can also wash and wax it--so far.
One item that was fortunate for us, the previous owner was an even more fanatic about keeping it up. When we were looking at it, thinking about it, that owner came up with about $18k worth of repairs & upkeep for the 5 years he had it. However one thing that added up quick for him, he always went to his local Volvo DEALER for the work. We dont know why, but that's what he did and he had the reciepts, which we now have. He was the 2nd owner. I also save pretty much all reciepts.
We also have a 'shade tree' mechanic, Dave, (some of you may have met him) who has saved us beaucoup (sp?) $$$. He knows his stuff, been with it for a LONG time -Volvos that is. For anything beyond his expertise we have a 'regular' Volvo shop mechanic that I have grown to trust. Of course that shops' rates are higher than Daves, but lower than the dealer by a long shot
Wow, I just looked back at my typing, FARR too long-but what the heck. Thanks for all your inputs!!
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