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Volvo 240s are no more expensive to maintain than modern Hondas or Toyotas. Major jobs like clutches, timing belts, etc. cost less on the Volvo, actually. A 240 with oil and filter changes every 3000 miles and a new timing belt every 40,000 will run forever with no other maintenance at all. While it would certainly be prudent to perform other needed maintenance and repairs, 240s are not "needy" cars. A car with 280,000 miles is a high mileage car, even for a Volvo. If the seller has service records showing that the car had regular maintenance, it should be OK, but if the car's history is unknown, I'd walk. There are tons of 240s available (at least in my area-Boston) for around $1500, so don't worry about finding another one. If the car does have service records, find out when it last had a new clutch, timing belt, and suspension bushings. The clutch usually goes at around 150,000 miles, so it's probably been replaced at least once. The timing belt must be replaced every 40,000-50,000 miles. If it breaks, the car will stop cold and not run again until a new belt is installed. The suspension bushings generally go about every 80,000 miles. Both the front and rear suspensions have several rubber bushings that wear out with time. A good inspection by a Volvo specialist (any old mechanic will not do) will reveal any problems the car has. You can use the cost of any needed repairs to bargain with the seller for a lower price. 240s are great cars, so good luck
Colin
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