Hello Sean,

My recommendation would be a normally aspirated (ie. NOT a turbo) 240.

Turbos have more power than I'ld trust a new driver with (and that includes myself if I look back upon the first years I had my license), and have some maintenance and care issues that can get costly if it breaks.

The 200 is the more basic car, and while slightly less luxurious than a 700 or 900 there's also less to break, and it's easier and cheaper (pick'n'pull) to fix if it breaks anyway.

Beware of pre-88 models, they had an engine wiring harness that was biodegradable to the point of rotting away in normal use. If you can find one that already had the harness replaced you'll be fine, if that hasn't been done (and for some of the low price cars it may be the very reason it's being sold) it can lead to all kinds of amazing faults, up to and including electrical fires.

Depending on where you live, beware of rust. Again, pre-88 models are worse, from 88 on they've been treated better.

Otherwise, use common sense and check all the usual points to check when buying a car. If you're not experienced with buying a car or have a friend who is, have a prospective purchase checked over by a competent mechanic who's familiar with Volvos.

Bram