This car has been great, reliable, dependable, etc. It's a '92 240 sedan and it has 160,000 miles on it. Over the last four years my son has been driving it and lately he has been working on me to get rid of it and get him a different car. Granted, it has had some isues, but nothing major as far as the big items. I currently am facing having to pay about $1000 to repair a rear oil leak, plus a problem with the way that air and gasoline are mixing . Apparently, this mixing problem is causing the gas mileage to be very poor. Are there any mechanics out there with Volvo experience that can give me some advice. I would prefer not to get a different car, however I will if this car becomes too much of a burden.
2007-02-25 05:01:07 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Volvo
It is worth fixing.Fix the one you have a keep it maintained. They don't build them like that anymore. I have seen Volvo 240's with over 200,000 miles on them. The 240 is on of Volvo's best.
2007-02-26 06:42:14 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, this is a great question. I have had several old Volvos over the years, and while I am not a mechanic, perhaps I can shed some light.
First up, your car is now 14 years old. That is a long time for any car, no matter what kind it is. Things can start to go at this time.
Second, I can tell you that Volvos are very expensive to get fixed compared to some other cars. For example, GM cars share a lot of parts underneath, whereas a Volvo of your vintage can take only Volvo parts. I would shop around - try eeuroparts.com for good prices and cheap shipping.
Third, 240s in general are not the most powerful cars when it comes to engines (I assume this is not a turbo). Your son probably wants you to dump it because it is slower than his friend's cars, and because it is boxy. However, these are good reasons to keep it.
One thing you should know about 240's - they are one of the safest cars ever built. The US government bought a fleet of them in the 1970's, crashed them, and set the crash standards that are still used today. They pioneered crumple zones. This reason alone is a reason to keep the car.
On the pro side, it is a safe, durable car. As long as there are not rust issues, it should be good to go for a while. One source of caution might be if you live in an area with a lot of snow - these rear wheel drive Volvos are not great in snow unless you invest in snow tires.
I am a member of the Volvo Club of America, and the 240 has a big following. Many members buy them for their teenagers exactly because they are safe, not flashy, and they go forever.
I will also say that 160k is really just getting broken in. Mine all went for 200k plus.
I would say this - take it to a reliable garage and ask them for an estimate on what the car needs today to bring it up to tip top shape. If it's just the rear main seal and the mixing issue, it might be worth it. If there are other things, then costs can add up quick. Pay special note to the brakes, belts, and suspension - these add up very quickly and are expensive.
Then again, what else are you going to be able to buy for a few thousand bucks for your son to drive around in? At least you know the history on this car, buying someone else's problem may cause even more headache.
Finally, try brickboard.com - they have a lot of info about 240s and other potential trouble spots. Good luck!
2007-02-25 09:53:08 · answer #2 · answered by John L 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably a fuel injection problem. Most oil leaks you can live with unless it is just gushing out somewhere. What kind of leak requires $1,000 in repairs? Rear main seal....let it drip!
I think you should fix it, if the rest of the car is decent. 160K is a lot of miles for any car, that's true, but you might just end up buying some other used car needing work.
I'd say that unless you can find either a used car with factory warranty left on it, or a low mileage clean one-owner Japanese car (which will put a volvo to sleep in reliability at half the cost), then I'd stick with what you got.
2007-02-25 12:34:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that engine is just getting warmed up. We went to 284,000 on a 1990 740 wagon and the only reason we got rid of it was because the trans was starting to shift rough. After that $1000 you will not have to pay anything for another few years and even then it will be minor. Look for bosch parts. They sell them to volvo and then get the volvo stamp making them 3 times the price.
2007-02-25 11:47:20 · answer #4 · answered by richardmckee7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When i drove my parents volvo i beat the snot out of it till about 250K. If a new car is nessasary help him finance one but make him make the payments and do upkeep. Always plan ahead!! Always Get opinions from as many reputable Repair shops as possible. Dont go with the cheapest cause they wont do a good job. Dont Go with the most expensive cause at best you will pay for perfection and just get a "good" job.
2007-02-25 05:17:10 · answer #5 · answered by yo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Knowing how reliable Volvo's are, I'm suprised this is happening, but it does sound like the car is past its prime - it's time to get a new one.
2007-02-25 05:09:42 · answer #6 · answered by giwishihadadollar 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
VOLVO's are very reliable cars, stick to it
2007-02-25 07:21:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
repair it,i have seen them run 600,000 miles.diesels more.
2007-02-25 05:25:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋