I'm considering to buy my friends 1991 Volvo 240, any comments?

Question

It need new tires and possibly a/c.

Anybody own one? Like it or Dislike it, and Why?

Cost is $1500, fair price?

Answer 1

The 240 series was and still is the best of the Volvo line. It's too bad Volvo discontinued them, probably because they last virtually forever. New tires are reasonable and if the A/C doesn't work, take it to a reputable shop for an estimate of repairs. The negotiate the price down to cover the tires and A/C repair.
I loved my '79 242 that I bought new, drove for fourteen years, 365,000 miles with no major breakdown or component failure. I give myself a mental kick in the pants every day for trading it away.
Buy the '91, you won't regret it. $1500 is a super deal assuming the car is in otherwise good shape.

Answer 2

The 240 is a very reliable car. The older ones are "bulletproof" (late 1970's cars). The late 80's cars had a few issues, but were very solid cars. The 90's cars seemed a bit less stout, but still are excellent cars.

Any used car needs to be checked by a mechanic. The 1991 240 is now 16 years old. A lot of things go wrong with the car, due to the materials degrading. Tires should cost about $160-240 a set installed (cheap 15's on the car). A/c is an issue with this car, so have it checked first. Driveshaft, engine wiring harness, engine/transmission mounts, rear springs, fuel pumps, fuel pressure regulator, radiator and blower motors are the things you need to pay special attention to. Also, check maintenance items like the timing belt, brake fluid, coolant, spark plugs, etc.

I've owned a '78 242 (350,000 miles +), '79 265 (190,000 miles +), '85 240 GL (185,000 miles +), '85 240 DL wagon (250,000 miles +), '85 760 turbo (204,000 miles - still ran great, but too many other problems) and a '95 960 wagon (88,000 miles and going strong). All the cars above were sold at the + mark and were in good running condition. I assume the owners may still be driving these cars.

Good luck with your Volvo purchase.

Greg

Answer 3

i own[ 3] 2 series cars because they are solid and the hoods stay down except for normal service
before buying an older one have it checked out by someone you trust [just because it is from a friend dosn't mean it's the right car for you.]
ipd is an excellant source for parts and they know how to get a 2 around a curve and how to get one stopped in a hurry
note while some consider the 2's styling dated and stodgey, i think they look clean and efficiant,[ good values never go out of fashion] these are safe forgiving cars and when used up are still worth fixing properly as long as there is no body damage or rust. [a solid 1500 dollar volvo with 3000 dollars of repairs over a five year period is a lot cheaper than any new car. have fun with it and good luck

Answer 4

I bought a 82 240 GL with only 59K miles on it last year (I wont say how much). This makes #5 in my family (the only crap one we owned was a 740).

I love my 240. Of course, each Volvo is different and have quirks, but on the whole - its a smooth ride, great gas saver, true die-hard owners are just as quirky as the cars, it's is the safest ride around. If you do need mechanical work, I suggest taking it to a certified Volvo mechanic. I made the mistake of taking my car to Sears for a brake job (wrong!!!)

A great site to check out and learn about quirks and all-round Volvo info is www.swedishbricks.com.

The price quoted is fair (depending on mileage and previous maintenance).

Enjoy your Balbo!

Answer 5

My sister in law had a 91 240 and sold it for about 1500. It depends on how many miles it has. I liked it.

I have a 1987 240 with 207,000 miles and its still running. I bought it for 1300 a year ago from a dealership.

Answer 6

Don't do it they're great cars cost too much too repair I have an 88 trust me get a Volvo 850 pretty reliable and economical if u can afford that that price is also bullshit you could get a volvo S70 for that price.

Answer 7

That's a great price! I have a 92 960 and i love it! It's a great safe car...bad on gas :-( but overall a good car!

Answer 8

lets see,its an unattractive,lack luster performance box,but inside that box you have good reliability,and safety galore.buy it!!!,if not e mail his contact info so I can,i had a 1978 with 243,000 miles,I sold it because I was 20 and bored with it,really regret it too.

Answer 9

Whats the mileage and what other details can you give on the car?

Answer 10

I had one. I loved it. But they break down easily.

Take it to a mechanic you trust and have it checked out. If he or she says to buy it, then go ahead - the price is good.