looking at buying 1987 240 - things to watch for?

petermetzger · Post by **petermetzger** » 30 Mar 2014, 22:03

Hi everybody,

I'm looking at buying this 1987 Volvo 240:
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4376778902.html

Thoughts? The price seems a bit high but other than that what kinds of things do I need to watch out for on these cars? I have a '99 V70 T5 but don't know much about the older Volvos so any pointers would be much appreciated.

I'm just looking for something to get me to and from work (only about 2 miles away) and around town now and then. Not planning to use it for any long trips except to bring it home (about 250 miles).

Thanks again!

-Peter

Post by **mtd240** » 01 Apr 2014, 07:21

It will be much easier and cheaper to maintain than your V70, unless its a total lemon. Look at Brickboard and Turbobricks.

Three main things:
Ask for maintenance records.
Ask what other problems exist (why can't it be driven long distances?)
If I'm not mistaken, '87 is within the biodegradeable wiring harness model year range - ask if the harness has been replaced. If not, you will probably have wacky electrical issues until you replace it.

Long list of small things to check (and use to drop the price when you see they've failed): strut mounts (look for cracked rubber), engine mounts (should be firm, not soft), check compression, water pump (look for leak at the weep hole on top), oil leaks, PCV system (loosen oil filler cap, set it on the filler hole with car running, if it "dances" you need to replace the system - much easier than the V70), in-tank fuel pump (listen through fuel tank fill hole), crawl under and look at ball joint/outer tie rod/steering boots, and check the smell/look of trans fluid. I wouldn't call that a complete list...but I don't know how long you plan on checking it out.

Personally, I would replace all of the fluids if I bought it. I'm a little OCD though.

petermetzger · Post by **petermetzger** » 01 Apr 2014, 08:01

Planning to maintain my V70 as well - looking at the 240 as a second vehicle to get me around town so my wife and two young kids aren't stuck at home without a car all day while I'm at work

Thank you for the tips! I will definitely check on those things - it's good to have a solid starting point. I've also found these two resources which seem like they'll be a big help:
IPD's "Top 10 Problems with 240 Volvos"
"240/260 Buying Tips"

Thanks for mentioning how to check the items you listed - some resources have just said "check this thing" without saying what to look for. It sounds like he's going to be pretty flexible on price, understands it will need work, and wants it to go to somebody who will take care of it (me!) so there's a good chance I'll be heading down this weekend to take a look at it.

warcraftjunkie · Post by **warcraftjunkie** » 01 Apr 2014, 09:57

My son purchased an 87 240 wagon a couple years back and the advice you've been given is spot on. His currently displaying electrical gremlins, but other than that it's been a rock solid low maintenance vehicle. Picked it up for 600.00 and have only had to replace the alternator and battery.

petermetzger · Post by **petermetzger** » 02 Apr 2014, 14:02

Great to hear, warcraftjunkie!

As far as the "can't drive long distances" thing, he said it's just what the previous owner told him and that he's driven it across the state without problems.

The biggest issues I'll need to fix are the loud exhaust (he doesn't know which muffler is bad, or both), replacing a rusted out rocker panel (I've got a friend who can do the welding), and putting one or two new tires on it (the spare is in place currently, may want to put two new ones on back rather than one new and one 2yr old tire?)

There are a couple of small things as well (needs new headlight bulbs, etc.)

I realize it's my decision to make, but if I can get it for around $800 do you guys think it would be a good purchase?

He sent me some additional pictures too:

Post by **mtd240** » 03 Apr 2014, 06:52

Looks decent. Does it need to pass inspection, or will you put historic plates on it?

I would just replace the whole exhaust system cat-back, unless it has been replaced recently.

Source for Rocker Panels.

petermetzger · Post by **petermetzger** » 03 Apr 2014, 10:56

No inspection requirements in Indiana except a VIN check since it will be from out of state

Thanks for the links to the exhaust and rocker panels! I'm not sure what condition the exhaust system is in, he just said "it's noticeably loud" and that "They said the mufflers were old and rusty and could fall off any day when I took it in about a year ago." ...but that could just be a shop trying to scare him into buying more work.