89 240dl 150k advice-

muradic · Post by **muradic** » 13 Apr 2008, 22:08

Hello, I live in Texas. I have an automatic Volvo 240dl 1989, it has approx 150k, the odometer quit at 107k.

I am contemplating on whether I should get a new car. The windows just quit working, the radio is broken, the air is leaking or maybe it needs a new air conditioner? The transmission has a slow leak as well as a few other places that leak fluid.
The automatic gear shift is a bit off, I have to move it to 2 etc in order to drive it. The overdrive light always flickers, so I may be driving in overdrive which I never need to do. It always has a burning smell when I get out of the car. The paint is badly damaged as well.

With its low mileage, do you think i should keep it and save money? I bought it in 2001 from another owner who did not really take very good care of the maintenance. The state of Texas will give me $3000 to get another 3 or newer year old car of my choice.

I appreciate your help as I do not know much about cars

Post by **billofdurham** » 14 Apr 2008, 11:47

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Much as I hate to say this, you have one very sick Volvo.

Looking at the list of faults it will cost a lot of money to put it right, especially as you say you don't know much about cars and you will probably have to rely on a mechanic.

If you can get $3000 from the State of Texas I have to say go for it and see if you can get a deal on a later model Volvo.

Bill.

muradic · Post by **muradic** » 14 Apr 2008, 20:36

Hi Bill, well this morning I turned on the air and it was cool! What does that mean? I am thinking now that it will not work when it is really hot outside.... I was hoping you would say to keep it. It was sitting for a year, I just started driving it again. I thought 150k was nothing!

Michael

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 Apr 2008, 11:31

I agree that 150k is nothing for one of these beasts if it has been looked after properly. However, it would seem that yours has been neglected.

The air conditioning should work regardless of the outside temperature. It could well be that a recharge of gas would sort that out. That is always the starting point with AC problems.

My opinion was based on projected costs for getting the vehicle up to a good standard (transmission leak, other fluid leaks, shift out of line, possible overdrive problems and bad paintwork will take a lot of time and cash). It would appear to be a good project for a competent DIYer but, as you have said, you do not know much about cars.

You will need to weigh up the costs of keeping this one and come to a decision on what to do.

Bill.