crazy idea -European road trip in a 240 -

hertfordnc · Post by **hertfordnc** » 28 Dec 2021, 07:39

Wife and i (USA) are contemplating a road trip in 2023 or 2024 From Athens to Estonia and back. I'm researching all the options but the one i like best is to buy a 240 wagon in the UK, register it in Bulgaria, make the trip and ship it home when the trip is over.

I have not owned a 240 for 10 years (amazingly my login to this forum still worked)

I would love some feedback from people who don't think it's crazy to make a long trip in 30 year old car with 200,000 miles (normal stuff right?)

Also, love to hear what the Volvo scene is on the other side of the pond and i'd be open to suggestions on alternatives if the 240 is no longer a practical choice.

thanks

Post by **volvolugnut** » 28 Dec 2021, 08:42

I like the idea. The practical question is how long will it take to find and prepare the 240 wagon before the trip. I would want to do a detailed inspection, all routine service, and any required repairs before starting the trip.
Can you do repairs on the road if needed? Would you take tools and spare parts on the trip? Is cost a restriction on the plan?

You would,of course, be required to post a full report of your trip with photos.

volvolugnut

Post by **kallekula** » 28 Dec 2021, 11:19

If you buy it in the UK it will be a right hand steer car.

Post by **BlackBart** » 28 Dec 2021, 15:21

I don't think it's a crazy idea, it sounds great! But go into it eyes open - it's an unknown, 30 year old car to start with. Which year do you aim for, which injection system?...reliability, parts availability, old school mechanics who know those cars...those are things to think through.

You buy a sketchy one and put a ton of money into it, or buy a "restored" one - but don't assume the pretty one is new and reliable, easy to cover things up with a paint job and seats.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 29 Dec 2021, 08:16

Things I would want to know are fresh and in good working order:
Fuel pump and filters. Clean the fuel tank if needed.
Water pump and seals.
BRAKES! Full flush and inspection minimum.
New Battery - Heavy duty. Clean the cables and all body grounds.
Drive U-joints and center bearing.
Alternator and brushes.
Plugs and wires.
All fluids and filters.
Headlights. Have spares for other bulbs.
Spare relays and fuses.
New tires including spare. Good jack, jack stands and wheel chocks.
I drove 240s for years and maybe 200K miles.
volvolugnut

Cosmic · Post by **Cosmic** » 01 Jan 2022, 13:43

There are a good few 240's on the roads in the UK, they are becoming more trendy as they get older. My daily is a 1993 240 Torslanda estate with 183k miles. Mechanically well looked after they offer up few problems, the real issue over here is rust, the rear arches and sill ends are a common problem.
But, with the right 'just in case' spares in the back, no reason not to go touring in one. Go older and no injection to worry about either.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 01 Jan 2022, 13:50

Cosmic wrote: ↑01 Jan 2022, 13:43 There are a good few 240's on the roads in the UK, they are becoming more trendy as they get older. My daily is a 1993 240 Torslanda estate with 183k miles. Mechanically well looked after they offer up few problems, the real issue over here is rust, the rear arches and sill ends are a common problem.
But, with the right 'just in case' spares in the back, no reason not to go touring in one. Go older and no injection to worry about either.

The first US 240s had mechanical (Bosch) fuel injection. I found it quite reliable on the 1975 245 I drive for 10+ years. I think the Canadian and maybe UK 240s used carburetors for the early years?
volvolugnut

Post by **BlackBart** » 02 Jan 2022, 12:34

What about a nice warm and dry one in Athens? It obviously makes the purchase process more complicated.

Cosmic · Post by **Cosmic** » 02 Jan 2022, 14:28

volvolugnut wrote: ↑01 Jan 2022, 13:50
Cosmic wrote: ↑01 Jan 2022, 13:43 There are a good few 240's on the roads in the UK, they are becoming more trendy as they get older. My daily is a 1993 240 Torslanda estate with 183k miles. Mechanically well looked after they offer up few problems, the real issue over here is rust, the rear arches and sill ends are a common problem.
But, with the right 'just in case' spares in the back, no reason not to go touring in one. Go older and no injection to worry about either.
The first US 240s had mechanical (Bosch) fuel injection. I found it quite reliable on the 1975 245 I drive for 10+ years. I think the Canadian and maybe UK 240s used carburetors for the early years?
volvolugnut

They did indeed, Pierburg or Stromburg on the earlier engines (B21 etc). Mines one of the last so Bosch LH2.4 on a B200F.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 02 Jan 2022, 16:35

Looks like original poster has gone silent. Someone else may need to take up the quest.
volvolugnut