Which older volvo do you recommend? [merged]

msloan · Post by **msloan** » 07 Oct 2022, 07:23

HI group:
I'm looking for opinions on older volvo's. I'd like to pick up another older one, but I don't necessarily want to limit my options to another 240 (I have one I have restored)
My main concerns are "wrenchability" and availability of parts. ie relatively easy, and lots....
All comments and opinions welcome regarding models and issues with those models. Particularly weak points if you were looking to buy one.
I'd like a wagon, but it is not essential. I'm just trying to expand my knowledge base.

msloan · Post by **msloan** » 07 Oct 2022, 07:38

HI group:
I'm looking for opinions on older volvo's. I'd like to pick up another older one, but I don't necessarily want to limit my options to another 240 (I have a 1992 that I have restored)
My main concerns are "wrenchability" and availability of parts. ie relatively easy, and lots....
All comments and opinions welcome regarding models and issues with those models. Particularly weak points if you were looking to buy one.
I'd like a wagon, but it is not essential. I'm just trying to expand my knowledge base.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 07 Oct 2022, 07:51

For wrenchability and your current knowledge of 240, I suggest another well maintained, low rust 240. When you move up to newer models you will have to get electronic tools and learn new systems.
Let the debate begin.
volvolugnut

Post by **erikv11** » 07 Oct 2022, 07:52

Get a 98 and do *not, not, NOT* get AWD. So that means an S70 sedan or a V70 wagon. There is little to debate here.

I'd suggest a turbo, LPT or HPT doesn't matter that much, but that's up to you. NA is quite a bit easier access to most things in the engine bay.

Post by **850 LPT** » 07 Oct 2022, 08:25

Great suggestions there from Erik. I would also include late model 850's. Easy to work on and fun to drive. I used to own a 97' 850 GLT with the LPT engine, which was a blast. Now I drive non turbo cars, because I don't really care about the performance aspect much anymore. And like Erik said, they are a little easier to work on.

Good luck finding something. Seems like the market for decent P80 examples is almost dried up and prices are at an all time high unfortunately. Next would be to look into the P2 market, but even there it's getting harder to find a decent example that's not hopelessly overpriced.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Oct 2022, 08:45

I have 4 of the 1999 but no bias from me at all.

The 1999-2000 are special children and are covered a bit here…….

viewtopic.php?t=78795&hilit=Bastards

Post by **scot850** » 07 Oct 2022, 10:09

If you want a simpler easier to work on car, then a non-turbo model is the way to go, with the exception of the 10V engine. The engine is ok, just has little pep to it. 20V needs to rev a bit more but has enough pep to keep up with traffic and much better fuel consumption. If you prefer leather over cloth than an SE model is the one to go for.

I like turbos for their better performance, but that brings with it more to go wrong. I wish you luck finding a good car out there.

They occasionally come up like this one and the really optimistic owner:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edm ... 1635543705

Neil.

msloan · Post by **msloan** » 07 Oct 2022, 11:25

Good point. I wonder if all volvos of say 1992 were basically the same in terms of their complexity.

Post by **hausmeister** » 07 Oct 2022, 12:53

Maybe a 740 or 940? I don't have experience with these, but might be easier to work on.
For P80 I think the 850 look better both outside and inside than the later s/v70. Interior holds up better in my experience. Would go with a T5 for fun of driving.
But that is all very subjective...

Party availability will get worse imo. It is already hard to get some stuff
also just search around a bit, Robert has a good video on specific issues:

Post by **BlackBart** » 07 Oct 2022, 13:08

msloan wrote: ↑07 Oct 2022, 07:23 I'm looking for opinions on older volvo's. I'd like to pick up another older one, but I don't necessarily want to limit my options to another 240 (I have one I have restored)
My main concerns are "wrenchability" and availability of parts. ie relatively easy, and lots....

I'd like a wagon, but it is not essential.

Suggestions, Old.

PV4 -
Wrenchability? YES
Parts? NOPE.
Wagon? Sort of, sure.

: images.jpeg (13.28 KiB) Viewed 1000 times

P210 Duett
Wrenchability? YES.
Parts? So-So.
Wagon? YES!

: 1957-Volvo-444-Duett-31-768x576.jpg (126.98 KiB) Viewed 1000 times

: 1957-Volvo-444-Duett-14.jpg (104.98 KiB) Viewed 1000 times