Learning and Diving into Volvo, and maybe hunting for my own!

TheFlynn01 · Post by **TheFlynn01** » 12 Jun 2026, 15:27

Hey there folks!

So I am here to learn more about Volvo. My father-in-law has two Volvos, a 122S and a P1800, and they are really neat cars, and I have enjoyed driving and talking about them with him. I may one day be in a position to take care of those cars, as my wife's other siblings are not car people. So arming myself with a little info about all things Volvo seems like a wise choice.

As for myself, I have an '81 CJ5, Jeep that I have had and worked on for a long time, and these safe and reliable Volvos seem quite interesting to me! I seem drawn to the 240s, and I figure that this might be a good place to learn more about them, and maybe find one for myself one day! From what little I have learned: These cars seem fun. With my jeep, I feel I am working on it more than I am driving it, and it would be interesting to dip into a hobby car I can actually drive around in! Who would have thought! haha!

I hope hear from you all and see if I can learn a thing or two! I look forward to it! I really am curious about 240s ad what ownership is like!

Post by **scot850** » 12 Jun 2026, 19:48

240 ownership is a great experience. Pretty easy to work on and simple. They are rugged and as long as maintained with regular oil changes (I did mine at 3000 miles, some say 5000) and they lasted well with just normal servicing, strangely most cars do the same!

For me the mechanicals are the easy part, the main thing to watch for is corrosion. The youngest is now over 33 years old. A sedan is nice and comfortable to drive, but like all things a wagon is more useful, but likely to have used harder.

Good Luck with the search!

Neil.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 12 Jun 2026, 20:24

I love 240s, buy i think 850 might be a better car to possibly own. It has more safety features, comfort, and os trully is a new classic. You still might have a good chance to steal one from rust free states in a good shape for a decent money.

TheFlynn01 · Post by **TheFlynn01** » 13 Jun 2026, 13:30

scot850 wrote: 12 Jun 2026, 19:48 240 ownership is a great experience. Pretty easy to work on and simple. They are rugged and as long as maintained with regular oil changes (I did mine at 3000 miles, some say 5000) and they lasted well with just normal servicing, strangely most cars do the same!

For me the mechanicals are the easy part, the main thing to watch for is corrosion. The youngest is now over 33 years old. A sedan is nice and comfortable to drive, but like all things a wagon is more useful, but likely to have used harder.

Good Luck with the search!

Neil.

Hey Neil, thanks for the reply. The 240 looks like a neat car, and it would be nice to have something with good bones to build on. I have a soft spot for wagons, but I do not think I am alone on that! The sedan looks like a good car too, I just like the extra space. My daily drivers have been outbacks/crosstreks for quite some time. I would not Need another wagon, but I woulnt turn one down. You prefer manual or automatic? Seem people dont complain about either much.

Vova585 wrote: 12 Jun 2026, 20:24 I love 240s, buy i think 850 might be a better car to possibly own. It has more safety features, comfort, and os trully is a new classic. You still might have a good chance to steal one from rust free states in a good shape for a decent money.

I had not looked into the 850s at all. Almost all stuff Volvo is pretty new to me, so I will have to take a peek at it! You have one yourself what has been your experience with it?

Post by **scot850** » 13 Jun 2026, 15:59

850's or first gen V70/S70/C70 are all similar to own and run. There were some changes to electrics and controls systems in 1999.

I always had 240 manuals and they were good cars, but autos are ok too. I would be buying more on body condition and worry about the mechanicals after. Clean cars are now going for big money. So balancing between price and if you are willing to do some work on it I would aim to get good bodywork and interior and expect to do some maintenance in the first year.

Neil.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 14 Jun 2026, 14:10

I have owned and driven several 240 Volvos from 1975 to 1986 models. Manuals and automatics. The automatics are strong and can last the life of the car..I owned both sedans and wagons.
They are solid vehicles that can last a long time if serviced. The ride might be described as harsh if you are used to modern vehicles.
Parts are mostly available since many were built and many are still in use.
volvolugnut

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 14 Jun 2026, 20:15

I was thinking what to suggest beyond what gurus above suggested and a song "friend with the boat" stuck in my head..No matter which old car you will buy it will cost money and time. It might take you away from the other hobbies you enjoy. So maybe just bring some basic tools with you and cold beer and enjoy wrenching with father-in-law. I bet the guy would love sharing with you his passion(it is a cult honestly).

TheFlynn01 · Post by **TheFlynn01** » 26 Jun 2026, 18:07

Thank you all for the info! I am hoping to get into it and see what I can get stuck into. The cars look like a lot of fun! I just think it will be finding a good one.

I had been looking some up, and Neil was right: good bodies seem to be going for more. The 240s seems to have quite the following and are not cheap! What I am hoping to do is find someone with a 240 and go for a ride, learn about the car and poke my head under the hood. Right now they are just sort of 'ideas' rough imaginings of what the car is. Till I can kick a tire or look at one up close it will be hard to see beyond that! If that makes sense?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 27 Jun 2026, 14:37

Cruse the parking lots and approach a 240 owner and talk with them. If you hit it off, maybe a ride will be offered.
Try not to be creepy.
volvolugnut