My son has reached that age (15 1/2) where he needs to get a car to take his driver's test in and then to drive to school. We're in the country and it's about 12 miles to school, all highway. I'm aware of the splendid rep of Volvos, and if I find the right one have no hesitation in buying same. However, I really haven't the slightest idea in the difference between a 240 DL, a 780, a 960, or a partridge in a pear tree. I am looking at models (used) in the 10 to 15 year old range $1500-3000. Are there any I should avoid like the plague? grab as soon as I see one? There seem to be a number of 240 DL s out there. A four door is preferable. We're in SE Wisconsin, half way between Milwaukee and Madison. Any help would be appreciated, TIA,
Ron
Neophyte (big dummy) needs advice
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fieldmouse
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Kmaniac in California USA
- Posts: 301
- Joined: 15 January 2005
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I was in your same position last year, when we were looking for a car for my now 17 year old daughter.
The Volvo 240 is what I call the compact Volvo. This model number was produced throughout the 1980's and into the early 1990's. It is based on the same body platform introduced in the late 1960's as the 242 and 262. A nice compact car, with rather dated styling, which was available in either 2-door, 4-door or wagon. The 240 came with the 2.3 L four cylinder, either turbo charged or not.
The Volvo 740 was a newer, bigger Volvo, introduced in 1983. Although it shared many of the drive train components of the 240, it is a bigger car and fits a 6'-4" frame like mine very comfortably. These cars came in either 4-door or station wagon and are known for being rust resistant, a handy feature in your part of the US. The 740 came with the 2.3 L four cylinder, either turbo charged or not. The 740 was offered through the early 1990's. The non-turbo 2.3 has acceleration characteristics well suited for a teenager, from a parent's point of view. Many people refer to the 740 as a "brick on wheels" or just "brick"
The Volvo 760 is the same as the 740, except it came with the 2.8 L V-6. I have heard that you should avoid the V-6.
The Volvo 780 is a special Volvo. Based on the platform of a 740, this car was a two-door body, which was assembled in Italy. Approximately 8,000 units of this model were made over a seven year period. I have seen maybe a half dozen here in California over the last year. This model looks similar to a BMW 3 series from the side. Many of the parts unique to the 780 are no longer available and not supported by Volvo. It came with either a turbo charged 2.3 L or a 2.8 L V-6.
The 740/760 series morphed into the 940/960 series in the early 1990's. These models ran until the late 1990's. Again, you could get the 2.3 L four cylinder, either turbo or not, or the 2.8 L V-6.
I have been told that with a reasonable service record, these cars will last 300,000 to 400,000 miles. I own a 1986 740 GLE with non-turbo 2.3 L and 4-speed automatic, with 207,000 miles on the clock. I would not hesitate to drive this car anywhere. Acceleration may not snap the neck, but it is reasonable. And the car will get 28 MPG on the highway.
If anyone would like to add to these descriptions, please do. Having owned my Volvo for just about one year, I do not claim to have a vast knowledge of these vehicles, only a half vast knowledge. Please let us know what you find and if you need any help.
The Volvo 240 is what I call the compact Volvo. This model number was produced throughout the 1980's and into the early 1990's. It is based on the same body platform introduced in the late 1960's as the 242 and 262. A nice compact car, with rather dated styling, which was available in either 2-door, 4-door or wagon. The 240 came with the 2.3 L four cylinder, either turbo charged or not.
The Volvo 740 was a newer, bigger Volvo, introduced in 1983. Although it shared many of the drive train components of the 240, it is a bigger car and fits a 6'-4" frame like mine very comfortably. These cars came in either 4-door or station wagon and are known for being rust resistant, a handy feature in your part of the US. The 740 came with the 2.3 L four cylinder, either turbo charged or not. The 740 was offered through the early 1990's. The non-turbo 2.3 has acceleration characteristics well suited for a teenager, from a parent's point of view. Many people refer to the 740 as a "brick on wheels" or just "brick"
The Volvo 760 is the same as the 740, except it came with the 2.8 L V-6. I have heard that you should avoid the V-6.
The Volvo 780 is a special Volvo. Based on the platform of a 740, this car was a two-door body, which was assembled in Italy. Approximately 8,000 units of this model were made over a seven year period. I have seen maybe a half dozen here in California over the last year. This model looks similar to a BMW 3 series from the side. Many of the parts unique to the 780 are no longer available and not supported by Volvo. It came with either a turbo charged 2.3 L or a 2.8 L V-6.
The 740/760 series morphed into the 940/960 series in the early 1990's. These models ran until the late 1990's. Again, you could get the 2.3 L four cylinder, either turbo or not, or the 2.8 L V-6.
I have been told that with a reasonable service record, these cars will last 300,000 to 400,000 miles. I own a 1986 740 GLE with non-turbo 2.3 L and 4-speed automatic, with 207,000 miles on the clock. I would not hesitate to drive this car anywhere. Acceleration may not snap the neck, but it is reasonable. And the car will get 28 MPG on the highway.
If anyone would like to add to these descriptions, please do. Having owned my Volvo for just about one year, I do not claim to have a vast knowledge of these vehicles, only a half vast knowledge. Please let us know what you find and if you need any help.
Chris the "K MANIAC"
1986 740 GLE
(5) 1964 Chrysler 300-K's
1986 740 GLE
(5) 1964 Chrysler 300-K's
I have some experience, because I have owned both 240 and 740 series. I would say that the 240 is a more old fashion car with some not good solutions. It is more heavy to repair and also rusting. The 740 is probably one of the most easy cars to repair.
The 740 rust protection and anti rust solutions is probably the best ever done. In those days the galvanized body was something new, so Volvo continued to use wax for protection together with the galvanization. That is why you seldom see a rusty 740.
The engine and gearbox ( the complete driveline) is borrowed from the 240, and that was really proven good solution. The front brakes are very good, much better solution that the 240. The 740 is also a much more silent car.
Safety is important and the 740 is safe! In Sweden it is an insurance company that is studying accidents with cars and the harms to the driver and passengers. The 740 is still comparabel to brand new small cars if you look at safety. This 15 - 20 years old car is still a medium car in safetety. My advice, buy a 740 for your son, it it reliable, easy to repair and safer than other old cheap cars. I did, and i sold the 240.
The 740 rust protection and anti rust solutions is probably the best ever done. In those days the galvanized body was something new, so Volvo continued to use wax for protection together with the galvanization. That is why you seldom see a rusty 740.
The engine and gearbox ( the complete driveline) is borrowed from the 240, and that was really proven good solution. The front brakes are very good, much better solution that the 240. The 740 is also a much more silent car.
Safety is important and the 740 is safe! In Sweden it is an insurance company that is studying accidents with cars and the harms to the driver and passengers. The 740 is still comparabel to brand new small cars if you look at safety. This 15 - 20 years old car is still a medium car in safetety. My advice, buy a 740 for your son, it it reliable, easy to repair and safer than other old cheap cars. I did, and i sold the 240.
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yeagermeister
- Posts: 85
- Joined: 18 May 2005
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- Location: richmond, va
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also, it's good to note the basic numbering system:
1st number = body style
2nd number = number of cylinders in engine
3rd number = generic 0 (though you'll see some described with a 4 or 5, which is the number of doors. 4= sedan, 5= wagon.)
examples-
240 - 2 series with a 4 cyl.
960 - 9 series with a V6
745 - 7 series, 4 cyl, wagon
1st number = body style
2nd number = number of cylinders in engine
3rd number = generic 0 (though you'll see some described with a 4 or 5, which is the number of doors. 4= sedan, 5= wagon.)
examples-
240 - 2 series with a 4 cyl.
960 - 9 series with a V6
745 - 7 series, 4 cyl, wagon
(the other) sean
'94 855 5-speed
'02 lifted Nissan XTERRA
'94 855 5-speed
'02 lifted Nissan XTERRA
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SniperC4007
- Posts: 21
- Joined: 6 June 2005
- Year and Model:
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Im 18, my dad gave me a 1986 Volvo 740 GLE, love this car, I still have it but Im selling it to my ex-girlfriends dad. I really don't want to sell it because this car has been so good to me. No problems at all, except for me blowing the transmission.This car feels great. Ive done alot of work on it to look even better, redid the headlinder and fixed teh black leather seats and added headrests for the front and back seats. Also I converted the sunroof to power instead of manual. This is probably the best car ever built. I wish I could keep it until 300,000 miles, Im at 109,000 but oh well, its gotta go... 
pics of my wonderful car
http://community.webshots.com/album/401824007DLSgxh
Buy a 740!!!! or 760 Turbo, had better features.
pics of my wonderful car
http://community.webshots.com/album/401824007DLSgxh
Buy a 740!!!! or 760 Turbo, had better features.
Sniper>>
________________
1986 Toyota Corolla SR5
1986 Volvo 740 GLE
1989 BMW 535i
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1986 Toyota Corolla SR5
1986 Volvo 740 GLE
1989 BMW 535i
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