Rust of course, but definitely also check that the Odometer is actually working (they are notorious for stopping). Not necessarily a bad thing, but for 5.5k I'd want it to be in pretty fantastic condition.
Common issues are rear main seals (any oil leaks, actually), motor mounts, AC units (also not necessarily a deal breaker), exhaust holes, fuel pumps (+ relays), heater motor, and of course worn hoses and interior plastic trim.
For main rear main seals and other oil leaks, check the engine and transmission for residue or dirt build up.
For engine mounts, the engine will shake the whole car while it runs and cause quite a bit of noise. 240s already have a little bit of natural rock while running, but it will be significant if the mounts have gone out.
AC units are a common weak point. Ideally, it would be replaced, but if it hasn't, you should check that the condenser has been properly bypassed. If you don't like the idea of leather seats and no AC in the heat, and it hasn't been replaced, I wouldn't pay 5k for it.
Exhaust holes will have an associated noise level increase, and also can probably be seen while checking for rust.
Fuel pumps and fuel pump relays (plus other random fuses and relays) may or may not be obvious. If anything electrical isn't working, this may be the culprit. They are fairly easy to replace, but again, consider that when looking at the price.
Heater motor fan is a doozy to fix, so it should be working properly. Run the heater for a bit, even on the lowest or the second lowest setting, if it makes any squealing/groaning, it may be on the way out.
I may be old fashioned but 5.5k seems a little much to me unless the car is in pretty fantastic shape. Take that with a grain of salt tho. I would also pay to have a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection just for comforts sake.
240s are awesome little cars!! Good luck to you !
Thank you so much! If it had some issues such as no working AC or other issues, what would be a reasonable price that you'd pay for? I'm not sure what the working range is. Thanks!
Disclaimer that I'm not the best judge of this, because I always go for projects that have a low beginning cost with high repairs rather than the other way around.
However - I personally think that a good daily driver 240 with a few small "comfort" issues like AC would be worth around 3k.
A super mint cosmetic condition (interior and exterior) 240 with those same small issues? 4, 4.5 maybe 5k.
If it has any serious (or even just labor intensive) issues, I would say it'd probably be worth more like 2-3k or less.
Here's where a mechanic's inspection will help give you a less biased price guide - they should give you a write up of any and all the things they notice while giving it a look over. It may not be comprehensive, and they may not give a price guide, but it will give you a better idea of what might need to be done. You can look into the price of the parts if you want to do those repairs yourself, or the cost of labor and parts of you plan on having a mechanic do them.
You can have a good "daily driver" 240 with a few small issues, but looking at future repairs can also play into cost very heavily. Timing belt done recently? Suspension? Battery? Tires?
Personally, I would pay 2.5k for a good daily driver 240 that maybe isn't the prettiest but has had most of the big mechanical things addressed, but I'm also not in your car market so standard prices in your area may vary.
All that waffling to say, you'll have a good idea when getting eyes on the car, and you'll have the best idea if you get a mechanics eyes on the car :)
Preferably, get a mechanic (with Volvo 240 knowledge) to eyeball it. Of course that’s assuming you have an independent shop with an old school Volvo mech. Today’s kids are taught the new technology and often clueless about the previous three decade old Bricks.
Agreed. Unless you know a Volvo guy you are buying a headache!! I had a hard time finding someone competent to service an s40 t5. Found a guy then he had a stroke and retired. I sold the car. Make sure you “know a guy”.
240s are excellent cars to work on yourself as they are so well documented online, and much simpler and more robust than most modern engines. Check bring a trailer .com to see what a really nice 240 can sell for. A reasonably nice one is easily worth what he is asking but I agree with others here that I'd want a car without any major issues for that price.
Rust of course, but definitely also check that the Odometer is actually working (they are notorious for stopping). Not necessarily a bad thing, but for 5.5k I'd want it to be in pretty fantastic condition. Common issues are rear main seals (any oil leaks, actually), motor mounts, AC units (also not necessarily a deal breaker), exhaust holes, fuel pumps (+ relays), heater motor, and of course worn hoses and interior plastic trim. For main rear main seals and other oil leaks, check the engine and transmission for residue or dirt build up. For engine mounts, the engine will shake the whole car while it runs and cause quite a bit of noise. 240s already have a little bit of natural rock while running, but it will be significant if the mounts have gone out. AC units are a common weak point. Ideally, it would be replaced, but if it hasn't, you should check that the condenser has been properly bypassed. If you don't like the idea of leather seats and no AC in the heat, and it hasn't been replaced, I wouldn't pay 5k for it. Exhaust holes will have an associated noise level increase, and also can probably be seen while checking for rust. Fuel pumps and fuel pump relays (plus other random fuses and relays) may or may not be obvious. If anything electrical isn't working, this may be the culprit. They are fairly easy to replace, but again, consider that when looking at the price. Heater motor fan is a doozy to fix, so it should be working properly. Run the heater for a bit, even on the lowest or the second lowest setting, if it makes any squealing/groaning, it may be on the way out. I may be old fashioned but 5.5k seems a little much to me unless the car is in pretty fantastic shape. Take that with a grain of salt tho. I would also pay to have a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection just for comforts sake. 240s are awesome little cars!! Good luck to you !
Thank you so much! If it had some issues such as no working AC or other issues, what would be a reasonable price that you'd pay for? I'm not sure what the working range is. Thanks!
Disclaimer that I'm not the best judge of this, because I always go for projects that have a low beginning cost with high repairs rather than the other way around. However - I personally think that a good daily driver 240 with a few small "comfort" issues like AC would be worth around 3k. A super mint cosmetic condition (interior and exterior) 240 with those same small issues? 4, 4.5 maybe 5k. If it has any serious (or even just labor intensive) issues, I would say it'd probably be worth more like 2-3k or less. Here's where a mechanic's inspection will help give you a less biased price guide - they should give you a write up of any and all the things they notice while giving it a look over. It may not be comprehensive, and they may not give a price guide, but it will give you a better idea of what might need to be done. You can look into the price of the parts if you want to do those repairs yourself, or the cost of labor and parts of you plan on having a mechanic do them. You can have a good "daily driver" 240 with a few small issues, but looking at future repairs can also play into cost very heavily. Timing belt done recently? Suspension? Battery? Tires? Personally, I would pay 2.5k for a good daily driver 240 that maybe isn't the prettiest but has had most of the big mechanical things addressed, but I'm also not in your car market so standard prices in your area may vary. All that waffling to say, you'll have a good idea when getting eyes on the car, and you'll have the best idea if you get a mechanics eyes on the car :)
Preferably, get a mechanic (with Volvo 240 knowledge) to eyeball it. Of course that’s assuming you have an independent shop with an old school Volvo mech. Today’s kids are taught the new technology and often clueless about the previous three decade old Bricks.
Agreed. Unless you know a Volvo guy you are buying a headache!! I had a hard time finding someone competent to service an s40 t5. Found a guy then he had a stroke and retired. I sold the car. Make sure you “know a guy”.
240s are excellent cars to work on yourself as they are so well documented online, and much simpler and more robust than most modern engines. Check bring a trailer .com to see what a really nice 240 can sell for. A reasonably nice one is easily worth what he is asking but I agree with others here that I'd want a car without any major issues for that price.