volvo 240's

[jim]

I'm thinking about a 240 for the daily hack but i don't know much about them

what are they like to own?

is there anything i need to look for when buying one?

what is the 2litre version like speed wise?

and what is the turbo version like on fuel?

pics would be great too

[Lankytim]

Nice cars, rugged and reliable. 30mpg if you get a manual and don't drive it too fast. 2 litres are slower than 2.3s but still ok. Best is the 2.3 injection GLT for drivability. They didnt make a turbo in RHD so I don't know much about those.

They are much more rust resistant than their contemporaries but rust can still be a problem. Scabby arches are commonplace, as is rot under the tailgate landing panels in estates. Sills are ususally fine but can go at the rear. If the car youre looking at has rot in the screen surround or in the door pillars walk away. Theres loads of good examples around, Estates still command a premium for their great load carring abilities (240s LOVE to be loaded), saloon models go begging and can be picked up for £150-£200 for a tidy one.

[sniper]

Agree with all the above, I've been running one as a daily for the last 6 months, no problems at all. Take your time and find a good one, there's plenty about. Estates are indeed, cavernous.

207K and counting!

[wagoneer]

I loved mine and it was extremely practical (estate). Fuel consumption was fine for a 2ltr and insurance was OK too.

Parts are all available either from Volvo still or GSF car parts online or at a store. For inspiration take a look at turbobricks.com for go faster stuff.

[bryn]

All what they said ;D

Plus watch out for rot around the rear jacking points, and front door hinges unless you want to recreate some sort of TG Rover moment.

Other plus points to look out for are a genuine Volvo oil filter, as supposedly these have a baffle in them which aids oil pressure to the top of the engine, prolonging head life. Not sure how true that is, but it came from a Volvo mechanic and mine has now done 249K on the original engine and head.

Just take your time and look for a GLT estate, anything is else is good... But the GLT's are well worth hunting out for the extra gadgets.

As an indication of use, my lastest purchase is the same age as my Volvo, and has done 100K less miles than the 240 when I bought it, but most of the electrics are shaky and the switch gear is worn.

As long when you start asking the inevitable questions you of what wheels can I fit? Who does a lowering kit and how can I make it faster? You'll get the following answers...

Not a lot and angle grinder.

That said, my Volvo is modified, I've done best part of 50K around Europe in it and absolutely love it. The standard 2.3 motor gives roughly 135bhp, which in a much lightened estate can be a laugh without worrying about expensive repair bills.

Do it.

[tigran]

I was just about to say that they were slow and drank like a fish. Loved 'my' one to bits, already looking for a replacement. Such comfy cruisers it's unreal and pretty damn bulletproof. Just don't try and get anywhere fast with the 2.0's

It was comfy even with the low height. Wheels are a pita to find aftermarket - that said modern s60 wheels would look the daddy on them IMO. So well put together as well.

*goes off to the bay*

[edhall]

Drove a 240 2-litre petrol (1987) to Spain this summer. Don't expect much more than 25mpg. 300 miles per tank. Not fast mind but very solid...

[Paul H]

irol said:

Other plus points to look out for are a genuine Volvo oil filter, as supposedly these have a baffle in them which aids oil pressure to the top of the engine, prolonging head life. Not sure how true that is, but it came from a Volvo mechanic and mine has now done 249K on the original engine and head.

IIRC, the genuine Volvo filters have a non-return valve in them (to stop the oil draining back into the sump when the engine is off), so there is always oil pressure immediately on start-up

[richy]

Bryn's summed it up perfectly: great cars: monster-reliable, narrow so they're OK in multi-storey car parks; lots of light inside (esp compared with my modern) and spares-back-up is great. Two years ago racked up almost 20,000 miles in 12 months in TopTaff's.

Do it - you know it makes sense

[cptsideways]

Yep top bargain motors, very comfy but the front doors are tiny!! find a nice one & your laughing. Watch out for wobbly rear axle bushes in addition to all the other stuff mentioned. We drove our minter left hooker 2.0 GLT to the Gambia, managed admirably did about 25mpg fully overladen with 1/2 ton of beer + camping kit & a caraven across the Sahara. All that broke was a wiper stalk