I am totally new to volvo's as well as this board.
My questions are thus: What kind of reliability can I expect from an older Volvo? Also, are replacement part prices reasonable or do I need to get ready for sticker shock? Last question, what sort of gas mileage does a Volvo get?
There is an '82 240 w/ 4cyl 4speed listed in my area that is SUPER clean. And I am somewhat interested.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Mike
Reliability is super, at least when it is a carb engine, B21A. The only electrical part is the radio ;-)
Mechanicaly they are very good. Watch for corroded fuses, worn suspension and a worn out carburettor, worn propn shaft (grease regulary!!). The interior fan will probabely sqeeck (correct word?) as well, replace it.
Cheers, Martijn
244GL '81 144DL '73 262C '80 (LPG) Merc C180 Elegance
I just bought an '81 245 wagon with 4-cylinder/4-speed with electric overdrive for $200 a few weeks ago. If you have overdrive, you can probably expect mid-to-high twenties for mpg. I don't get that yet, only two tanks through it so far. First one I got 20 mpg (I was doing a lot of tinkering, passing emissions, etc.) Second tank I got 23 mpg. If I baby it I think I can easily beat 25.
Volvos are very reliable. Mine has 283,000 miles on it. It has the mechanical CIS fuel injection, which is pretty dependable.
It does take some mechanical aptitude and a lot of time here and on the brickboard.com to sort out problems you may have. You can always go there and check out the common problems inherent in old Volvos.
Parts are not a problem. You can check parts prices at Autozone.com, or FCP Groton is a great source, as is ebay.
I'm having some problems with my fuses. I need to remove them and use a Dremel to clean up the fuse tabs. They tend to get corroded and cause intermittent electrical gremlins. This can cause no-start problems. Thankfully, the fuses are easily accessible and a little wiggle or two usually gets things going.
Look for worn rear trailing arm bushings where the bottom of the axle bolts to the trailing arm attaching it to the car. These bushings wear out every 100K or so. I have new ones ordered for mine. It helps to be a shadetree mechanic on a car this old.
One thing I really like: These cars are very comfortable, and ride great. They don't handle like a sports car though, and sure won't win the race to the next stoplight.
If the price is right, go for it.
KennyH
Horsepower is cheaper than therapy.
As far as older cars go they're great, but a major selling point from a mechanical standpoint is they're very easy to work on and used parts are easy to find. Remember though, you're looking at a 22 year old car, you'll have to expect it to need some work, but if you plan on keeping it for a while and don't mind doing your own repairs you'll likely be happy with it.
4 speed with overdrive should get 24-26 mpg on the highway assuming the mechanical injection B21F in '82.MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.