I recently purchased my first Volvo, a 92 240 wagon. I love it, it's clean inside and out, not much rust, higher than average mileage but well maintained and in good operating condition. I was looking for a roomy winter car and think I got that and a whole lot more. There are so many qualities that go with a 240 Volvo wagon, that all of you know (safety, solid engineering, ergonomic comfort, spacious cargo, durable drivetrain, etc.). I have read some people say that they thought the
240 was possibly the best car that Volvo ever built.Oddly enough, I also own a 1982 Mercedes-Benz 240, a diesel sedan. It shares many of the qualities of the Volvo listed above (except cargo space obviously). Both fine cars, that in good condition and with proper care and maintenance, could potentially last another 10 years (maybe more with the Benz, as I don't drive it in the winter).
Now the reality is that I didn't pay much for my Volvo, and I see many others of that vintage selling for very low dollars locally. Mind you, many of them are probably rusted through so are not worth much, but some look like very nice specimen. So I am asking myself: if these vehicles are so well built, so durable, possess all those qualities, why aren't there more people seeking them out (thereby increasing used prices by supply and demand)?
I have come across a few people who had bought solid old Volvos as first car for their kids, only to have the kids say "I don't want to drive in that ugly thing!", and the parent is forced to sell. So looks are part of it, the 240 (especially) has outdated lines (some would call that "classic"). Plus they are getting older, and a lot of people won't touch a used car that's more than 3-4 years old. I have a feeling that ignorance is probably mostly to blame for people shunning older Volvos. I can't help thinking that maybe, like in other aspects of our society, there is a kind of "dumming down" of the population mainstream. People generally don't care what's under the hood of a car anymore, and the vast majority never look under there. NO interest in how the vehicle is designed, except that it have a good stereo and go like the wind when they step on the gas. Longevity, cost of ownership (most people go for expensive leases now!), seems secondary in most people's mind to color, looks, sex appeal, whatever.
Oh well, I suppose this ignorance is a blessing for those of us who favour older cars like Volvos, because it ensures plentiful supply of cheap cars and parts. However, something nags at me, to try to explain why someone would rather buy a 4 year old Dodge Neon or Chevy Cavalier or Kia (or choose your favorite piece of cr*p car), rather than a safer, better designed, and probably longer-lived older vehicle like a Volvo or Mercedes... It's a mystery to me...