(Lack of) appeal of older Volvos (240)

Mine is the nicest car I've driven, but at 25 yrs it's a time bomb. If someone offered a new anything I couldn't afford to refuse.

Well let's face it, any car older than 10 years, especially with significant mileage, is going to suffer component breakdown from time to time, in spite of the best preventative maintenance schedule. Then again, a brand new car can leave one stranded with a blown ECU or other electronic component. I think we all have to weigh the peace of mind and relative reliability of a newer car versus its cost. An older car will cost a LOT less to acquire and insure, and probably less to operate (unless one buys a car that has been poorly maintained over its life), but will have a somewhat higher risk of breakdown and component failure. We all have to find a balance that sits well with us, taking into account our need for dependability, and our abilities to adequately maintain the car ourselves, and therefore prevent as many of the unforeseen mishaps as possible. The 12 year old Volvo 240 I have strikes that balance I think. We'll see how it works out this winter....

The IIHS ran an 83 260 diesel and a similar aged Dodge Caravan through their frontal test. The Dodge fared much better.

The newer Volvo probably would have sustained more damage in the scenario described above, but not likely any significant structural damage. Car companies are designing cars to be more pedestrian friendly in auto versus people accidents.

If it's a time bomb then you're not maintaining it correctly.

I would in fact, new cars are so boring and sterile, and the first little ding from a piece of gravel really hurts. Much rather have something broken in and familiar, something I know I can fix if something does break, and something without a warranty so I don't have to worry about voiding it.

Ah, a man after my own heart! We need to form a "warranties are a nuisance" club! The car isn't truly yours until it is paid for and the warranty is run out.

Mike

Probably, but regardless of maintenance one day something will wear out on it which can't be fixed for less than the price of a newer old one. For whatever maintenance failings, I keep cars longer than most I know and it's usually rust which beats me - which suggests to me overcapitalisation.

I sure cant afford to run a Volvo if I went to the big dealers and paid what they want for parts .I shop around and find the parts are as cheap or cheaper than the main sellers ford and gm here .

i've owned/driven volvos since my 122 '64... the problem really is, what do you do with a volvo *after* it has faithfully served you... my '86 240 wagon has 400+K but my wife insisted, and i'm updating to a '90 240 DL wagon, and again now have 4 of them critters (81,83,86,86) that i *must* get off registration/insurance... the last horror sequence was i just gave them away with the common, "pay me whenever" principle as long as its 50+ miles away from me (i wanna fix my old cars for other people)... that's a challenge! once/twice i've stripped to to differential, and warehoused parts for "what-if" cases... i've still got 6-7 radiators lenses, mass air meters, fuel pumps, strombergs, SU's, cluttering my garage... ima getting too old for this, especially when the world is passing me by with the "new" 5 cylinder FWD models...

so, i got a great 1990 245 Wagon... it will be my only car. (automatic yuk!) but with 75K it should last my life... my comment here is to emphasize the great importance of *maintenance*... my 86 245 hasn't seen an oil change in 3yrs... it has 400K smiles and beyond total rust of its rocker panels, exhaust leaks through the back door, and my wife's endless rage about endangering our 2 irish setters it is perfect.. but it is now going away to someone who wants to mow our lawn, paint our fence, bangs some nails, or whatever... ima moving on from my relentless dream of holding on to my old herd of 240s...

undoubtedly, the 240 Series IS the best Volvo ever has made... but one cannot drive more than one at a time!

ending this diatribe(?) is my suggestion to anyone looking to get a pre-1992 240 Series Volvo (eBay has them from $400 to $4000)... just realize that an '87 Volvo in Utah with 250K for $800 might not be a better deal than a '90 Volvo next door with 80K for $4000... go for the LOWEST MILEAGE at a decent price... but ALWAYS stay with the 240 Model....

best to all

Janos (Volvo owner for 40+ years)

I know there are highest mileage lists for Volvo's what about starting a longest period of CONTINUOUS ownership list.

You must be VERY old to have owned Ovlov's for 40 years, amazed you can use email (joke!)

Andy