240 reliability?

Discussion in 'Volvo 240' started by Men, Jun 8, 2004.

  1. Men

    Men Guest

    This would be the place to ask. I'm interested in finding and buying a
    used 240 DL or GL and am wondering what the reliability overall is for
    these models. Naturally, safety is the initial appeal, but what other
    attributes do these cars offer? Most of the vehicles I'm considering
    have in the range of 100k -- 150k miles. Is there a point mileage-wise
    at which these vehicles tend to go "south."

    Thanks for your opinions and thoughts.
     
    Men, Jun 8, 2004
    #1
  2. Men

    PButler111 Guest

    Subject: 240 reliability?
    I've never heard of any 240 dying from engine trouble. It's usually rust that
    kills those cars. My first 240 had over 250,000 miles when I totalled it. The
    next had about 180,000 when I traded up to my current 240, which has 138,000
    miles. Next week I'm picking up my next 240, which has 101,000 miles, and
    giving my current car to my brother-in-law. Love those 240s!
     
    PButler111, Jun 8, 2004
    #2
  3. Just replaced original water pump at 156,000 miles. It's the 2.3 89 estate.
    Purrs along at just under 3000rpm at 80 mph in top. It would do that all day
    without turniong a hair. Smooth, comfy and great for load carrying. And you
    gotta love those heated seats on a winters morning.........
    Les


    --
    http://www.stuffmongers.com

    "Homo sapiens, the first truly free species, is about to decommission
    natural selection, the force that made us.... Soon we must look deep
    within ourselves and decide what we wish to become." Edward O. Wilson
    Consilience, The Unity of Knowledge

    Remove frontal lobes to reply from a NG
     
    Les &/or Claire, Jun 8, 2004
    #3
  4. Men

    Rod Gray Guest

    Being a Volve Master till 93, the most commom problomes are the window
    switches, and the blower moters for the interior fan.Keep the fuses clean.
    Clean the contacts. I still have an 86 240 I won't drive anything but a
    Volvo.I just gave the wife a 740 because our Mazda van had the timing belt
    slip. No problem on a B230. Non interferance motor.Just put a new bellt on
    and go again.I have only rebuilt one B230 engine.. It overneated because the
    radiator hose broke.
     
    Rod Gray, Jun 9, 2004
    #4
  5. Men

    Martijn Guest

    Hi,

    I've seen several 240's over here in The Netherlands with over 545.000 km's
    on them and still running satisfactory.
    Mine 240 GL 1981 has only 206.000 km's on the dial.

    Cheers,

    Martijn
     
    Martijn, Jun 9, 2004
    #5
  6. Men

    Guest Guest

    Engine and transmissions can go for 300-400 k if properly maintained .
    However many the 1984-1988 models have a crumbling engine wiring .
    harness which shows up at about the mileage you state . Also you will
    be looking at front and rear bushings, rear auto trans bushings ,
    probably ball joints, and tie rod ends, strut inserts , heater
    blower motor not too far down the road . My advice - get a well
    maintained 1988 or lated model with least mileage you cna afford a
    good set of tools and Bentley 240 manual and keep up with this NG and
    contribute and post at www.brickbaord.com .
     
    Guest, Jun 9, 2004
    #6
  7. Men

    PButler111 Guest

    Subject: Re: 240 reliability?
    Or just buy a 1990's model. Lots of them on eBay all the time.
     
    PButler111, Jun 9, 2004
    #7
  8. Men

    Men Guest

    Now, of course, I just have to find one for sale. In SOuthern
    California, perferably.
     
    Men, Jun 9, 2004
    #8
  9. Men

    PButler111 Guest

    Were you looking for a wagon or a sedan?
     
    PButler111, Jun 9, 2004
    #9
  10. Men

    menyud Guest

    I'm looking for either -- preferably a wagon.
     
    menyud, Jun 10, 2004
    #10
  11. Men

    Men Guest

    Looking for either -- wagon preferered, though.
     
    Men, Jun 10, 2004
    #11
  12. Men

    PButler111 Guest

    Subject: Re: 240 reliability?
    Here's a California car with only 70k miles on eBay right now:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2481412
    108&category=31877

    Check out all the 240s while you're there. There are currently several good
    240s available.
     
    PButler111, Jun 10, 2004
    #12
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