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Anyone familiar with these cars? I know they are pretty reliable and durable, I've had mine for two years, got it with 163k miles, now has 180k. I'm relocating soon (which led me to this forum, hah), and while I'd like to keep the car, I'm debating whether it will be worth it. I haven't had any significant problems with the car, but it has needed some serious maintenance in the time I've had it and probably needs some more.
I'm bringing it to a local Volvo mechanic on Wednesday and we'll see what he says, but I was wondering if any car nuts (of which I am not one at all) might have an opinion. Would it be worth spending, say, a grand to get it into top shape? I can certainly live without a car where I'm going (Chicago), but I'll be in a neighborhood with easy parking and I prefer to have one. Plus the insurance on this car is cheap and it's a good car for a city dweller (easy to park, don't care if it gets dinged up a little).
Well, it's an old car that will need semi-constant attention. I have a couple of 240's that have the same mechanicals. I really enjoy the rear wheel drive aspect and the seats can't be beat for comfort. They handle ok (even better with aftermarket sway bars) and get reasonable gas mileage. The engines and trannies are as solid as they come and their looks are truly retro-something.
But... The little things can add up. Eventually, you'll need an rpm sensor, overdrive relay, fuel pump relay, wiper motor, a new flame trap and fuel filter(dirt cheap, but nearly impossible to do these yourself), a new radiator, water pump and belts. The electronics of the early 90s can be wacky or... perfect!
I love these cars. Very stable and as safe as they could be in their day. They do need maintenance, though, and it all depends on how far you are willing to go with them in that department. you truly need to be somewhat of a do-it-yourselfer or you'll spend some serious cash. Good luck either way.
If the car otherwise meets/exceeds your transportation needs and can be kept roadworthy for a nominal amount of money, then it's absolutely a good choice to keep it going.
Consider that it's very inexpensive for each mile you put on it now ... fully depreciated when you bought it, cheap to insure, cheap to license, etc.
Even if it needed a couple thousand dollar expense over the next few years, compare that to just a downpayment on a new (or newer) car and the continuing high monthly payments and insurance for years to come. You're still ahead of the transportation game with this car ....
I am far from an expert, but this type of Volvo can easily go well into the 200,000 mile range. I also know from past experience, some of the parts and repairs can be done on one's own (with a manual, of course).
I'd take it unless the dealership gives you a poor report on some of it's more expensive parts.
I've got a '93 940, with about 150K mileage. It's got a few pesky little things wrong with it, like no AC, the gas gauge is flaky, etc. But it runs good, has those comfortable seats, handles nicely, and it's a station wagon so it's good for hauling stuff, like our 17' canoe on the roof. I really haven't seen many new cars these days that appeal to me (at least none that I can afford), also everything's front-wheel, four-wheel or all-wheel drive and I like the old RWD 940, so I'm gonna drive it as long as possible.
I was wondering how much this car would be worth if I tried to trade-up for a newer used car - could I get something decent for trading in this car and putting another 3k on top of it? I know that not a hell of a lot, but I could afford to pay it in cash, so no payments, etc.
this car and 3K won't get you a "step up" vehicle, even if you took it to a "$3,000 push, pull, or drag" trade in promotion. Keep your Volvo, and get the remaining service life out of it you've purchased.
I'd keep the car, at least until spring. I've always hated getting a newer car in the wintertime with the road salt and potential for damage on the snowy roads. Volvos are known for lasting a long time. And I'd much rather spent periodic bits of little money on the upkeep of an old good car than spend the big bucks on a new car and higher car insurance premiums.
Is it only the older Vovlos that last a long time?
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