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what is the best -wagon for 5k?[ALL/1998] posted by John McAnulty on
Monday, 22 December 1997, at 3:47 p.m.
I've got 5k to spend on a used Volvo wagon for my spouse. What model/yr/miles would be realistic? She spotted a 740, liked that body style, and wants a sunroof! I guess a 240 is out as my experience with a rental was uncomfortable on longer drives (right leg rubs on console).
Re: what is the best -wagon for 5k?[ALL/1998] posted by Topi on
Monday, 22 December 1997, at 6:37 p.m.
I'd buy a '83-85 245 and REMOVE the console...or fix the leg !
Re: what is the best -wagon for 5k?[ALL/1998] posted by Mr. Tool on
Tuesday, 23 December 1997, at 8:49 a.m.
i just bought and 1987 245dl volvo in the detroit, mich area for $3250.
with 110,000. miles on it in very good condition. for 5 grand you may be able to closer to a 1990, depending on the area of the country.. mr. tool
Re: what is the best -wagon for 5k?[ALL/1998] posted by Hal Doll on
Friday, 26 December 1997, at 11:23 p.m.
I drive an '83 240DL wagon with B23F engine and M46 manual trans w/ OD.
It has 128K miles, and is very clean on emission.
The interior is in good shape. I have just done the timing belt and front seals.
About 2 months ago, the entire suspension was rebuilt with new bushing, ball joints and struts and shocks. The body is in good shape but could use a detail buff and polish. I have added the factory gauges for tach, oil pressure, and voltage. It also had air conditioning.
Out here in Seattle this car can fetch up to 4500 bucks...
What are they priced like else where for simialiar?
Hal
Re: what is the best -wagon for 5k?[ALL/1998] posted by Ed Lipe on
Monday, 22 December 1997, at 6:54 p.m.
That kind of money will easily get you into a late 80's 740 or 760. 700's are a helluva lot more comfortable than the 240's.
Re: what is the best -wagon for 5k?[ALL/1998] posted by Mr. Tool on
Tuesday, 23 December 1997, at 8:45 a.m.
a few thoughts.... by a 245dl. your spouse may have shorter legs. plus if she
is like my wife she won't let me drive it. she likes it to much. i get the general impression (from viewing this web site) that the 700 series is troubelsome in respect to high frequency of repairs. go into your local volvo dealer and have a heart to heart talk with the head mechnanic to get their biased opinion. gook luck mr. tool , owner of volvos since 1983.
Re: what is the best -wagon for 5k?[ALL/1998] posted by Glen on
Tuesday, 23 December 1997, at 9:51 a.m.
I'd stay away from the '85 through '87 B230 engine. I have an '87 740GLE with 124K miles and have had no problems, but am a little nervous. I asked for comments on the small crankshaft journal sizes a couple weeks ago and got several. I believe the weak engines were beefed up in '88 with the K series. A K can be found on the Timing Belt tag. I am not absolutely sure about this however, any comments on whether this is true? Topi infers that the '88 was also "weak" but I think the problem was fixed for that year. If rust is a concern, go for '87 on up since these have good rust inhibitors.
Here is a comment from "Topi":
I'd like to add this: 1. All B18-20-21-23 cranks are forged, all B230 are cast 2. '85-88 B230 rods are very weak. '89-up are much stronger. 3. '85-88 crank trust bearing is smaller than Fiat 600 !! It's OK with an automatic but stick will eat up these tiny halves fast.They use a Saab whole round trust in Sweden, but I have no info how to modify it to fit. 4. It is possible to install B23 crank into a late B230 by narrowing the trust and turning the mains down. By turning rods down off-set you'll get a cheap stroker! 5. The best engine core for racing is 760 B23 Turbo. (Around '84-5 ? I'd like to know exact years/year these were made? They're hard to find.)
Re: what is the best -wagon for 5k? Weaks cranks?[ALL/1998] posted by Topi on
Tuesday, 23 December 1997, at 10:15 a.m.
I also recommend 245 rather than 700-series. It's way better built car than 700 ratlers... I've had both. '83-85 245 LOOKS better than "BugEye" '85 -up.(Those stupid plastic headlites are $ 245/each !! I even converted 1987 to 4-lite front) I'd buy an '83-85 245 Turbo wagon for $ 3-5000. 200-serie is holding re-sale value very well, too. In So Cal '93 240s cost MORE than 850s !! I'm not the only one who thinks 850s are NOT real Volvos...Cranks: "K" engines came Oct. '88 (look at the door sticker). However, blocks didn't have clear marking ! Some had "K" at the timing cover, some had "K" under the intake manifold and some had "A" next to the oil filter ! If you buy an '89 & up, ALL are "K".