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240 or 760[ALL/1988] posted by Andrea on
Saturday, 21 February 1998, at 12:51 a.m.
I have a green 1981 240 GL with 131,000 miles, in fairly good condition. It's old and slow, but it's been a good car. Currently, it has some mild rattles under the hood I haven't identified yet. (The car has no overdrive/5th gear, so it revs high on the freeway and is very loud.)
My dilemma: a family member is offering to trade me for a 1984 760 turbo sedan with 180,000 miles. Mechanic says it's rock solid.
What would you do -- keep the 240 or take the 760 turbo? What is the blue book value on each? How many years do I have left with my current car?
Thanks.
Re: 240 or 760[ALL/1988] posted by richard g. on
Saturday, 21 February 1998, at 1:50 a.m.
Gee, I dunno` but i`be inclined to stay with your 240; the mileage isn`t all that high and if it`s running fine, why not stick with it? My wife has an `81 240 dl with 180 K and I have to say that it`s one of those amazing Volvos that just keeps going strong. A little attention here & there and very regular oil changes and her 240 has lots of miles left. I can appreciate that the 760 turbo could be tempting but it could also cost some major bucks in repairs down the road. Anyway, this is strictly an opinion for whatever it`s worth( perhaps not much!). Good luck in whichever route you decide on.
Re: 240 or 760[ALL/1988] posted by Mark Klein on
Saturday, 21 February 1998, at 9:36 a.m.
Richard brings up a couple very valid points. Your 240 has a dated type of fuel injection. In fact, '82 was the last year for it on non-turbo 240s. 700s never used it. The 760 is a much different car. It may not be the fastest, but it certainly isn't slow. The over drive problem on your 240 could be very minor but virtually all over drive units need to be rebuilt somewhere after 100K miles. This is normally a $500 or so repair. The 760 could have some expensive repairs down the road also. Climate control problems can be pricey.
Now are you really confused?
Re: 240 or 760[ALL/1988] posted by Theddy on
Saturday, 21 February 1998, at 10:26 a.m.
If I were you, I'd use my money to fix up the 240. After 18K you will probably very soon have to repair the turbo on the 760 to start with. If this is already done, maybe you can take a chance and buy it, it is a much nicer car to drive than the old 240. Though, the reliability of the 240 is unbeatable. It depends on what you prefer, reliability or comfort.
Re: 240 or 760[ALL/1988] posted by Topi on
Saturday, 21 February 1998, at 11:00 p.m.
If you find "B23" on the block of 760, take it. If it's a "B230" don't touch it with 10 ft pole...240 will out last it, though!
Re: 240 or 760[ALL/1988] posted by Randy on
Sunday, 22 February 1998, at 1:24 p.m.
>If you find "B23" on the block of 760, take it. If it's a "B230" don't touch it with >10 ft pole...240 will out last it, though!
Gee Topi, I personally think the B230F might be the best engine that Volvo has ever produced. Admittedly my personal experience is limited to owning cars with a TOTAL of 762,000 miles (5 B230F's) and while the highest mileage on an individual car is only 177,000 miles none of my B230F engines has given me a moment's trouble. Obviously your experience is different "not wanting to touch it with a 10 ft pole". Could you site specific weaknesses that have been your experiences so I will be able to watch out for problems in the future. Thanks!
Randy
Re: 240 or 760[ALL/1988] posted by Topi on
Sunday, 22 February 1998, at 4:23 p.m.
Early B230s (up to '89 "K" block) had weak rods and trust bearings. However, they seem to hold up good on auto trans cars. Which's the strongest Volvo engine ever made? It's the '71-73 B20! If you line them all up and drive as long as they go, without any service, B20 will be still running when all others are dead. I bet it would go over 200 000+ miles! With regular service I'd say B21 & 23 are the best, then '89-up B230. 850 5-cylinder is also very impressive, specially with turbo. I haven't heard any problems on these yet. I'd like to know who has the highest milage turbo 5-cyl ?
Re: 240 or 760[ALL/1988] posted by Mark Klein on
Sunday, 22 February 1998, at 5:23 p.m.
There still were no real problems with the "inferior" of the B230 motors. As long as reasonable maintenance is done, they are as bulletproof as any.