Hi,

So I'm going down to look at an 88 740 turbo this weekend. Its got 91k on it and looks alright from the photo... My question is, what kind of trouble spots should I look for on one of these models? The owner said that the headliner is saggy, and from what I've seen, this is a pain, but cosmetic. Also, they said that it's been sitting for a few months, if I buy the car, just flush all the liquids, change the battery and go? Any pointers would be great.

-JJ

Well with one exception, I've driven all my cars home... see the picture!

But we knew going into it that the car had a bad headgasket.

In any case, if you're going to drive it home, bring a good battery, a tire pressure gauge (and a hand pump if nothing else!) and a spare fuel pump relay.

Bring antifreeze, a couple quarts of oil, and maybe a spare gallon of gas. For this car, being a turbo, bring some duct tape (really!). There could be a hole in a turbo hose that will have a terrible effect on power- and could even be the reason it got parked.


AS for other stuff, some people have gotten headliners fixed by upholstery shops for a couple hundred dollars, others have done it themselves for much less- either way there isn't a 740 out there that doesnt need this.

Good luck with it!
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!

I would check the dipstick carefully. If the oil is clean and does not have any unusual odors, crank it up and let it run for 15 or 20 minutes while checking the air intake hoses out.

If you read this board, you will know that the 88 model 740s have quite a few inherent problems so be prepared. I always dolly my "finds" home and troubleshoot them there. It beats trying to work on the side of the road.

Regards,
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Will Dallas, www.willdallas.us, www.willdallas.org, www.willdallas.com 86 245 DL 222K miles, 93 940 260K miles, 88 765 GLE 152K miles, 86 244 DL 200K Miles

Mine is not a Turbo, but I thought 88 740's were relatively problem free...in fact mine with 200k (purchased from original owner) has been great..I would check the oil and tranny fluid, make sure brakes feel ok, check air pressure in tires (some Volvo alloys are very porous and leak over time). The headliner is a common issue but not a showstopper if the car is nice...I prefer the way the 740 drives compared to the 240....


Jay
84 245 GLTi 230k
88 740 GLE 200k

The reason yours is problem free is that it is not a turbo. My best two are N/As and the 88 765T is getting nuetered shortly. I find many of these cars ranging in price from $0 up in Charlotte, NC. mostly because of turbo related issues. Of course, when they were new they were state of the art, and when they run they run well.

Regards,
--
Will Dallas, www.willdallas.us, www.willdallas.org, www.willdallas.com 86 245 DL 222K miles, 93 940 260K miles, 88 765 GLE 152K miles.