Keep them both. That's how I got started and now I have 5.

1990 760 Turbo (must keep only turbo)
1988 240 Wagon (must keep, first 245)
1990 240 Wagon (must keep, only 5 speed, 34 mpg highway)
1990 240 Sedan (must keep, only sunroof, 45,000 original miles)
1996 850 Sedan (must keep, to remind me how simple the RWD Volvos are)

Hawk

Thanks for the input, everyone. The prices reveal that I'm in no hurry, but I will probably get that around here. The '89 is perfect with 105K. The '85 has a few scratches and dings, cracked plastic. Neither car needs work (the brakes comment was a response from my mechanic to what the '85 might need in the next few years).

I love the idea of turning the '89 into a 5 speed. I think the real problem is my neighbor. I have a narrow spot and he has put about 4 small dents in the side rail. I assume it's only a matter of time before she starts to resemble her older, less attractive sister (who sits on the street). The '89 is a car for someone with a garage. So, I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for selling her. I know it's silly to be so attached. I'm usually pretty decisive.

what's mileage on the '89?

I think it depends on why you are selling. Do you need the money? If so sell the one you will get more money for. If you need better and more reliable transportation and you are keeping only one car then keep the 89. If you have a garage full of Volvos and just need to downsize lucky you! Tough decision. I don't think your prices sound unreasonable for what things are going for on ebay lately but it's hard to tell exactly the supply and demand at any given time. Good luck! I want to hear what you decide!

Our '89 wagon, 235K miles, is also in great shape in and out except I'm having to replace the A/T, but at least I'm getting an AW71L trans in its place at a great price (see pevious post) and that trans has only 123K on it!

Had the Brick for about 7 years-been fun-wouldnt sell it, even if offered 10K. I know the car in and out so I guess Im biased then when I say: "KEEP THE '89!"

Oh-I do have a "standing price" actually for the '89: $25K. (does that look like I'm going to sell it? Haha)

Everything does have a price I guess, $25K is mine!! :oÞ~~~

Sell the 85, then use the proceeds to put a 5 speed in the 89.

I have a hunch that you really don't want to sell either, and likely won't at the prices you're thinking. An '85 that's 'ugly and will need brakes before long' for $2500? Sounds pricey to me, but maybe your idea of ugly is different than mine. Worse that it's a sedan. And as said, the '89 would have to be perfect and sub 100k original to be worth $5k in my opinion. Worse that it's a sedan.

That said, I expect the '89 is a better car. Post wiring issues.

Were it me, I'd keep the 4 speed car and sell the more expensive one.

Sounds like your mechanic knows your cars, and also knows Volvos. I would enlist their help in selling one or the other. They might have a line on folks that might want them, and might be able to help you get top dollar...


--
-Matt I ♥ my ♂

Sell the cows first, wife second and volvo third.

do you really think you can get $5k for a 23 year old car? how many miles are on it? is it pristine? 5k is about the most you could get for any 240, but it'd have to be in nearly perfect condition, or a rarer model.

Which one you sell is a personal choice that you will have to make on your own. That said, whichever one you do decide to sell, rest assured that you will be making someone somewhere very happy!