Typical case with dealers here in the New England region when dealing with a Craigslist listing: the dealers never identify themselves as being a dealer, and, they always photograph the vehicle in a home/park/ shopping mall non-dealer (i.e. non-threatening) setting. Google the attached phone number and you will the seller has numerous vehicles currently for sale.

As for the specific listing below, the 245 is indeed a 1990 but has an '89 tailgate. The left rear tail light is aftermarket (see lighter yellow lens), and as such, I believe this vehicle has been previously hit in the rear. The roof rack also looks to be an add-on, and has been very strangely installed - it's in the middle of the vehicle (??).

As they say, buyer beware...

Link: http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/3595303097.html

as pointed out before, I always suggest that, when calling, ask something non specific like "is the car still for sale?", NOT "is the 1990 Volvo still for sale". When they reply by saying "which car?" you have learned something.

Seems like a lot of money for the car. I guess they are at premium in snow country. I wonder if the A/C works. Clearly a dealer trying to look like your neighbor. "brakes are fixed" Were they broken?

If no rust could easily be worth 1200 to a local
--
89 240 wagon, 94 940, 200K, 94 940, 135K

It's actually photographed at the dealership, but in a remote corner of the lot (see the commercial dumpster and the brief outlines of the other cars aside of the dumpster).

The asking price is way, way too much. Additionally, check out the rear shocks, or more like rear sag. Even with one side of the vehicle riding on a little bit of snow, the rear tire/shock shouldn't be having that much of a sag, much less the front tire/shock shouldn't be having that much of a upright lift to the front of a car.

I believe it got hit from the rear, they subsequently replaced the tail light and the tail gate itself, but failed to replaced the shocks. If this is the case, the u-joints are probably gone as well. Not to mention any potential axle damage. The right front headlight and right front sidelight are brand new as well.

The fact that he/she are not identifying themselves as a used car dealer should be the first red flag here. A quick Google search of the phone number reveals that this individual(s) ("Caesar", "Michael", "Mike") has at least 4-5 currently advertised vehicles up for sale on the web.

Anyway, an FYI - buyer beware...

"Additionally, check out the rear shocks, or more like rear sag."
While it would be advisable to check shocks on any purchase--it's the springs that hold the car up. -- Dave

yeah.. Doesn't need anything "major. " Except maybe TAB's... : ) But that's no problem right?... : P Also, what's up with the roof rack?... It's up kinda far. Another red flag for me is not seeing the other side of the car. Chances are most people will forget to ask, and when you get there, there's either a dent or missing gravel guard. It's probably a 600 dollar car.

Yep, and the "240" badge on the back is way too high. That's usually a red flag for me.

The hatch seems to be a different color.

And you're right, the roof rack is... odd.

Good luck though - it is possible to find a good 245 around here. I found a decent '90 245 with an m47 last October here in Mass.

-Jesse
'73 1800ES
'90 245DL
'94 944
'96 855T

I have 1990 245 and my tailgate does not have chrome around the rear window like the one pictured.

Jesse B is right on the badge position, mine is down by the brake light lens. Sounds like this guy is not forthcoming.

All good points but if you're looking for a car like this you check it out in person based on your observations. Goofy roof rack was probably a cheap dealer installed item. You would want to make sure it was installed with well-nuts and not sheet metal screws.

How many cars this age have not suffered some kind of body damage and repair? A slightly mismatched tailgate color or misplaced logo might be nothing more than what you see.

My own very clean low mileage 242 has subpar body work behind the front door which i will have to deal with at some point. It's actually a minor flaw on an otherwise beautiful car.

I wouldn't pass on it based on CL photos.

hah like the "SJP" sticker on it .. my alma mater!
--
'92 240 205k miles