ebay, yeah, I have heard of some folks in SWEDEN buying cars from here and shipping them back.

I agree with CB: owning a new car will cost you a lot more than a paid-for cared-for 240. I have driven lots of late model small cars as rentals, and they are not easier to drive, and they certainly are not easier to park than a 240: they tend to be wider than a 240, have poor turning circles, and it's hard to tell where the front and sides of the car are. Have a good, varied test drive before you buy. I also don't think that small cars, even Japanese ones like the Honda Jazz last as long as larger cars. The Toyota Prius is the best of them in my opinion -- and they must be genuinely cheap to run because they tend to be favored by taxi companies (where I live almost all taxis are Prius or Prius V).

Very good point on the "no visit - no negotiation" strategy!

A good friend has a similar technique (but yours is better). When someone calls and says "Would you take $XXXX?", he replies: "You're offering me $XXXX right now, sight unseen...really?". This usually ends the conversation.
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Bob: Son's XC70, my 83 240, 89 745 (V8) and S90. Also '77 MGB and some old motorcycles

Thanks for your info. I will have it detailed thoroughly. I have all the paperwork at hand. We took the time to have all that in 'at hand' folders. You should see the massive amount of receipts for service and care. Due to the excellent condition of this vehicle, regardless of age and miles, at first thought we are looking def $3k-4K plus.

Had a compression test done about a year ago . I have the paperwork, but right now sitting at the 'puter I think it was about 170 straight across. (Ill look for the paperwork to confirm that and be sure the 170 is correct.) There is NO leakage of any fluids and thats due to careful watching and replacing things like seals and gaskets when needed, sometimes just replaced due to age even if they looked good. . Oh, nice "Optima" red top battery installed maybe 6 months ago.

Feedback over the years has always been positive, many saying it looks and drives like MUCH less miles and time. Of course we expect anyone interested to try to talk us down. Part of the 'game'.

We do have time on our side. We dont 'need' to sell it say within a year even, but if we get a good offer we will let it go most anytime, that is , after we set a price.

Anyone who has had the brick in the air has commented the lack of abuse is clearly evident. The undercarriage is great . Rack and pinion and all joints excellent. Any that became 'naturally worn' were replaced. Also used polys where we could and they hold up extremely well, and, rides nice. I didnt mention it does have power windows.. Replaced all the window scrapers.

Its attention to detail and taking care of any issues that need care as soon as possible that have helped maintain the brick so nicely.

Will be sad to let it go but knowing a buyer will have a super nice brick will help us to feel good about it.

Thanks again to anyone and everyone who has provided excellent feedback.

And...put clearly in any ad that in no event will you discuss price until the prospective purchaser comes out and views the vehicle. If they're not interested enough to come out, I'm not interested enough to talk to them.

Perhaps I misunderstand this point in your reply. Are you suggesting that he not include an asking price in his ad and if someone calls he shouldn't tell them what he wants for the car?

I have purchased a large number of used Volvos from private owners over the years (over 30) and if someone isn't willing to tell me what they are asking for the car I don't waste my time on it. The price is only a suggested starting point but if it isn't revealed in the ad I need to hear it in my first contact.

When someone puts a price on the car I have a good idea of where they are coming from. If the phone conversation stimulates enough interest for me to take a look at it, I might ask them if they are firm in their price or if they have might be a little flexible. I never try to negotiate the price of a car without seeing it.

I have also sold a fair number of cars as a private owner and at times people call and ask what my bottom line is for the car. I have found those to be fruitless conversations. I might say I will entertain offers on the car and suggest if someone wants to make an offer below my asking price it will probably only happen with a reasonable cash deposit with the cash balance due in 48 hours. I won't talk about what those numbers might be before someone commits to taking the time to see the car.

Randy