Hi All,

Just asking for thoughts on my Volvo situation. I have 4 x 240s at the moment, and the 1986 244 has been sitting for some time now. The girlfriend wants to see it go, and occasionally I do too, but I am thinking it may not be worth my time. Also, I'm renting... I have space to park it but I have to keep everything fairly mobile on the property.

First, it needs some work still. I bought it several years ago for $350 cash and have done some work on the engine to get it running better and other fixes here and there, but the shocks/struts need replacing, the exhaust system needs some fixing, needs a battery and the tires are shot. Also the paint ins't great, the roof is almost completely primer now. Probably lost of other little issues here and there (heated seats, TABs and other bushings, etc...)

With that in mind, I doubt I can get very much for it if I try to sell. In it's current condition I think if I get lucky I might get $500-600, and certainly lower offers from those who wish to scrap it. If I fix the suspension, exhaust and get some ok tires, I'll spend probably at least $400. But I doubt it will increase the value of the car by more than $100-200. Why spend money and extra time if I lose in the long run.

So, is it worth it to even try selling it? It does have a 2" ball hitch which may come in handy in my future, but I would need to get it all registered and insured again. Craigslist in my area frequently has 240s in the $500-1000 range, and many in better shape than mine. I can't bear to sell a running 240 to a scrapper.

Thoughts or alternate ideas?
My pros to sell: a little cash, some more space (not that it's needed) and possibility of getting another Volvo (duh!).
Cons: probably net loss on time and parts, hard to sell in current condition, no other vehicles with hitch, might just end up in crusher
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'82 245 B21F-MPG-LH 1.0, '83 244 B21FT-K-Jet, '86 244 B23F-LH 2.0

Sounds like it needs a lot work with little or no return on your investment.

You already have 3 - 240's, do you really need a 4th especially since it has been sitting for a few years? That is never good for a car. Here's a thought... Consider selling it to another 240 aficionado to restore or for parts. Probably can get at least $500 for it that way and it gets put to good use. You could try selling it here, Craiglist or IPD.

I never needed this 240, and actually I bought it for a co-worker that needed a car and then they backed out of the deal. For a while I had it registered and drove it to work sometimes. But again, never really something I 'wanted'.

I have been keeping it going. It could be pressed into service with the outstanding issues. I start it up every month or so and let it idle for at least 20-30 min. Occasionally I move it around the driveway and also take it down to the car wash a few blocks away a couple times a year. I know longtime sitting cars just start to rot... I purchased one of those already and experienced that.

Would love to sell it to someone who wants it, but I just have a feeling there aren't many that would. People looking for inexpensive transport would be turned off by all the stuff it still needs, and nothing about the body, interior or engine is redeeming for restoration (86 restoration really?), so I can't imagine a volvo person would have that much interest beyond just a parts car. At least in my area, there have been a few 240 'parts' wagon and sedans posted on craigslist for months.

So many 240s turn up at the PNP around here too, it's sad really, some of them are in such nice shape, far better than what I have and they end up crushed. I wish I could trade them sometimes...
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'82 245 B21F-MPG-LH 1.0, '83 244 B21FT-K-Jet, '86 244 B23F-LH 2.0

Keep the tow hitch for use on one of your other 240's. Scrap value is around $300 if it is complete with motor, trans, radiator, cat and battery--so if you advertise it for a firm $350-400 you'll be selling it to another Volvo person who will either use it for parts - or fix what it needs for transportation. -- Dave

I think the damn hitch frame, ball and receiver are all welded together and welded to the frame! Looks home-made, but I'll check under there one more time to see if there are bolts somewhere.
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'82 245 B21F-MPG-LH 1.0, '83 244 B21FT-K-Jet, '86 244 B23F-LH 2.0

Sounds like its a POS as you dont even mention the mileage on it.Lets see 86 wire harness,suspension, exhaust, tires, paint sucks =2,000+ Junk it and walk away.Be realistic here.