Hey all,


So I've been presented with an opportunity to buy a 1986 740 GLE sedan. I found out about the car through a friend of a friend, who lives in the same neighborhood as me. The car is currently in northern Virginia, and has been native to the area since it was brand-new.

This 740 is a two-owner car, currently owned by the second owners. They bought it in 1992 and they only use it locally. They're thinking about parting with it soon because they don't drive it much anymore and they'd like something a little newer. So this is where I come in. A brief description - the car has no rust due to staying in northern VA all these years, but it does have a drooping headliner typical to 700-Series cars of that era. It also has the infamous ZF automatic transmission - I know that because when I briefly looked at it, it said P-R-N-D-3-2-1 on the gear selector detent. It's got a cloth interior, which is fine by me since I'm not a big fan of leather, but no cruise control (also fine by me since I hate cruise). Car has been maintained at the dealer.

Now for the most important question: How much do you think I should offer for this 740? The book value is probably not very high, and most of the Volvo nuts I know in my region want a 240, not a 740 (particularly a GLE) if they're getting an '80s Volvo. Since this one is a GLE, and is automatic, I'm guessing I should offer no more than $400. Cosmetically, it's decent but the paint is shot on it, as is a lot of the rubber trim around the windows. Suggestions welcomed - thanks very much. As of now, I'm probably going to offer either $350 or $400.

To me, an offer that low is an insult, the car is worth that much in scrap value. Take a look at decent 740s of any year and you will see that the prices are around $1500 low end to $3000 for a nice one. I would not take less than 2k for my 88 740GLE in excellent condition with 270k miles on it. Just my two cents.