Hey Brick fans.... I am looking for some advice from experienced 240 owners out there. I have a chance to pick up a 1991 240 std. shift wagon w/ 212k miles. It appears to have been sitting for a while judging by the collection of leaves, and debris, and mold around the roof rack, and around the usual spaces under the hood. Battery is flat but it started right up with a jump. I only had an initial look at this car ( for 20 min) before heading for work, so I will need to go back to drive it --and get a closer look.

THE GOOD: With a cursory inspection, it has a new radiator, new rear muffler, and new Michelin radials. doesn't overheat, It idles good, break pedal is strong, and has a clean almost blemish free leather interior. Its (the more normal) Silver over blue combo.

The Bad: Rear hatch rusted thru at the bottom edge, softball sized rot thru on the bottom of one frt. qtr., a nisey heater motor may need replacement, clutch pedal action is slow and stiff, but gears will still engage. This is what I am mostly concerned about ....anyone know if this will work itself out if the car is driven...or will it need to be disassembled for inspection, possible repair or replacement? Any other potential problem areas I need to look at closely before I decide to make an offer?

Owner is looking to get $900. Can't find a PP Value for this car anymore, and NADA low value is $1775....but that's retail. If I decide to re-sell after getting into the repairs...I don't want to upside down on this car dollar wise. Do you think the price leaves enough lee-way...I will be doing the repairs myself.

Tankmeister











Asking price is $900.

Rust is a big issue,I would want to look under the car,under carpet and trunk wheel wells.I think the worst rusting is around suspension,windshield and front D.S.seat where the rails are.
If you can do regular repairs $600 is good.

As a potential flip-car? No.
As a car to fix up and drive? Sure. But I wouldn't pay $900. Like stated above, offer 400, go up to 600. But $900 is sharp for a car with rot.
The only potential issue I see here is the RUST. Can you fix that? If so, go for it. If not, offer no more than 400 and part it out. You might double your money after a while if everything else is nice.

NEW Michelins? say, $400; add another $200 for "other stuff", offer $600 tops. (Start offer at $400, top out at $600.) Too much really unknown. Unless you can DIY on the repairs don't think you will profit, and even then---???? Buy it , drive it, fix it as you go, as needed. Actually, forget making a profit. All IMO of course.

And on the noisy blower motor, does this occur in the second, third, or fourth speed? 240 blower motors can die an extremely slow death and still be functioning. My first two speeds have been non-existent for 14 years, and the third speed makes a racket if I push it too much. So I baby the third speed, and only crank it up to fourth when I really need it. And you've got to love that 240 heat in the frozen tundra of winter.

1990 #189 Poar White 245 w/383K

If it was me, and I had that certain feeling, I'd go for it. $900 for arguably one of the best cars ever built with new Michelins, how could that be wrong.

One thing I wouldn't do is ask too many other people. Nobody can see the future, and nobody but you knows what you're looking for.

Rust.

And what about maintenance history? At 210k you're looking at everything from motor mounts to suspension bushings... A long list.

Noisey blower means having to take the dash apart to replace.

Did I read rust?

In theory, a 91 245 with M47 is a desirable ride even with 212k, but did you say rust?

Sure, if you need transportation you could repair as you go and keep it running. Repair to flip for a profit... Nope.

The 240 doesn't have a hydraulic clutch -- it's just a cable. Perhaps it isn't moving freely and will free up with driving. But I don't think that you can rule out a clutch problem that would necessitate removing the transmission, and you should figure this into your bargaining.

What do you want from this car, a usable car to drive, run errands, etc. or to flip. I doubt you'll make any money and the best you'll ever be is even. Just my couple of cents worth.

What do you want from this car, a usable car to drive, run errands, etc. or to flip. I doubt you'll make any money and the best you'll ever be is even. Just my couple of cents worth.

What do you want from this car, a usable car to drive, run errands, etc. or to flip. I doubt you'll make any money and the best you'll ever be is even. Just my couple of cents worth.

Sounds pretty good to me.

You could always cheap rust repair using a fiberglass bondo.

Rust turns me off . . . a lot . . . but otherwise you describe a very usable car.