I own a 87 745t so I don't spend much time on the 200 board. Is 84 an OK year for the 240. The one I'm buying has 160k,m-46 trans[same as my 740 ?] and is blue with very good body and interior. It's $600 bucks and that's about all I know. Any hot tips or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

I agree with everything Don Foster said about the '84s. The only thing I've been spared from is the wiring harness going south. Mine is still holding its own.

I've replaced the blower, AMM, OD, clutch (my not-so-good shifting to blame), wiper motor, several water pumps, some suspension parts, and the rust is creeping. Otherwise, the engine purrs like a kitten.

The one thing I would add to the list of things that go bad is the odometer not counting. If this car's odo still counts, don't reset the trip-meter when the car is moving. This breaks a fragile plastic gear. I reset my trip-meter after I gas up and before I start rolling and my odo still works.
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 217,000 miles (give or take)

I think 83 and 84 were the best years too. Powder blue was the best color. Foster has the list of things to look for, most of which I'd overlook except the rust part if only these bargains would show up in my neighborhood.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

It sure has the potential to be an excellent buy. The B23F is about the best engine on Earth.

Possible weaknesses:
- May need a rear main seal soon
- Engine wiring harness rotted 'n crumbling
- Rusty floorboards or rockers
- Suspension bushings worn, oxidized, rotted
- Steering components worn
- Front suspension loose
- Failed or failing blower motor

Even though the car might stand you $600, I'd budget another $1k for the inevitable unseen pronlems. And even if you spend a total of $2k for the car and repairs (might need exhaust, brakes, shocks, tires), you'll have a very servicable car.

Try very hard to get the service records, even if it means learning the previous owners' names and contacting them. You will want to know when critical things were done (such as t-belt).
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

How about a little supporting argument in favor of the B23 versus the late B230?

"...supporting argument in favor of the B23 versus the late B230..."

Much, much less likely to suffer piston slap.
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

Well, I know there is a quasi-religious belief in the wonderfulness of the 83-84 cars but I find them to be the dullest Volvos ever made. Invariably earth tone/dirt drab, they are never washed by their owners. Why bother. With way too many spun bearings, AMM and ECU failure (common) and other engine failures despite the theoretical strength. Dull, drab cars that I have to trip over in the pick and pull. An exciting example of a B23 240 would be a dark brown interior with a ratcheting arm rest, OH BOY!. I would take an 86-87 any day, and the 83-84s are not even in the same ballpark as the 88-93 240s. Compare to a 79 242 or any of the B21FT cars? Forget the B23 and its core shifted thin wall block. Boy, I had to get that counterpoint rant off my chest.

I couldn't disagree with you more. I absolutely love my 84 DL (Powder Blue!).
IMO, the 83-85 front end (4 headlights) are much better looking than the 86 and later "big cloudy eyeball" models. I also like the look of the trim rings and caps on the DL wheels. Mine also has the offset-logo on the grill, which I find to be somewhat uncommon (84 only?).
I would prefer the M46, however I have nothing bad to say about the automatic. I'm just a shade-tree mechanic getting some OJT with my first 240, all I can say is this B23F engine seems damn sturdy and fairly easy to work on. Thats what counts to me. Is the B230F a much better engine? Why?

I also like the offset Volvo logo on my grille. The quad headlamps are so-so in my opinion. I'd love to get a pair of the glass European headlamps.

I wasn't crazy about the color of my car when I got it (beige #201), but man it looks like butterscotch pudding after a good wax and polish. It is a very unique color. It contrasts great with the black trim on the doors.

I also like the trim rings for the wheels. Wash and shine those puppies, condition the tires and you get more great contrasts!

Another cool thing about my '84 is the brake light in the upper corners of the light cluster closest to the license plate. I like the brake lights as a single-filament lamp since it is more noticeable at night when the tail lights are illuminated. Plus it looks cool. I notice a lot of the new VWs have a similar design.
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 217,000 miles (give or take)

Bob...

Tell us what you REALLY think!

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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

I hardly ever get called subtle. Hey, I try to stir things up occasionally (half tongue in cheek) just to get the juiced flowing. But what was it with those early 80's cars that gives me the willies, so to speak. The 700's too from those years, just seem sooooo drab. Maybe it me.

To my mind, '83-'84 are the best years. You get the robust B23F engine with it's huge bearings. The M46 is durn near bulletproof.

At this age and mileage, look at the suspension/steering and rust. If these are ok, $600 is a bargain.

Looks like this may be the best piece of crap I'll ever lay my hands on, as long as the engine doesn't blow or the front end collapse due to rust, oh and I forgot boring also. Guess my 740t will have to supply all my excitement ! Thanks for all the input, I figured this would be fun. p.s. rhaire ,you must be a Volvo technician to have accuired all that love for mid-80's 240's !