Of course it depends on how much you are willing to spend, and whether you are (as I am) subbornly attached to rear wheel drive.

There are some exellent buys in used 5-series BMWs and selected models of Mercedes that have the reputation for being quarter-million-mile cars. Brace yourself for MUCH higher parts prices.

If the kids are grown and you don't need a lot of room for soccer equipment, I really like the 3-series BMWs, E-36 body style, 1995-1999. I have one and intend to buy another as my girls go off to college and need cars. My wife's '97 328 is a lot like brother-in-law's S70 Volvo in that there are several annoying details that keep breaking every year or two, but the engine/drivetrain are rock-solid. Zero repairs in the first 60k miles.

Umm..... a Peugeot 505?

Oh, shit. Those are already extremely hard to find parts for.

But seriously, while the 700 and 900 production overlapped mostly with the production of the 240.. you're likely to see the 700s and 900s for a while longer than the 200s? Why? Better rust proofing, more creature comforts, etc. Honestly, I'd much rather take a 740 Turbo on a long trip. Less hearing damage, and the seats are just that much more comfy.

IPD is apparently going to branch out into the Subie market, and there've been quite a few threads on the sbricks list comparing the Legacy to the 240. Of course my big hangups would include working on a boxer engine and the lack of Volvo's amazing seats.

I couldn't help but think that maybe the 940SE should be brought back. It's got SIPS and such so it should meet any crash standards (I'm being very US-centric here).. but probably wouldn't meet the smog standards (even if OBD-II were to be retrofitted). However, if Volvo were to fit a normally aspirated five banger under the hood and a manual tranny.. you'd have a car with four wheel independant suspension (in sedan form), awesome creature comforts, a reasonably easy to work on engine, the general ease of maintenance and nice big engine bay (supposedly the I5 is shorter than the red block 4 banger), probably the fuel economy too. Heck, if they brought back the wagon, you'd have a car with a plain jane 740 rear suspension. And, IMO, such a car could really hold its own against many of today's more "modern" cars.

P.S. I hate to be a turd here, but IMO this kind of thing belongs in the OPINIONS forum.

- alex

'85 244 Turbo
'84 245 Turbo

I asked this question a while back (you could search for "Is there life after 240s?") and got lots of interesting responses.

The 940 sounds like a good replacement, buuuuut...Volvo made the 240 through 1993 and the 940 only through 1995. Two years isn't a lot of extension of the Volvo domain.

I hope to get maybe another 10 years out of my 1992 wagon. But after five years or so, I may put a watch out for a post-1999 Passat wagon. European engineering practices, Bosch electricals (yes?), headroom, some sticks, turbo or V6. Too bad about the FWD, but it's the best I can come up with right now.

Who knows--in the current generation of "crossover vehicles" someone might slip up and accidentally make a quasi-brick. Hope springs eternal.

Doug Harvey

The 940 is rather 240-like, except with a slightly more refined ride. It is an excellent highway car with a good feel, and has a very nice interior as well. There are generally more creature comforts, and a better A/C system. Underneath it shares basically the same powertrain. The 940 is generally regarded as the top of the Volvo rear wheel drive product line in terms of all things put together: reliability, ride, interior appointments, and longevity. The 240 is a nice car, but there will pretty much come a day when there aren't a lot of them left to choose from, and the nice ones won't be parted with.
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chris herbst, near chicago

Thought there was no other replacement myself but have grown to love 7's also. Haven't been able to afford a 940 yet but look forward to the time there prices come down to my range. Have had about 90, yes 90 2 series cars and i'm now on about my 7th 7 series car, this is my 3rd 740turbo and they are nice due to beefier susp and a nice 5sp auto tranny, nice options and good handling. Only they ride a lot nicer than the 2's, although the 2's are far superior in the snow... Tom 240aholic

I've wondered the same thing, but I haven't found the answer yet. I love our 240's, except for the blower motors.
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Thanks to everyone for the help, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, M46; 86 240, 130K

Get another one while you can still get one. Put it in tip top shape and visit the bone yard often for parts.... I really believe they will last a looooong time.

i seriously doubt any vehicle could ever replace the greatness of the 240