I decided to get it! It has what I thought might be high miles (around 220K), but they're maintained it well (regular oil changes, using Volvo parts, taking it to Volvo specialists). I'm still a little nervous about it -- it's the first car I've ever bought, and I've been without a car for 5 years or so. But I've heard such good things about Volvos...and honestly, I love the way they look.

I'm sure I'll become an avid reader...and participant...on these boards. Especially if I decide to figure out how to change the oil, etc.

Thanks, everyone.

Compare prices and info at:
www.bargainnews.com
and www.theautowerkes.com
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 221K, 88 744GLE- 202K, 91 244 181K, 88 244GL 145K

Here is a link to a discussion on buying a 240. It's a good place to start.

http://www.sonic.net/~zipzippy/volvo/robs-tips.html

A '90 240 should be a good car. If service recordsa are available and up-to-date, that's good. I'd look for rust problems. Check in the trunk side storage areas, under floor mats. A '90 should have good rust protection. Most mechanical and electrical problems are fairly easy to solve.

Is the car you're looking at a manual or automatic transmission model? Each has its pros and cons. The manual gives better power feeling and gas mileage. The automatic is one of the most reliable and is great around town in traffic. On the freeway the automatic makes the car feel sort of underpowered. We have both and I like both. You just need to adjust your driving habits.

Check the driver's seat back foam padding at the upper right edge. The foam tends to split there and is expensive to replace although there is a home fix.

The electrical wiring should be good on a '90. The 240 has some electrical quirks but you can learn how to deal with them here. Fuses and relays come to mind.

Will you be a do-it-yourself owner? I've found the Volvo is one of the best cars for a person to own if you do your own repairs. If you take it to the shop every time it hiccups, it will get expensive. The Volvo factory manuals are the best but get expensive. The Bentley manual is very good and costs only around $40. Your first repair will pay for it.

There's probably a lot more to say but I'm tired and ready to become a couch potato for awhile. Maybe others will be of more help. We've owned 5 240s and a '940 and they have been really reliable rugged cars.

Good luck on your search.