Just wanted to ask for people's opinions. I am looking at buying a 1991 740 Sedan. It has 143,000 miles on it. Asking price $2,300. The owner bought it from a friend who got it at an insurance auction. The carfax comes back with no problems and it does not have a salvage title. It was wrecked and the driver's side front fender was pulled out and fixed and the driver's headlight was replaced. They also painted that whole side of the car. The car runs and drives great for its age. The car also looks great except for one split in the back seat and it needs a new headliner. I would buy it in a heartbeat but the fact that it came from an insurance auction bothers me. Any thoughts?

Price seems fair for year and mileage.

CHeck for the following:

MOTOR: Shy away from the B234F (16-valve). It tends to be a bit of an oil leaker. Its an interference design too, so timing belt replacement every 50,000 miles is essential. It was a limitd production motor too, so parts could be an issue.

BRAKES: The factory front rotors tended to warp fairly quickly. You can tell by driving and the steering wheel will wobble as you drive a straight line, and you should feel the wobble as you brake. Good aftermarket rotors such as ATE or Brembo may be considered.

INTERIOR: The ceiling fabric is probably disintegrated by now, the material volvo used was nasty. There are ceiling kits you can buy to replace the fabric.
Does car have a sunroof? If so, Does there appear to be an oil stain in the ceiling fabric all around the sunroof trim? That stain is from oil that leached from a masking tape material the is under the fabric. Be sure to remove all that tape if you replace the ceiling fabric.

Whether it's a good price or not kinda depends on where you are. In some areas of the country, good used Volvos are in high demand and bring (what seem to me) to be amazingly high prices.

That said, I will tell you that down the street from me is a 940 turbo for sale, body looks to be in nice shape, with Hydra alloys, $2400. Don't know mileage or year. I'd go check it out more carefully, but then I'd want to buy it, and don't really have room for another car at this time (see below).
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Mike W., '79 242GT (project car), '85 245DL (daily driver 1), '87 245 DL (daily driver 2), '90 244DL (project car), '91 744T (daily driver 3), '92 245DL (parts car), '94 944T (wifemobile), Largo, FL