I am looking for a good, reliable, and safe wagon to carry my family around in. I think I want a volvo 245.

I want a manual transmission. I am under the impression that some years came with 4-speeds plus an overdrive, and some years came with 5-speeds. Is this true, if so, what year did they switch to the 5-speed? How does the overdrive work (is it in the differential?)?

Did any of the 200 series come with carborators? I dislike them and would like to stay away.

When did volvo switch to the LH-Jetronic? 1983? Also, what is the difference between K-Jetronic and LH-Jetronic? Is K-Jetronic what I know as CIS from the Porsche world?

Are there any years/engines to stay away from? Am I correct in assuming that I want at least a B23F? Also, what is the difference between the B23F and the B230F?

Thanks Guys,

Also any general comments on the best years/most common problems would be appreciated.

Most of your specific questions have been answered aptly by the other posters. As far as the subtle differences between B23F and B230F, it doesn't in practice make much difference to you because you will probably want to confine your search for a 245 to the 88-93 model years (the 87 and older models had the infamous biodegradable wiring harness, fixed in the 88 and newer models). So you're going to want to be dealing with the B230F. Also, 91 (I think) through 93 had the airbag option, which is something to consider for a family car/wifemobile.

The trick to keeping your brick reliable, apart from the normal maintenance routine, is to keep the electrical system details in order. All of the connectors, fuses, wiring, ground points, etc., need to be gone through with a fine-tooth comb, cleaned up, sanded, and dressed up with dialectric grease. This will keep most of those gremlins away from your brick and onto somebody else's brick who doesn't put in the work under the hood. The Volvo reputation is more for safety and durability than for reliability. Honestly, they are not as consistently reliable as a Honda Civic or Toyota Camry or Corolla. But still they are better than most cars for reliability, and they can be extremely reliable if you keep on top of the electrical stuff and FI issues.

Ironically, I think it's Volvo's unmatched track record for durability that tends to give them less-than-stellar marks for reliability. The basic Volvo car will last so long that the inevitable corrosion of electrical contacts, degrading interior plastic, and rust will show up if you don't keep on top of it. Other cars aren't even on the road long enough to develop these kinds of problems.

Two of the most common Volvo 240 weaknesses are RUST and wiring gremlins. They had "biodegradable" engine-harnesses from '82-'85(?) and funkiness with lights etc. seem common to almost all years. Wagons are known for getting the rear harness pinched (runs through a hinge). Usually no big deal, but a PITA.

Look for rust behind the rear wheelwells, and in the floor behind the front seats. Common water-entry points are the firewall grommets, windshield corners, and sometimes the top door-hinge. The floor behind the seat is the lowest point.

I think? Volvo changed the wiring harnesses in either 87 or 88. Improved rust protection in 88. I just saw a 1988 wagon for sale with no rust here in the rusty N.E.

Most people seem to agree that the last model years are best, especially if you want an airbag and ABS brakes (available 91-93). IMHO - I would look for an 88 or newer wagon.

Good luck, they are great cars but make sure you buy one that has been well maintained and preferably rust free.



Jim 244DL 234K

"I am under the impression that some years came with 4-speeds plus an overdrive, and some years came with 5-speeds. Is this true, if so, what year did they switch to the 5-speed?"

From 1975-1980, overdrive was optional in some models, standard in others. From '81-'86, the 4-speed + overdrive was standard. From '87-on, manual transmissions came with a true 5-speed.

"How does the overdrive work (is it in the differential?)?"

No, it is the Laycock deNormanville type that is located in an extension housing on the transmission. Very common to many British cars as well.

"Did any of the 200 series come with carborators? I dislike them and would like to stay away."

If you are in the USA, no 240-series cars came with carburetors. In Canada and other parts of the world, carburetors were available on low-end models.

"When did volvo switch to the LH-Jetronic?"

For normally-aspirated models: Some '82 models had K-Jet, others LH-Jet. All non-turbo from '83+ had LH-Jet. All turbocharged cars had K-Jet.

"Also, what is the difference between K-Jetronic and LH-Jetronic?"

K is a mechanical injection. LH is electronic.

"Is K-Jetronic what I know as CIS from the Porsche world?"

I suspect so. In our case, "CIS" can have two meanings. #1 is Continuous (i.e. mechanical) Injection System. #2 is the Constant Idle System, applied by Volvo in most K-jet cars from '81-.