I recently went from a 2003 GTI VR6 to an 88 240, and I expected my insurance premiums to drop much more than they did. The only safety ratings I can find (NHTSA, IIHS) only go back to 1990 and none of them list the 240. Does anyone know where I can find a safety rating or a damange and theft index for the 240?

Cheers all!

It's because you are now driving the most sought-after, ULTIMATE CLASSIC ALL-PURPOSE LUXURY vehicle!

And in the event it should happen, whatever car you hit/hits you will probably be a writeoff and will have to be paid for somehow, so that is factored in too.

Hello,
Your volvo is safe. Type in http://www.crashtest.com/volvo/ie.htm They give results for most volvo models and your model results are good. Your insurance is probably about the same as your previous car because they have to factor in risks such as possibly of no alarm/immobiliser, assumption that older cars are easier to steal, and that a volvo would do more damage to the other party's car than a non volvo. They are tough, I was parked at a supermarket in my 1986 740GLE estate and a driver reversed back quickly then didn't get enough lock to get out of the space and drove straight into my back bumper at approximately 5 to 10 Mph. The driver was in a hurry and was careless. I got out and inspected and there was no damage to my car. the driver apolagised and went on their way, I didnt look to see if there was any damage to their 18 month old car. I do like the old volvo bumpers with 6mm metal behind mounted on shock absorbers. Like having a RSJ (rolled steel joist) for your bumpers. James.

those old bumpers are called the commando bumpers by some. Strong and sturdy. I've had my 74 144 (the first year of those shock mounted bumpers) rear ended several times in 10-15mph accidents. Walked away everytime, went home, and buffed the scratch out of the bumper. Can't say the same for the other cars. Only one accident that was bad enough that I had to replace the shocks and the mounts. As for the other car, they had to tow it away because the front end folded like an accordian and there was green coolant all over the road. Kind of felt sorry for that guy, but I was beaming with pride next to my "tank."
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and the bricks keep on rolling....

No idea what the safety rating is, but for my car, I'm paying just under $200 for six months liability only with Geico (though I have no tickets or accidents). Keep in mind where you live (urban or rural), mileage you drive, etc., will also affect the rate. (I'm in DC and do 50 mi. round trip each weekday.)
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John--'88 244DL, M47, 102K

Yes. IIHS looking at driver deaths/100,000 vehicles model years 1988-1992 (statistics gathered from years '89-93) studied 184 types of vehicles:
1) 240 0 (deaths/100,000)
2) 740/760 1.85
3) Voyager 2.23
4) Mercedes 190 3.06
5) Lexus LS 400 3.55

through 184th place, Corvette with 36.0

Theft? Park next to a Lexus and guess which gets 'jacked?
Safety? 240 was always in top 5 for front/rear impact and roll over and top 10 for side impact.

Your Insurance Agent should have this info on tap for you...

I actually had my old 84 240 Turbo with 171,000 sitting in front of my house one day and watched through the front window of my house as a guy walked right past my neighbor's Lincoln and tried to open the driver's door. He was one of the few thieves I've seen with good taste and appreciation for quality European automobiles.