I have a choice between a 1983 242 and a 1990 740 GL, but run well, the 242 has some bad paint but a good interior, the 740 has good paint and decent interior...

Which would you choose and why?

Thanks, Elad

P.S. They both have about the same mileage (250,000)

If it were me, I'd go for the 242. They're rare, sporty, and I just think they're super cool. I don't much care for the post-200-series Volvos, except for the wagons; I like the symmetry the 240 sedans have with the trunk and hood being on the same plane.

But that's just personal preference.

One other thing: Getting a car repainted is a one-time big job. Redoing a shot interior is an ongoing saga.

I love my 244, but I'd trade her for a reliable, good-condition 242 any day.
--
John--'88 244DL, M47, 103K, white/blue, IPD sport exhaust--'Hilda'

Sell me the 242, and then you don't have to choose.

--
84, 242GLTi, 167K, 4+OD, in rehab; 89, 245 DL, 270K, M 47, daily driver; 93, 245, auto, 167K ; and other toys.

I'm a die hard 240 fan but for me that's a no brainer, take the '90. Volvo came a long way in 7 years.

--
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'88-240 190K+
'65 1800S ????K
'73 1800ES 117K
'92 745Ti 160K
Jeep Wrangler Sahara 19K
my pages

It depends on your needs. I am presuming that both are normally aspirated and are running about the same sales price ...

1990 was an exclusive year for a 740 - the front end setup (hood/headlight/trim) was one-year only deal, as was the instrument cluster, and perhaps a few other things too. The rest of the body remained pretty similar throughout the series, however. There are more creature comforts (power accessories), but more plastic trim inside to potentially break too.

The '83 242 would share a FI system with the '84, body parts from '79-'84, and trim from '81-'84. Though less luxurious, the 2-series is more durable inside.
The 242 has a classic styling that with a good paint job, they look younger than they are.

If you're single, the 242 looks more fitting IMHO. If you have a family or have to shuttle passengers often - get the 740.

Both can be equally reliable. Given that they've made it to 250k, the owners must have been doing something right. :)

-- Kane ... of course, there's always the option of buying both too!
--
Blossom II -'91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles -'74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup -'86 245GL/AW70
The Wayback Machine -'64 P220/M40 ... The ParaBox -'90 745GL/AW70

Kane - one is my dad's and one is my brothers - i have the choice between the two. The 242 needs some love, some parts need to be replaced but they are more or less cosmetic. The 740 has no problems really.

I doubt that i will get a paint job...

Thanks, Elad

They are both stick shift by the way...

I've had both 240's and a 740 and would go for the 242. But, that's just personal preference. I like 2 doors and I like to "play" with the car...sway bars, springs, etc. and the 240 series responds very well to mods. The transmission is a factor. the '83 probably has the M-46 (4 speed+OD) which has a rep for reliability and the '90 is probably an M-47 5 speed. The M-47 had a rep (possibly undeserved) for early failure but this may be prevented by good maintenance including overfilling the lubricant. Search the board for more details on that. If you regularly carry rear seat passengers, go for the 740.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'83 242TI Flathood

Hmmm, on the 740 board i got a lot of responses for the 740 (obviously) but now im really stuck! How much would a paint job cost for the 242?

Would it be better to paint it and take it or just take the 740?

Thanks again!
Elad

Your choice in these two models were the same that my kids had to make on my 84 240 gl and my 87 740 gle 5 years ago. My daughter who is 22 chose the 244 due to the classic lines of a brick. My son 24 gave up the 240 to her and took the 740. Now these models both have strong points and for my son who is 6'5'' the 740 was roomier and the better fit.
Both have been excellent cars for each and we got over 500000 between the both of them and they are still on the road today as daily drivers.
A word of caution I think the 240 model is the vintage which suffers from wire rot.Check into it. Our 740 headliner crapped out on us 3 years ago. I was lucky in that I found another one in a local bone yard and carefully removed it and put in my sons car.
If it was my choice I would go after the 242 due to its classic nature and stick.
You want a roomier car and more luxury go with the 740.
I been driven volvos since 73 and only volvos . Keep on Rollin!!! Mike