Hi:
A co-worker recently bought a 1987 240 automatic w/380,000 miles as a work car. He bought it from a 4 Volvo household, kept it 6 weeks, says it runs ok but shakes at 60 mph. He normally drives a turbo pick-up, Lincoln, etc. and thinks Volvo too small. He wants me to buy it in Indianapolis to drive to work. Is 87 the bad wiring year? What should I look for? What is the shake?? He thinks it alignment, I doubt that. What kind of $$ should I offer, and what could I sell it for in 6-9 months if I get something newer. I haven't looked close, so it only passes the 50/50 test (looks good at 50 feet driving 50 mph). I really need a reliable beater, but have a shot at much newer car this winter. Thanks for your comments.This guy isn't a crook, but not Volvo friendly or interested. Thanks! bmwjohn from Indy.

Bascially with that mileage, the car has no value left. And it's surely going to need some front end work. I'd say right off the bat, you'll spend $300 in front end stuff, PLUS whatever they get for an alignment. Another $60 or so? I've bought better cars for less, and I've paid more for worse, but I'd say it's a $200- 300 car, and that really shouldn't be insulting to anyone.

The big issues in general with these:
rust, wiring harnesses, rust, blower motors, rust, suspension, and maintenance items: brakes, tires, tuneups, exhaust. Seems like the exhaust is broken on all of them. But on the other hand, it's a good do-it-yourself car, and it's not usually susceptible to major mechanical failures. Tradeoffs, I guess, and the cars last so long that weird, annoying stuff starts to break on them.

Good luck!
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!

Forget it. With 380,000 miles on the clock, that car will be a maintenance nightmare for any future owners. It might be a good deal if you can get it on the cheap ($500?) and drive it for at least a few months or until you get the new car, but I wouldn't count on keeping it for any length of time - unless you have a parts car.

My son just sold his 90 with 180,000 miles for $500.00, just to give you an idea.

sounds like a $300.00 car to me. 380,000 miles means lots of love and care to keep it going. That being said if you like it get it, but be forwarned, they are a little thirsty, if I was looking for a reliable commuter car i would get a honda, if I didn't already know my way around volvos. it,s the gas consumption that bugs me (and the oil consumption), especially the auto, and BTW make sure the o.d. works there should be a total of 4 forward gears, and with luck you can shift out of 4 th (o.d.) with the button on the stick shift. lot's of reason for front end shake, tie rods, ball joints, crap tires, bearings etc..........

Crumbling insulation ended with the 1988 240s. Some "patients" have been cured with either a new harness or rebuilding the old one. Not a tough job, only four wires needed, usually.

Vibration check: Get one front wheel off the ground, grasp wheel at 9-0'clock and 3-0'clock, rock wheel in a left turn / right turn fashion, and see if you discover any slack. If yes, a visual can poften see if slack is in tie rod ends, ball joints, or tie rod inner joints.

Next grasp wheel at 12-0'clock and 6-0'clock, rock it hard. Slack, and sometimes a "click", indicates looseness in wheel bearings.

Check both wheels.

Often vibration is result of a tire problem. Check tread wear for excess on inner edge or outer edge, and "cupping". Test drive after inflating to 32psi all around. Look at tire sizes, are they the same on each axle?

Consider telling seller that you are worried that car may need $1,000 to make it reasonably reliable as a commuter, and offer $300 (to get to a $1300 value).

Or check similar cars on ebaY for what the market might be.

Check for rust at lower windshield corner, and lower corners of 'way back windows and cargo door window. Also in cabin, above driver's left toe and passenger's right toe. If possible check under the front carpets next to the door sills.

Does the air blower work? Air circulation is a critical item for heater, and (here in Texas) air conditioning. Blower motor repair is a 5-hour job for me, and for a newbie we advise allowing ten. Part is about $65.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

I just got a 86 with 162k for $50.00 (Bad harness) BIG JOB! for 1st timer.
Check the wires by the grey connection clip and the wires by the coil.
The shaking might be a bad intake gasket or the wheel bearings are going.