How much should i offer for a 1984 245 dl diesel? It has all the history documented. (Gas mileage, oil changes, service,ect) pleather interior, power everything,130000 miles, third seat,dark gray in color.It seems like a great car.Drives smooth
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1985 Volvo 244 Running Strong

Hi:

I probably would hold out for a 700 series. More power, some improvements. I would agree that this is a terrible engine for the average (lack of maintenance) gas car owner. What makes them blow up is not changing the Timing belts at the recommended intervals. All interferrance engines (Gas or diesel will do this). Mercedes diesels have a better record because they use a timing chain. Volvo Diesels also have some cooling system issues and don't seem to like Dino Oil. They also have few and far mechanics to help you out. You will probably have to work on it yourself. Once you get past these issues they are fine. They have been known to run into the high 200k's.

That said, I guess the question is: Do you want a super reliable, maintenece free, Non-interferrance Volvo Red Block, Or a maintenance intensive Volvo Diesel.

My 1983 760 Turbo Diesel has 194,000. Goes from NYC to Florida once every 3 months and get's 29 mpg on the road. It's a joy to drive and is still going strong. But I've gotten past it's quirks. I'd sell my Volvo red block before I got rid of it.

Word of advice; Check for excessive Blowby before you buy. You should see some but not alot. Excessive blowby on an engine with low mileage, like yours, is a sure sign of engine wear and low compression. The previous owner was probably a (Lack of maintenence) gas car owner.

Good Luck

I gave $175.00 for one just like you describe with the only differences being that it was 5 years ago and it had about 185K on it then. Car is still running and still in great shape. I am in the business so I get smoking deals on cars on a regular basis but I still would not offer more than $300.00-$400.00 absolute tops and that is only if you really really have to have it. I looked in the recycler and albeit they had no diesels for sale the 84's were ranging from aroun $500.00-$2500.00. Some guy wanted $2500.00 for his 240 turbo wagon with 237K on it, I guess it is only a price and you can ask what you want. Speaking of that has the selling party on the diesel named a price on it yet?

Mark

Being quite rare the value is mostly about what it is worth to you to have the diesel engine. Despite what they say on Ebay, this engine is mostly famous for blowing up after a short service life. Most shops won't touch it, and it will cost a lot if you can't do maintainence(headgaskets and timing belts) yourself.
Also be aware that the 740 diesels are almost twice as fast with the turbocharged engine.

That being said, I love my 745, and the electricals and crap plastics have given me more trouble than the motor. I would consider a manual trans to add$500 to the value of the car, but thats just my opinion.

Terrible engine, so the car is a parts car, and the diesels make terrible parts cars. So it is worth very little.
Don't even think about buying it to drive it.
Buy a red block gasser. That's what Volvo did best, and that's why there are enough people to make a forum like this so good. Keep life simple.