Greetings all, new to the boards and trying to educate myself. (sorry for the story below, but I am sure some will find it humorous).

I am an experienced car guy and been around cars since I was 5. Three generations of mechanics dating back to grandfathers model T's in shop. I am the only one who is not (our of 3 brother and 4 uncles) (I am a computer geek), but grew up working in my fathers shop from 5 until 20yrs. (I am 40 now and have had a collection of old american iron)

My experience is mostly American cars, so some guidance needed.

I am considering buying a 1990 240 DL with 150K on it for $1250. The owner says he replaced timing belt, brakes, tires at 125K. It is an automatic tranny car. I am going to look at it on Saturday, and need to know what I should be looking for.

I do have a little experience with the 240 (funny story) - I actually just bought one for my buddy who was a long time Volvo driver in the 80s. He is moving back to the west coast from DC and asked me to pick this one up for him for $800.

Well long story short is that I went to go pick it up and expected a total wreck, and I was quite surprised when I got in the car stone cold, and it started right up and the motor sounded absolutely smooth. (I know what a good motor sounds like).

I then drove it to my house to store for two weeks, and I was surprised how quiet it is down the road, interval wipers, cruised at 65 no problem and was strong. For an $800 car with 270K miles! So over the last two weeks I have drove it a couple more times just to see what it needs for him. (It's not perfect - it has some wonky electrical problems and I believe a drivers side ball joint that needs replaced along with what I believe are just loose/bad belts that seem to be slipping a little).

Anyway - I have to say I am a little infatuated with a car that sounds so good and quiet with so many miles. So I started searching and have found a couple to look at, and think I want to get one...

So what do I need to look for on a 1990 240 DL?

The automatic tranny worries me a little, as I have had bad experience with VW Jetta auto tranny's, and how expensive they are. I would rather had a manual, but need someone to tell me otherwise.

I am a little worried about the electrical and how much work might be needed there.

So any advice on what to look for, questions to ask, etc...would be great!

Thanks,
Ron