How I graduated to some kinda Volvo nut.

I started cruising the Brickboard after purchasing a used 1997 850 GLT in 1999. I kinda laughed reading about those brickboards that have a veritable Volvo ranch around their homes - growing and storing multiple B230s inside of square 240, 740, and 940 boxes.
Then we needed another car when our oldest started to drive and a 1992 240 seemed like the most practical option (safe, slow, inexpensive). I also became and amateur mechanic and learned to do brake jobs. Even though I would rather be golfing or surfing, the Scotsman in me really, really savors the though of saving about $20 each oil change and $200 each brake job.

With two Volvos in the barn (actually driveway since no vehicle larger than a bicycle can fit in our garage full of junk), the Brickboard soon became daily reading material, right after the morning paper. I wasn’t really in the market for Volvo No. 3 but it just jumped up and bit me. I saw a cherry 1993 Classic sedan parked in front of my work place and the owner just happened to walk out. I thought he looked familiar so I asked him if he worked in our Sacramento headquarters. He replied “No, I’m Mayor Dick Murphy”. Nonplussed, I replied “So that’s why you look familiar.” He explained he purchased it new and only driven it on weekends during the last several years, because as Mayor of San Diego he was picked up and driven to work by the police each day. I told him I was interested if he was ever interested in selling and about 6 months later (for low Blue Book!) I had a beautiful green 1993 240 Classic along with every receipt from day one, including oil changes every 5000 miles and Teflon reapplications at the dealer.

So with three Volvos I still didn’t consider myself a Volvo nut, although there were whispers among the wife, kids, and neighbors to that effect. I told myself that the next car, some day, will be a newer Honda with head air bags and excellent mileage (OK and less DIY repairs). However another kid (the third) started driving. She was the third one to learn on and take over the 1992 240 (we don’t name our cars beyond “The 850” or “The 240” or “The White One” or “The Mayor’s Car” although cute names would solve some confusion since we have two white ones and two 240s) AND the middle kid came home for the summer and needed wheels to get to work. So with three cars, four drivers, and little money, I started searching Honda Civics, 240s, 740s, and 940s. How can you find a “reliable” car for under $3000? About a week later I ended up with a 1992 940 turbo sedan with all the receipts, upgraded AC, 101,000 miles, good interior and exterior, new tires, new radiator, and new water pump. So that’s how you graduate from a practical (OK cheap) Honda fan to a 4 Volvo stable owner aka Volvo nut.
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1993 240 Classic