"...the real condition of these vehicles...in reasonable condition and mechanically sound...they are also 15 and 18 years old..."

True. How old is the Brooklyn Bridge and how many people depend on it -- risk their lives on it -- every day to get to work?

My point is that mere age (or youth) is not always a valid measure of value or utility. Would you prefer a new Yugo or a good running, rust free '73 ES?

"...it's been nearly a decade since the last 240 rolled off the assembly line at Gothenburg. Surely a great deal of progess has been made since 1993..."

Industry has learned how to make stuff even lighter, thinner, cheaper. More thin plastic replacing thick plastic, more thick plastic replacing aluminum, more aluminum replacing steel. Smaller, lighter, thinner, cheaper spare tires.

No more head gaskets -- a head job you could once do in your garage now requires a clean room. Super expensive special tools needed for what was once a backyard job (timing belt, for example).

"...any reason to hold on to these cars, other than sentimental value?"

Oh, let's see. My '86 245 with 260k miles starts EVERY morning, gets me to work EVERY morning, gets me home EVERY night, hauls all kinds crapola all over on the weekends.... Is warm, comfortable, safe, and reliable in the winter slush 'n snow..... Always stops on a dime when I hit the brakes..... I don't really worry about a few door dings.... Decent service literature is available.... Almost anyone can repair one, and parts are available at reasonable prices from reasonable vendors..... You don't need a Ph.D. in Applied Volvology to change the oil.....

And best of all, It's mine and it's paid for...