1987 Volvo 240 DL from North America - Comments

So far, have only replaced the battery.

I accidentally kicked the drivers door map pocket, causing it to crack due to it's age.

Where to begin?

I was 19 when my father helped me purchase my first Volvo.

It was a 1976 244.

We bought the car for $650 dollars, and it already had 150k miles.

At the time I thought that it was a worthless piece of rusted pre-civil war art. The only reason I'm not driving it now (17 yrs later) is because of the body rust and a failing steering knuckle. I was amazed that this 4 speed stick could handle and jump off the line better than my friends American cars.

When the car was no longer safe to drive (steering knuckle) it had 228,000 miles and still purred like a kitten. I have talked with about this car with fondness ever since we sold it for parts.

Now for the good part!

When I initially met my wife, her family had a black 1987 Volvo 240 DL sitting in the drive way. Due to her mother's illness, the car hadn't been driven for 3 yrs at that point. She has since passed away, and my Father-in-Law couldn't bring himself to sell the car for sentimental reasons.

This year, he also passed away, and left the car to my wife and I.

She isn't interested in the car, but I definitely am.

Okay, for all of you that are familiar with Volvos, tell me what you would do.

The car has been sitting for approximately 10 yrs.

It has been outside with cloth car cover protecting it.

The body has no visible rust. The paint is only slightly oxidized, but I am going to have it detailed.

It will need brakes (because of the way my in-laws drove with the left foot on the brake).

And the tires all have evidence of sun damage.

I had to jump the car with my truck to move it, and immediately it started up like someone had driven it the day before. I drove it around the block, and the steering is a little stiff, but besides the brakes, you wouldn't have known that the car had not been run in 10 yrs.

I plan to change all of the fluids, filters, hoses, and belts. With a new set of brakes and tires, this car should last at least another 10 years.

But WAIT!

Here's the best part...

The car only has 65,000 original miles!!!

My father-in-law also left a loaded 2001 Monte Carlo with 55k miles, and we are already planning to sell it.

I would MUCH rather have an old Volvo, than a newer Monte!

I can't wait to get it running on the road!!

I'm sorry that the comment line didn't show up as I had typed it.

The comment line reads:

"It's not the"...

(and sad to say, the next review reads)

"Best car in the world"

Personally, I think that it is one of the best cars in the world!!

Needless to say, that is not the impression I want to give.

What my comment line should read is:

"It may not be the IN car to drive, but, I'll still be driving this car when the IN cars are dead and gone!"

You are in for a wonderful experience! Here are a few thoughts.

First, age is no friend to a car. Secondly, I have driven an '88 since new. Thirdly, since your acquisition cost is low, go for it!

Call IPD on the west coast. They are Volvo pros for over 42 years and are very helpful. A great catalog, too.1-800-444-6473. I bought a Bently repair manual recently from them. It is very helpful. Good luck. Jim.

Well it sounds like you lucked out with the car. I own an 87 also and before this one I had a '71 and a '74. one thing I do love about these cars is how easy it is to work on them yourself. Even though the occasion will be rare, minor problems are easy to service on these cars. one problem I have had on all three of my Volvo's was the alternator/water pump belt(s) (only one belt on my '71 and '74 but two on my '87) coming loose. The alternator acts as the tesnioner and will sometimes loosen. This results in the water pump not turning properly, and the charging system failing. So if the belts start to squeal DO NOT ignore it. I have been dead on the side of the road with all three cars for that reason. Also if you notice you battery is getting low, or the car is overheating check the belts first and save the costly bill by doing it yourself. Don't forget that belt will not always squeal if they are loose. If the car is equipped with engine block heaters watch out. In old age they can corrode and break off, causing the car to expel all it coolant. I love my Volvo's and refuse to drive anything else.

I agree, you have a great car that will last a long time, if taken care of. I have an 87 240 DL wagon that my parents bought brand new. That car hauled four kids all over California, to sports, taught to drive on and best of all it embarrassed me in high school! Why did I add that last comment? Well, in my last quarter of college (Sept 2005) I knew I would need a car. My mom was finally getting a new Volvo (01 V70 that she now regrets) and my parents offered the 87 to me for free if I paid to have some work done. I took it in a second. After the front and rear wiring harnesses, timing belt, seals and some other pieces replaced and repaired, it was driving like a strong dependable car. It is still running strong with regular fluid changes. About a week ago, a piece in the PCV system needed to be replaced, no big deal. I decided, with the advice of my mechanic, that getting my car painted to look respectable was worth it. I am really excited, in May 07, I am planning to get it painted, replace the head and tail lights, some of the moulding that has fallen off and wheel covers. I love my car and I can’t wait for it to look “new.” With 155k miles, it has got a lot more to give.