This 1992 Volvo 240 is as basic as it gets, but in this case, that’s a good thing: it has the preferred manual gearbox, which while not exactly rare, you’re not guaranteed to find when you peek inside. The seller bought this 240 from the original owner in 2014 when it had 110,000 miles on the clock; it now has close to 200,000, so kudos to the seller for actually driving this car. As he notes, this is one of the more reliable classics you can buy, as his driveway has remained free of oil drops the entire time he’s owned it (or so he says.) The Volvo is listed here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $9,750 and bids to just over $4,000.
The 240 was known for a few things, chief among them steadfast reliability. They were not powerful, but you got where you needed; they were not attractive, but they also were inoffensive; and while the personality may have seemed bland, it was also somewhat charming. This is the general vibe a 240 will always give you, no matter whether it is pristine or a project. This 240 is somewhere in between, but it’s leaning more towards the pristine side of things, with laser straight body panels, clean hubcaps, and black plastic trim that still looks somewhat lustrous for a driver.
With close to 200K miles, you’d expect the interior to be in tattered shape. However, like the Mercedes-Benz W123, Volvo seemed to use cabin materials that will never die. If you’ve ever ridden in or owned a Volvo from this era, you would know this material from the picture alone; you likely even remember the way it feels. The seller confirms that the upholstery is in perfect shape, as is the headliner. It also is nicely equipped with A/C, a power sunroof and mirrors, cruise control, a working power antenna, and of course, the much-preferred 5-speed manual.
The 2.3L 4-cylinder engine wasn’t super powerful – just around 115 b.h.p. – but again, it moves down the highway just fine and has great road manners. You may forget that this Volvo is a rear-wheel drive sedan, which certainly makes its road manners more enjoyable than if if it was all chattering through the front wheels. Some folks report issues with the wiring harness and fuel injection; of course, you’ll want to find one without rust, like this car. The 240 will run forever with basic maintenance and this one looks like a great choice for an entry level classic that can function as a daily driver.
Is it an interference engine?
This site lists the Volvo 240 SOHC engine as “non-interference”:
https://yourcarangel.com/2014/07/interference-engines-complete-list/
Nice list, but seems to have a few errors or is limited to only certain years. The URL might indicate that this was 2007-2014? The Honda 1.5 liters are not interference. Neither were the Mazda 1.2 & 1.3 liter engines… ok I am just pointing out the obvious on that last one.
Yes.
not interference, you have no clue, don’t mislead people.
Not interference, spins free, so let that 50k belt snap no prob. Try that with yer Honda, lol.
Many Honda engines are not interference either. Don’t assume that all all just because some are. Usually a Honda will go about 150k before the belt skips (doesn’t usually snap)
Correctomundo. The belt on my ’82 Turbo 4-speed with OD snapped on the way to work one day. Mechanic popped a new one in and no issues. Loved that car and the seats were the best I ever had prior to getting my Tesla.
Yeah it’s a good car but not $9700! Maybe $4500 but no more!
Agree with Nick. Nice but should be valued around $4,500 for a quick sale. The engine on this 240 has at least another 200,000 before it is done.
Correction! This is not an interference engine. (former Volvo service manager) Taken care of, this car has easily another 200,000 miles left in it. I have purchased many of Volvo that supposedly had a dead engine. (spewing oil from every possible place) BUT, all had plugged “flame traps” (Volvo’s system of crankcase ventilation) $20 and 20 minutes (it takes time when the hoses are hard from age) and an engine spray job and you are good for many more carefree miles. If you want to spice up the handling, a trip through the IPD catalog will make this a lot more fun.
a wagon? I’d goferid!
Hada 25 yr ownership DL (just leather, better wheel, etc than this model). Went so well that when rear main went (no wrk got the auto trans/motor to seal) and clocked 300K mi I moved to a very steep driveway-ed house I decided to up grade same co. Boy was I wrong. To stay in merica the mrkt research said “go up scale” and the driveway said FWD. The 850 wuz a lill less than 1/2 the car the 240 was. Sure turbo, FWD, all the extras @ a base model but… nothing like the earlier (junk like audi, beemer).
The red block B230 is not an interference engine.
All RED engines GREAT! Anything after 1995 pretty much junk. Besides transmission failures, electrical nightmares. (Better since 1997 or so, but still not great.) Our dealership was in the top ten for fix it right the first time question. But customers still not happy because they knew that they bought junk! I would oun an older Volvo in a moment, but anything newer than 1994 you could not give it to me.
Swedish 🇸🇪 Rally 😎 team 🏁
Re: Wayne: There are currently 4 Volvos in my family, all post-1997 with 5 cyl turbos. A couple are pushing 200K miles. Use full synthetic oil & change it religiously every 5K. Change the timing belt, water pump & pulleys at 100K.
An S60 saved my wife’s life. We’ve now passed that car on to an in-law.
My sons’ first cars were 240 wagons. They kept my boys safe as they gained experience on the road, and we sold them each at a profit.
Don’t know about Volvo’s confusing & complex new lineup of engines, but the Red Blocks & 2.5L turbos have served us faithfully & well, and the thoughtful engineering has protected my loved ones for many miles.
Amen, Kevin Connelly.
Best thing about this sedan is the 5speed. During my daughter’s early years into her teens I want through 3 240 wagons. For me they were the best, simple effective vehicle around. The motor faced front and they were rear wheel drive, both important details. Of the three 2 were manually shifter and a pleasure to drive. The middle owned 3rd 240 was an automatic and basically a slug on the road.
Funny thing now is she recently told me her favorite car, if she was ever to get one, would be exactly this, a white 240 sedan. Though she never did get a license, a city slicker for sure.
Maybe a bit pricy but if it’s in as good shape as noted probably worth it. I love the blue interior. Though I’d think $7,500.- would be max. That car has an easy 100k as a daily driver left in it as it sits. Now, if it were a wagon …
Lovely looking car. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember cars like this Volvo 240. I would often jokingly refer to the Volvo of the time as the “Cinder Block on Wheels”.
One of my friends on Long Island had a 240 equipped similarly, but brick red. He had it up to 230k and then sold it to someone and when I last spoke to him many years ago, he still saw it around the neighborhood with well over 300k on it. I agree, the red blocks are bulletproof, and there’s a certain charm about these cars that is as hard to replace as it is to understand. And the seats are amazing.
Only ever drove the neighbors 240 years ago but that car had over 100,000mi and was still tight and comfortable.
While never owning a Volvo, I always enjoyed driving them. It has to have stick or I wouldn’t bother. As a kid in the early 70’s, I found my dream car in a large Volvo dealer in NJ that is still in business! It was the predecessor to the 240. It was the 142E not the 142S. It was a coupe, it had a 4 speed, round sport gauges instead of the long speedometer, sharp wheels and I wanted it….but I couldn’t afford it! Sighhhhhhh………….. Does any Volvo person remember that model?
I sure do, Joe Mec! A purer design than the 240 series.
The upscale model was the 6-cylinder 164. My buddy’s dad had one, and he let me drive it. Once. It was the first car I ever drove with disc brakes & radials. What a revelation.
If only I had room in the driveway …