Volvo introduced its 200 series of cars back in 1974, which included a wagon, with fans still fondly remembering these autos for their safety reputation and good reliability. After a nearly 20-year run, Volvo wrapped-up production of the 240 at the end of the ’93 model, and while sales of the wagon had been declining since the mid-eighties, it too soldiered on, although at the swan song just 23,337 station wagon examples were made for the final year, including this 1993 Volvo 240 here on eBay. This one’s located in Columbus, Ohio, with the buy-it-now price set at $11,500. Or there’s always the possibility it can be yours for less, as the seller has also provided the option to make him an offer.
We’d like to thank Barn Finds reader Johnny for the tip! The seller lovingly describes his Volvo as being one of the nicest examples around, with the condition described as wonderful, and he has provided us with some good photos that seem to back up the claim that this is among the better wagon varieties you’re likely to find for sale. The white paint is said to be the original finish, and even after 30 years it’s still looking good from top to bottom. We also get a couple of photos from the Volvo’s underside, and it’s appearing to be reasonably solid on the south side, plus there’s also a new exhaust system in place.
Things inside are still looking spiffy too to be three decades old, with even the driver’s seat not showing much wear after all this time, and being a later model it’s also equipped with airbags. There’s plenty of room to bring your entire family, as a third-row jump seat allows the rear passengers to watch their life go by in the opposite direction, or it can be folded down to provide some decent cargo room. A modern upgrade is an aftermarket radio with USB capability, and with those hi-fi speakers in all the doors, I’m guessing this is a pretty jamming sound system.
I was quite surprised to see the mileage listed as 267,003, but the seller states that his station wagon still runs and drives very nicely with no issues. The timing belt was changed about 30k miles ago and there are new engine mounts under the hood, plus there’s been some recent attention given down below too including a new driveshaft, shocks, brake pads, and several new bushings. No word on whether or not the automatic transmission has had any attention, but it’s said to still be shifting great. What are your thoughts on this one? Does having over a quarter of a million miles concern you at all?
Looks like it’s been well maintained over the course of its life. Your basic DL trim wagon. Transmissions were really robust for this year. Should be the 4 speed AW unit. Aisin Warner is a subsidiary of Toyota so that should give you the idea of its reliability. With over a quarter million miles one won’t worry about enjoying this car and making it the weekend family truckster. Need more power? This body lends itself to a small block Chevy transplant which was popular back in the 90’s.
Well, I’ll tell ya’, great car, but having a lot of miles, it’s going to need repair, and with the current stories, nightmares really, I’ve been hearing of late, $8,000 hemi motors, $3,000 catalytic converters, I don’t know about you, but the “common” folk can’t afford a bag of pretzels, much less repairs here. Years ago, these were so common, every hippie that wanted to save the planet, drove a Volvo wagon. The good news, this is a non-interference motor, so a broken belt shouldn’t be a REAL big deal, after the $1,000 tow bill. See where I’m going here? Oh, it looks okay, but trust me, due to necessity, I’ve had experience with high mileage cars, and it’s always something.
Old equipment brakes – no matter how well it’s cared for. WHEN and HOW OFTEN, depends on care and use – but life is finite.
I don’t know how long a Volvo engine can last; but you know this one is 240,000 miles closer to a terminal failure than it was when new.
I don’t see $11k in value here. Maybe $4k if the chassis is truly clean – and thus worth replacing the driveline, if, as and when.
And then there’s other factors, like the rear axle; brake and steering parts. Are they all out there? Will they be, in five years or so?
I’d run, not walk, away.
What models were the high mileage cars that you had issues with? And, what type of people were their prior caretakers?
Considering the cost of new cars these days you could put a good V8 and transmission in it and have a nice car the average person can drive and enjoy without having to put up with over electrified and complicated newer cars. Now on our 5th month trying to figure out why the brake lights don’t work on our Ford based motor home. That wouldn’t be a big deal normally but the problem is doubled by the electric trailer brakes not working either because they are triggered by the brake light system. You ought to see the huge amount of electric stuff just to do simple things in this turkey. Full diagnostic found nothing.
I’ve found, today, you are at the mercy of the previous mechanic. A neighbor has a , IDK, 2012 Highlander he pulls a small camper with. The trailer brakes work manually with the control, but not when the foot pedal is applied. You should see the “spaghetti bowl” of wires someone cobbled in, the local garage wanted $150 just to look at it. While this car may not have all the gizmos a new car has, it was the infancy of automotive electronics, that may or may not function like they did in 1993.
Bypass the wiring harness. Run a lead from the fuse terminal, or even the hot post on the battery…to the brake-light switch. From there, back to the bright terminal on the taillights. Be sure to use a fused link.
I’ve heard nightmare tales of the rat’s nest of wires behind the interior paneling in motor homes. Forget about it…unless you’re ready to strip everything down, you’ll never find it.
Over 260k miles and its priced over $11,000 no thanks it would be a stretch to give over $2,000 for it with those miles
With like 2.1 mil built you can always say, ‘hey I think that was mine’. Gave friend Bill my white one for $700 & I can’t give away my 92 for $2500. Strange world.
260K miles? Its going to need a motor. At this point the decimal point in the sale price is in the wrong place. Pay $1100. for it, take that crappy 4 banger out and drop in an LS 350. Then drive the snot out of it.
Another idiotic LS Suggestion!
I’m honestly not sure if this meant to be a joke or if sincere, but either way thanks for the laugh. I think.
The mileage really isn’t an issue. Volvo apparently used to cast these w nickel in the bores and 600k plus isn’t unknown. I wouldn’t pay $11500 for it though.
Sorry but some of the ridiculous comments here saying this is a throw away car only worth a couple of grand max obviously have no experience with Volvo 240 series cars. Yes, the ask is on the high side but if well maintained, the miles don’t scare me with this particular engine. Prices started soaring on all 240’s a few years ago and aren’t close to slowing down. Every kid that grew up in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s that had mom take them to soccer practice in wagons like this one will have fond memories of them.
Eric’s think alike. I concur, these comments are hilarious, in a bad way. LS swap, lol. But, being a daily reader of the site, not surprising in the least. I’m not sure how one who is a fan of cars could NOT know the mileage these are capable of and how tough and well built they are. I think many are looking out through their own bubble. If there were a problem, parts are relatively cheap and plentiful and you can practically climb into the engine compartment. Did they notice they not notice that?
The price is admittedly too high for this particular one and I believe most agree because this car has been listed for a couple of months or so. Granted it’s 30 years old but the 5 owners isn’t ideal.
As someone who owned Volvos for a span of 20 plus years, I agree completely. These things are literally built like bank vaults. I strongly recommend that the new owner get a good shop manual and do as much of the work as possible. The Volvo garage I used was outstanding, but parts for my 850s and S70 were not cheap – thankfully the 240 series was a simpler device, and parts are still quite plentiful. 240,000 mi doesn’t scare me at all on this car. If it’s been well maintained as it appears to have been, that engine could go another 240,000 miles.
I bought a new ’83 DL sedan. I put over 200k miles on it. One of the best cars I’ve owned in terms of reliability. Traded it for a 740.
I would love one of these with a manual transmission ….
My 740 had 407000, on its B230,(same engine) ran fine, and no oil use. As others have pointed out, 240s will go forever, as long as you can prevent body rust.
Daughter had 440k on her 93 940 & one day engine just started to sound hollow & then started seeping oil from everywhere possible like a 40k Maserati. Was done.
It is always enjoyable to read about the travels & ownerships of old & classic Volvos. 240s are tanks, pull back the headliner & see what’s welded in up top. Its largest mis-conception is that it was a dog. They ran on premium gas for a reason & had racing brakes in the front for another reason. The turbo models were hot stuff. They were built Ford Tough decades before Ford built Ford Tough. I put the question to some of our retired mechanics here in Volvo service some few years ago what lasted the longest with all the makes that they worked with in their tenures late sixties seventies so on & we worked with all imports just because of the scarcity of qualified hands & I’m here to tell you Volvo hands down was the choice even in the days of non-rust proofing Volvo protected better. Still does to this day. Spiritual successor to the 240 is next model after the next.