Volvo 240 - Worth 'investing'?
Discussion
So I've always liked the boxy shape of the older generation Volvo.
Had an 850 T5 for a while, and also a 960, which were both great cars.
But I've got the itch for an old 240, estate or saloon guise.
While I will probably buy one anyway, are there any thoughts on a Volvo 240 as investment potential? Looking on Ebay and Autotrader, people are asking a lot for these cars - one guy wants 4 grand for a 135k estate (although it is probably in good nick.... or should be at that price!)
So the question is, will it go up in value, and by how much?
Thoughts welcome...
Had an 850 T5 for a while, and also a 960, which were both great cars.
But I've got the itch for an old 240, estate or saloon guise.
While I will probably buy one anyway, are there any thoughts on a Volvo 240 as investment potential? Looking on Ebay and Autotrader, people are asking a lot for these cars - one guy wants 4 grand for a 135k estate (although it is probably in good nick.... or should be at that price!)
So the question is, will it go up in value, and by how much?
Thoughts welcome...
I don't think they will, particularly not if you use it, and probably not by more than you'll spend running it and keeping it on the road. The oldest 140s are increasing very slowly in value but due to rarity more than anything I think.
Probably won't lose value either though. They are a very good, practical, everyday classic.
Probably won't lose value either though. They are a very good, practical, everyday classic.
I too have a hankering for a 240, although I'd be equally happy with a salon, but do want a GLT. Sadly it looks like the boat has sailed (I wonder how many got traded in during the scrapage scheme?). The prices seem to be well on the up...£2000 and upwards for non-restored examples...
Ho hum, should have kept my old one
Ho hum, should have kept my old one
So I did it and bought one. It's a GL with cloth seats, but not in bad shape at all, bodywork is extremely good (needs a clay bar and polish).
I will probably slowly but surely restore it. Maybe make some light mods to make it a bit more modern (better speakers maybe) but keep all original bits, being sure not to destroy it by drilling holes everywhere.
It's a good solid car, like a boat compared to my seat Leon fr which handles like it's on rails compared to the 240!
Good wallow factor and the prices do seem very much on the rise! It's a gamble, makes life a bit more interesting!
I will probably slowly but surely restore it. Maybe make some light mods to make it a bit more modern (better speakers maybe) but keep all original bits, being sure not to destroy it by drilling holes everywhere.
It's a good solid car, like a boat compared to my seat Leon fr which handles like it's on rails compared to the 240!
Good wallow factor and the prices do seem very much on the rise! It's a gamble, makes life a bit more interesting!
AmanSehra said:
So I did it and bought one. It's a GL with cloth seats, but not in bad shape at all, bodywork is extremely good (needs a clay bar and polish).
I will probably slowly but surely restore it. Maybe make some light mods to make it a bit more modern (better speakers maybe) but keep all original bits, being sure not to destroy it by drilling holes everywhere.
It's a good solid car, like a boat compared to my seat Leon fr which handles like it's on rails compared to the 240!
Good wallow factor and the prices do seem very much on the rise! It's a gamble, makes life a bit more interesting!
Well done ! I'll probably never do it myself but I have the odd look around.... My Dad had a silver 240GL in 1983 from new. I loved it. 4 Speed with overdrive. Dad fitted a couple of KC Daylighters. In fact here's the only pic I can find of it with my Supra in the foreground .... Funny how you can remember individual moments in time .... That was a summers evening. I remember the slight chill in the air and how it smelt of summer. I had just cleaned the car and polished the alloys with Solvol ..... Must be at least 24 years ago ...I will probably slowly but surely restore it. Maybe make some light mods to make it a bit more modern (better speakers maybe) but keep all original bits, being sure not to destroy it by drilling holes everywhere.
It's a good solid car, like a boat compared to my seat Leon fr which handles like it's on rails compared to the 240!
Good wallow factor and the prices do seem very much on the rise! It's a gamble, makes life a bit more interesting!
Good work. We need pics tho!
240's have risen in price steadily over the last few years. I like them a lot, dad has driven one since I was born in the 70's, and always has another one in reserve incase the one he has dies. Because this doesn't happen he's had a '79 one in the garage with 11k miles on it for nearly 15 years. Takes it out once or twice a year to keep it moving.
I have a 740 which does maybe 1-2k per year, equally as robust.
Ps if you change the shocks it will really help the handling, they really deteriorate over the years.
240's have risen in price steadily over the last few years. I like them a lot, dad has driven one since I was born in the 70's, and always has another one in reserve incase the one he has dies. Because this doesn't happen he's had a '79 one in the garage with 11k miles on it for nearly 15 years. Takes it out once or twice a year to keep it moving.
I have a 740 which does maybe 1-2k per year, equally as robust.
Ps if you change the shocks it will really help the handling, they really deteriorate over the years.
AmanSehra said:
So I did it and bought one. It's a GL with cloth seats, but not in bad shape at all, bodywork is extremely good (needs a clay bar and polish).
I will probably slowly but surely restore it. Maybe make some light mods to make it a bit more modern (better speakers maybe) but keep all original bits, being sure not to destroy it by drilling holes everywhere.
It's a good solid car, like a boat compared to my seat Leon fr which handles like it's on rails compared to the 240!
Good wallow factor and the prices do seem very much on the rise! It's a gamble, makes life a bit more interesting!
It's a good call. I think values are slowly climbing. They're galvanised in parts, but the wheel wells at the back often rot, along with a few other areas which do eventually go a bit. I had two whch were pre 'proper' galvanising and weren't so good, but later ones do last really well.I will probably slowly but surely restore it. Maybe make some light mods to make it a bit more modern (better speakers maybe) but keep all original bits, being sure not to destroy it by drilling holes everywhere.
It's a good solid car, like a boat compared to my seat Leon fr which handles like it's on rails compared to the 240!
Good wallow factor and the prices do seem very much on the rise! It's a gamble, makes life a bit more interesting!
The old B21 engines really, really, last well and rarely have trouble. The carbureted ones tend to the knacker diaphragms in the carb, or at least both of mine did. The injection ones are better all round, in my experience anyway. I'd definitely have another 'brick' Volvo, but I'd be hanging out for the GLT if it's me. They're still one of the most comfortable cars - period. And I'm sure are a future classic.
I've already started modding!
Nothing too substantial - put some 4 inch pioneer speakers in the front door cards. I am thinking of a much better stereo (and possibly) a subwoofer in the boot.
However before I continue I need to spend some time under the bonnet, steering feels a bit woolly.
Started clay barring the car... spent about 2.5 hours, and about a quarter of a bar only on the bonnet, and it's still not smooth! 27 years of grime haven't done the car well. It will be a long road to get the car to a nice mirror finish shine!
Nothing too substantial - put some 4 inch pioneer speakers in the front door cards. I am thinking of a much better stereo (and possibly) a subwoofer in the boot.
However before I continue I need to spend some time under the bonnet, steering feels a bit woolly.
Started clay barring the car... spent about 2.5 hours, and about a quarter of a bar only on the bonnet, and it's still not smooth! 27 years of grime haven't done the car well. It will be a long road to get the car to a nice mirror finish shine!
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