Buying 1986 240 GL wagon

May 31st, 2003, 16:15

I'm planning on buying a 1986 240 GL station wagon from a friend. I'm going to have a mechanic check it out before I buy it. From what I've read so far on-line, I know to ask him to look at the wiring harness. Are there other issues I should be particularly concerned about in this era Volvo?

Thanks for your help!

Clifford Pope · Jun 2nd, 2003, 14:26

There are 3 important things to check - rust, rust, and rust. All mechanical defects can be rectified fairly easily and cheaply if you are reasonably handy and have access to breakers or spare cars.
From experience of maintaining or breaking 6 cars I'd check:
Under the rear wheel arch at the top of the shock absorber. Also view inside by tilting the rear seat
At the back of the cills near the jacking point
Under the turned edge of the rear wing/wheel arch
Front of rear wheel arch low down by door pillar
Tailgate - lower lip, and inside around rubber seals
Body section across rear of car partly hidden by bumper and trim

Look for evidence of unchecked windscreen and other leaks, letting water drip onto fuse box. It can also run down inside the door posts causing rotting inside and on the floor of the car.
I hope this is of some help.

Good luck

andykem · Jun 3rd, 2003, 18:26

Hi,
I agree with all that Clifford has said, except I'd add a 4th thing: RUST! Make sure you or your mechanic take a really good look under the carpets in the region under the front seat especially. My kast two 200's have both had quite severe rust where the sills join the floor pan and the floorpan is welded to the 'box' section that the front seats sit on.

Good luck,
Andy

May 31st, 2003, 16:15	#1
nixcatt Guest Location:	Buying 1986 240 GL wagon I'm planning on buying a 1986 240 GL station wagon from a friend. I'm going to have a mechanic check it out before I buy it. From what I've read so far on-line, I know to ask him to look at the wiring harness. Are there other issues I should be particularly concerned about in this era Volvo? Thanks for your help!

Jun 2nd, 2003, 14:26	#2
Clifford Pope Not an expert but ... Last Online: Today 08:12 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Boncath	RE: Buying 1986 240 GL wagon There are 3 important things to check - rust, rust, and rust. All mechanical defects can be rectified fairly easily and cheaply if you are reasonably handy and have access to breakers or spare cars. From experience of maintaining or breaking 6 cars I'd check: Under the rear wheel arch at the top of the shock absorber. Also view inside by tilting the rear seat At the back of the cills near the jacking point Under the turned edge of the rear wing/wheel arch Front of rear wheel arch low down by door pillar Tailgate - lower lip, and inside around rubber seals Body section across rear of car partly hidden by bumper and trim Look for evidence of unchecked windscreen and other leaks, letting water drip onto fuse box. It can also run down inside the door posts causing rotting inside and on the floor of the car. I hope this is of some help. Good luck

Jun 3rd, 2003, 18:26	#3
andykem Member Last Online: Mar 10th, 2020 12:16 Join Date: Jan 1970 Location: cheltenham	RE: Buying 1986 240 GL wagon Hi, I agree with all that Clifford has said, except I'd add a 4th thing: RUST! Make sure you or your mechanic take a really good look under the carpets in the region under the front seat especially. My kast two 200's have both had quite severe rust where the sills join the floor pan and the floorpan is welded to the 'box' section that the front seats sit on. Good luck, Andy

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