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200 Series General Forum for the Volvo 240 and 260 cars |
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Advice pleaseViews : 537 Replies : 9Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Sep 16th, 2018, 19:48 | #1 |
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Last Online: Jul 5th, 2023 07:30
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Advice please
Hello all. Some advice please. I'm looking at a 240 estate or a 740. I read the 240 is the better car so ideally that one. I'm going to be using it as a daily driver. I've spotted a 240 with the 2 litre carb engine in good condition but ive also seen a 740 in excellent condition and with the 2.3 injection and the 5 speed gearbox. I'm guessing the latter engine would be better for everyday use or should I not worry about the engine too much. Just wondering what is the best bet.
Thankyou in advance Joe |
Sep 16th, 2018, 22:18 | #2 |
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Last Online: Oct 26th, 2023 20:42
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Location: Thurrock
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People debate at length between the 240 and the 740. I have a 240 and I have owned a 740. Both are good cars.
The 240 has higher ground clearance and a slightly longer load bay. The 740 is lower with consequent different handling and has split rear seats. There are of course other differences. Why not test drive and see what you prefer? Between the engines. The 2 litre is a good engine. Well mine works well. The 2.3 is more highly regarded. The carburetor engines were always good. Depending which carburetter, there can be difficulties getting them running well nowadays. There are people in the forum who can give good advice about that, not me. Carburetor engines are older. The car is less likely to have good more modern rust protection. But with K jet injection you will avoid electronics if that is your preference. (If you look at a K jet engine, there is a huge flat shelf for a mug of coffee. I think that is the inlet manifold!) The injection engines are broadly divided between K jet mechanical injection which is generally regarded as seriously reliable, and the LH electronic injection which is also tried and tested. I hope that basic sort of answer might help a little. Beware rust on any older car.... P.S. A lot of 240 and 740 are used well as daily drivers. If there is a problem, diagnosis can take time and sometimes parts can take time. And, do you have a local garage with expertise in "modern classic" cars of this nature? Suitability as a daily driver is also debated a little.... . Last edited by Stephen Edwin; Sep 16th, 2018 at 22:25. Reason: P.S. |
Sep 16th, 2018, 22:26 | #3 | |
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740 is better in all ways really ,its 10 years ahead of the 240 yet keeping the best bits of it .
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My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience . |
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Sep 16th, 2018, 23:43 | #4 | |
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I have had both over the years. A 1986 740 GLE with B230K carb engine and a 1989 240 GLT Auto with B230E with mechanical K jet fuel injection. The 740 is the more modern driver and better rust protection and the B230E engine in 10 years of ownership never gave me any trouble in the 73,000 miles I put on it. Total mileage 235,000 when sold. 240 Was my daily of 8 years. The 240 is the Volvo people think of but my 1996 940 2.3 LPT, an evolution of the 740 is quieter, more modern and I'd say the better car. I would go for a 740 2.3 with K jet. B230E. Great engine. Or a late 940 Turbo in CD spec if you like your mod cons. James |
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Sep 17th, 2018, 09:48 | #5 |
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What Clan and James say makes a great deal of sense.
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Sep 17th, 2018, 19:14 | #6 |
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Thanks ever so much for your great advice people. I like both cars but it read on the forum that the 240 was far better built than the 740. I guessed the 2.3 was the better engine but wondered whether I should compromise as it heard the 240 was a better car. 240vs740 thread on here.
Guess I'll have to try them both out and see which I prefer. Thanks ever so much again. I'll keep you posted what I go for. Joe |
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Sep 17th, 2018, 22:33 | #7 |
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My twopennath is based on experience over the years AND having to carry out repairs economically since being made redundant.
My 2.3 4-speed estate 240 was enthusiast-owned when I bought it, at over 200k miles on the clock. Apart from having to rebuild the carb and change that wretched coil pack I did nothing to it in over 6 years - until the clutch went at over 270k miles. My 2.3 740 auto estate was also enthusiast owned (only recently returned to me now he has a V70), and was a far more comfortable ride over the 240, but plagued with electrical problems. The speedo and fuel gauge have been intermittent and it had a nasty habit of cutting out whilst cruising - alarming when an auto, meaning a quick turnoff, flick to neutral and try the key again, all whilst moving fairly fast! Neither have been resolved by a specialist yet... Parts availability for 240s is far easier around here than for 740s, and any basic d-i-yer can maintain the 240: mine were just everyday transports so if that matters to you I'd seriously look into such things. Comfort shouldn't come into considering ones everyday transport - economy (or lack of it!) is about the same so look at spares-availability and your local garage being happy working on one over the other. P |
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