Volvo advice needed

[123c]

I have been toying with either getting a Volvo wagon of some kind or Subaru wagon for some time now, but lately I have been feeling very unsafe in my Corolla, so I think I will seriously look at getting one. I know Subaru's, so I already know what to look for on those. It's the Volvo's I don't know well enough. I see many of them running around in Seattle, and I think I can score a nice on for around $2500. I know the brickboard is the place to look, but I just find it as user friendly as these forums. What I am thinking is a 245 like this one on CL: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/959656310.html. This one is located very close to my mom's place, but will probally be gone by the next time I will be there, in like 2 weeks. I am still kicking myself for not buying that one a few years ago for $300. So I guess my big question, is what is the biggest thing I need to look for in these older Volvo Wagons.
As for a Subaru, I might have a lead on a super cheap non-running wagon, that might just take some gas and a battery, and it's been under my nose for a few months. The only draw back is it has some rust, but not too bad from what I can remember.

btw, I am slightly intoxicated at the moment, so this might not make much logic...

[The Clk Man]

Originally Posted by 123c

I have been toying with either getting a Volvo wagon of some kind or Subaru wagon for some time now, but lately I have been feeling very unsafe in my Corolla, so I think I will seriously look at getting one. I know Subaru's, so I already know what to look for on those. It's the Volvo's I don't know well enough. I see many of them running around in Seattle, and I think I can score a nice on for around $2500. I know the brickboard is the place to look, but I just find it as user friendly as these forums. What I am thinking is a 245 like this one on CL: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/959656310.html. This one is located very close to my mom's place, but will probally be gone by the next time I will be there, in like 2 weeks. I am still kicking myself for not buying that one a few years ago for $300. So I guess my big question, is what is the biggest thing I need to look for in these older Volvo Wagons.
As for a Subaru, I might have a lead on a super cheap non-running wagon, that might just take some gas and a battery, and it's been under my nose for a few months. The only draw back is it has some rust, but not too bad from what I can remember.

btw, I am slightly intoxicated at the moment, so this might not make much logic...

Take this from a fellow Beer drinker. PLEASE buy a Volvo, for the money you want to spend. A 240 DL. You WILL be safe.

[123c]

My mom had a 1976 245 back in the day, when I was a little kid, so I got that legacy going for me. I saw a bunch of them in Seattle last week, and many of them driving around with chains on, and I saw many Subaru's driving around with chains as well, so what does that tell me?

[The Clk Man]

Originally Posted by 123c

My mom had a 1976 245 back in the day, when I was a little kid, so I got that legacy going for me. I saw a bunch of them in Seattle last week, and many of them driving around with chains on, and I saw many Subaru's driving around with chains as well, so what does that tell me?

Please give me a minuet, I will post some pics of my Volvo 240 DL against a full sized truck. And BTW, after the wreck the truck had to be towed away on a flatbed, while all 4 wheels of the Volvo were on the ground. Trust me man.

[Jim B.]

There are some good points made here




"Swap '95 Outback 122k for '96 Volvo 960 wagon 121k?"


http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=208138&highlight=swap+volvo+outback




But I mooted the question, in the end, and bought a new 2008 Subaru Outback in March. I couldn't be happier with that new Outback. It's wonderful PLUS it charges right through the all snow we are getting here.

[dannym]

A 240 DL or GL would be nice.

Keep in mind their worth more if they have a sunroof &/or turbo.

A good cold start is nice too.

Danny

[Kuan]

Originally Posted by 123c

btw, I am slightly intoxicated at the moment, so this might not make much logic...

Those Vulvas will do that to you... sweet things of beauty they are.

[123c]

I am thinking I can get between $5000-$6000 for my Corolla, if I clean it up really good. So I will buy a 245DL, then I can put the rest of the money into the car repair fund, or I can go on a shopping spree at iPD.

[123c]

Originally Posted by Kuan

Those Vulvas will do that to you... sweet things of beauty they are.

Yes, I would have to agree with you on that

[The Clk Man]

Originally Posted by 123c

I have been toying with either getting a Volvo wagon of some kind or Subaru wagon for some time now, but lately I have been feeling very unsafe in my Corolla, so I think I will seriously look at getting one. I know Subaru's, so I already know what to look for on those. It's the Volvo's I don't know well enough. I see many of them running around in Seattle, and I think I can score a nice on for around $2500. I know the brickboard is the place to look, but I just find it as user friendly as these forums. What I am thinking is a 245 like this one on CL: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/959656310.html. This one is located very close to my mom's place, but will probally be gone by the next time I will be there, in like 2 weeks. I am still kicking myself for not buying that one a few years ago for $300. So I guess my big question, is what is the biggest thing I need to look for in these older Volvo Wagons.
As for a Subaru, I might have a lead on a super cheap non-running wagon, that might just take some gas and a battery, and it's been under my nose for a few months. The only draw back is it has some rust, but not too bad from what I can remember.

btw, I am slightly intoxicated at the moment, so this might not make much logic...

Those Volvo 240's are easy to work on. I am not Mechanic, But I play one on T.V. But seriously they are very well built and easy to repair and parts are readily available. Also please stay away from Volvo Turbo's and diesels. Hope this helps man.

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

Please give me a minuet, I will post some pics of my Volvo 240 DL against a full sized truck. And BTW, after the wreck the truck had to be towed away on a flatbed, while all 4 wheels of the Volvo were on the ground. Trust me man.

Were you drunk when this happened?

[The Clk Man]

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Were you drunk when this happened?

NO, I don't drink and drive, never have. I don't drink until 6:00 pm and stay at home.
The wreck in the pics happened in 1995 when my wife was taking my Oldest son to school. It was the other drivers fault. And the other driver had no insurance.

[OldPokey]

Volvo = Not as reliable but safe.
Subaru = very reliable, but not much safer than your Corolla.

Depends what scares you more:

Stuck on the side of the road
Stuck on the front of a truck.

[123c]

I don't think I will rush into anything too much, right away. I will keep my eye out, and pick up one that tickles my fancy. I just want to make sure I pick up one that I will be happy with.

I know Subau's fairly well, or at least well enough to fix some of the more common problems. I am sure I can figure out how to fix a Volvo as well. I think I will try and look at a few Volvo's when I am in Seattle again next month...

An old Saab with a 2 cycle engine might be fun, I wonder how fast I could get one to go in reverse?

[123c]

What would be considered too high of miles on a Volvo? Should I stick with something closer to 150k and lower, or would 200k and higher might be too much?