This is a desirable 1986
Volvo 240 DL (a one owner Florida car since new), in very good condition,
and with lots of practical and European appeal. These are very solid
sedans, and this one has been well maintained and adult driven. I spoke
with the owner at length, a local Naples woman who said she was upset that
her son made her trade it in on a new Honda Accord - she missed her
Volvo. It had recently had a professional $1000 service under the hood,
with new spark plugs, wires, O2 sensor, timing belt, and fuel pump - all
using factory Volvo parts. It has just had a fresh oil change and service.
I can not understate the
mechanical quality of this Volvo - the engine is spotless, original, and
professionally maintained - I would feel confident driving this car to
Alaska if need be. The four speed transmission shifts perfectly, and the
brakes, steering parts, shocks, and Michelin tires are in excellent
condition. Mechanically, this car is a 10 out of 10, and is practically
"as delivered." The suspension is very solid, and it makes no unusual
noises going over bumps or rounding corners. The car drives as it should,
steers well, and tracks down the road smooth and straight. If maintained,
this car could go another 200,000 miles without needing major service.
It has been repainted three
years ago in the original color and looks pretty good, if not quite to
factory quality, and with the mildest of sun fading. The headlights and
side marker lights have been replaced very recently with original Volvo
units at great cost - over $200 per side - the lenses are clear, perfect,
and as new. The taillights are good, with the exception of sun fading on
a single segment lens per side. There is some deterioration of the seals
on the window, with cracking on the rubber quite common to these cars.
Door dings and marks are at a minimum, and there is no rust to be found on
the body or underneath, nor under any of the doors - it has very much been
a Florida car since new, and has never seen a salted road. Outside I
would say the car is a 7.5 out of 10. It has window guards at the top to
prevent rain from entering an open window, but these can be easily removed
if not your cup of tea.
Inside is very clean, with
seating areas that have no rips, tears or wear marks, and carpet that is
fully intact and relatively clean. The sun has faded the carpet a few
shades, but it is not offensive and looks acceptable. The map pockets on
the side of each door were just replaced, and are perfect. There is mild
sun cracking on the surface of the dashboard, and slight sun wear to the
top of the steering wheel, as well as a little chalkiness on the window
cranks. I would rate the interior as a 7 out of 10. Inside the trunk
looks like new, has a working light, and has clearly not carried much in
the way of cargo - the factory spare and jack are properly stowed.
This attractive sedan is not
short on options, with an automatic transmission, power locks, cold air
conditioning, cruise control, and an aftermarket (JVC) cassette player
that sounds respectable. All of the options are working as they should.
It includes an owner's manual.
Overall, it's a very clean
and car that's solid and fun to drive. It's got a cosmetic blemish here &
there after 17 years of faithful service, but is well able to transport
you around safely and dependably in comfort and style. If you are looking
for a solid & clean 240 sedan with an emphasis on mechanical condition and
reliability, this car will not disappoint.
