240 General: how many 240s left

[PTJS]

Yes I agree. I read somewhere that 66% of pollution from a car arises from the production process. On this basis it suggests that it is environmentally friendly to keep good secondhand cars going, interesting point isn't it and one that never seems to be highlighted.

My 1988 240GL is a relative youngster with 176k on the clock. I have had these cars for over 25 years and, following a disastrous acquaintance with a Fiat Supermirafiori - good engine but crap body, have always worked on the premise that if the body is sound then anything else can be taken off and replaced as and when it wears out. The big problem that the 240's can suffer from and which has been extensively covered on other threads, is their potential to leak unnoticed through things like missing/displaced grommets. My advice to any 240 owner is every summer lift the carpets and see if the sponge carpet underlays are sodden. If so, you can then identify and sort the problem in fine weather.

Phil

[146ken]

Just an update on news from DVLA. I'm told that 20 working days are required to get info., so 6th March is when we'll know.

[gary austin]

not long to go hopefully

[minesa240x3]

Still waiting?
If it's any help,I was watching ten on ebay today.But seriously aren't they getting cheap?most of them only go for about £200 or less.just wish i had a spare few grand and a big barn to put them in.worrying as i remember when other cars stopped production,Granadas,minis,etc the prices started going down and after a few years you hardly ever see one again,banger racing for 240's will get rid of most.BUT the ones that survive will one day fetch loadsa money.if only i had kept all my old cars.Mk1 escort,P6 rover,3 Litre Austin,not so many about now!!

[146ken]

Mind you theres some cars I bet will never be desirable if they were the last one left. From my own CV I give you the Vauxhall Viva and Chevette, Simca 1000, and Citreon AX.

Hopefully I will get the info from DVLA this week. It should be in form of Excel file, which will be available to all to qownload.

I have been making a mental note of 240s i have seen locally and its about 50 or more in and around Exeter. Its also noticable that you don't see any really scruffy ones about anymore. Is that good or bad?

[ivor940]

Originally Posted by PTJS

Yes I agree. I read somewhere that 66% of pollution from a car arises from the production process. On this basis it suggests that it is environmentally friendly to keep good secondhand cars going, interesting point isn't it and one that never seems to be highlighted.
Phil

There was a letter in the Irish Times saying that a new car costs 30 to 40 Tonnes of carbon to make, but that by changing from an "uneconomical" large car to an economical small car would only save 0.75 to 1 Tonne per year for average user milage. Another reason to keep the older Volvos going.

The real loser is the enviornment if cars are scrapped at 10 years. The Government loses as an old car running longer does not provide the Tax take of a new car ( VRT, Vat or other tax included in the purchase price). Hence the "Envoirnmental" arguments to scrap older cars.

ivor940

[LankyTim]

Theres no scruffy ones about anymore as they were usually run as builders hacks or similar when they reached a certain age and value and run into the ground, those builders and landscape gardeners have moved onto old mondeos or similar for their daily driver leaving volvo lovers the only people who now run the faithful old 240, hence their unusually good average condition.

[minesa240x3]

Originally Posted by 146ken

Mind you theres some cars I bet will never be desirable if they were the last one left. From my own CV I give you the Vauxhall Viva and Chevette, Simca 1000, and Citreon AX.

Hopefully I will get the info from DVLA this week. It should be in form of Excel file, which will be available to all to qownload.

I have been making a mental note of 240s i have seen locally and its about 50 or more in and around Exeter. Its also noticable that you don't see any really scruffy ones about anymore. Is that good or bad?

Simca 1000, how very dare you!my brother in law had one. it was crazy!!!
went like a bee on lsd,quirky rear engine with wierd suspension set up.a right laugh to drive,box shaped and basic.most cars these days are just SO boring and characterless.a right B****r to work on though(Hillman imp style).
I think its the time that 240's left are now selling cheap as apart from us enthusiast's second and third owners are now wanting newer old bangers to drive(more up to date)Bargain time if you have the cash and room.six years ago even the tattiest volvos i looked at were £1000 pounds minimum.

[Mike_Brace]

Originally Posted by minesa240x3

six years ago even the tattiest volvos i looked at were £1000 pounds minimum.

I've had 240s since 1988 and never paid more than £300 for one - perhaps you lived in the wrong area or didn't know how to haggle!! My GLT cost me £0 and the Italian GLE £150!!!!!



Mike

[minesa240x3]

Oxford,went to reading once bloke told me on the phone it's tidy and full service history!got thier full of holes and service history blatenly filled by him no stamps from garage,price £1000.Travelled all the way to portsmouth not to long ago to see a torslanda? it wasn't he couldn't even find the log book.price £900,My present 240SE estate"J"reg cost me£250 and is in my opinion a beuty,I also recently brought a "G"reg GLT for the wheels at £24.99,
but i am watching twelve 240's on ebay and most aint reaching serious money.£200 or so.