240 General: 240 for dummies

[bobbeyond3000]

Hi there,

I have managed not to own my own car for 11 years. Whilst I use my fiancee's Peugeot 206 regularly, I feel it is about time to buy my own car but it needs to have character. I have dreamed of the Volvo Amazon (too expensive, too much maintenance for a dummy) and 240 sedan and now considering the latter.

Without having much knowledge of cars and mechanics, would a 240 be a good idea? If so, what model/year and is there anything I should stay away from?

Car would be used for commuting (15 mins) about 3 out of 5 days.

Thanks for your help!

[loki_the_glt]

IMO a 15-minute commute will do the engine no favours whatsoever unless it involves some quick open-road running. Short journeys in general are bad news as the oil especially and coolant don't get sufficiently warm to get rid of pollutants in petrol engines (or DPF-equipped diesels).

If you DO go for a 240 at least take it for a decent run once a week or so.

If you aren't put off, then go for a 2.3 manual (O/D or 5-speed) then a 2.1 (older, but better than) a 2.0litre. Auto box models are thirstier but better suited to urban motoring.

Do a full service when you get it - timing belt, alternator and PAS belts, plugs, oil, oil and air filters, points if it's a mechanical ignition model, coolant (50/50 water and anti-freeze) and WD-40 the engine bay to protect it from moisture.

And keep us all informed, please.

[Paul240480]

+1 on above. Tho' do not rule out a 2.0ltr. The only real downside is the power compared to the 2.3ltr models.

Longevity wise they're just as capable.

Mines on 195+k miles & is a sweet as a nut

[Stephen Edwin]

And re the short runs, the exhaust never warms up or dries out, so becomes short lived ....

Really, for that distance, I'd use a bicycle ...

[jetronic63]

240s are excellent cars if you are looking at something inexpensive and reliable. They are relatively simple and that generally keeps them out of trouble as they age. Easy to work on/fix and cheap to insure - no real downsides. I would go for body condition over mileage/age. They can rust on body and chassis - so any potential purchase out carefully for corrosion (look around in the boot, under carpets etc etc). The main differences between the 2.0 and 2.3 is performance - I don't think you gain much on economy on the smaller engine and it is slower. I would go for a late a car as possible with manual gearbox, before they fitted cats - probably around 89/90. If you're 15 minute commute is in entirely in traffic, an auto might be better but they are lower geared than the manuals and not as nice on the motorway/higher speeds. If you post up any cars you find you are thinking of buying - you will get plenty of opinions, so don't be shy !

[honestjoe]

agree with all the good advice above..character they have..most of us here are nuts about them and cant wait to get our spanners out..if you are not mechanically minded an old one can be an mot shock! and an unwelcome expense a few years down from purchase..if you do go for it.. with a little knowledge and maintenance it will serve you well..as the guys above say..post pics of any potential purchase and although we cant see everything we will do our best to advise..hj.