Where to source a 144

[learngolf]

Hi all,

Would welcome any advice from Forum members on the following.

Apart from the Forums and E-bay, Loot, Gumtree etc, where have you found useful in sourcing a good useable 144?

Being based in Ireland I have to rely on the computer generally to search for cars.

Many thanks.

[Snowman]

Suspect that's where most of them will be lurking although I heard about mine through word of mouth....just lucky I guess.

You could always post a wanted on the forum....apologies if you already have!

[capt jack]

Hi and welcome.

I guess you're looking for a project / weekend car, rather than a daily driver?

I'm on the lookout too for either a nice 144, 164 or 244/240 or 264, and it's a matter of luck I think.

I keep an eye on here, on E-bay, on carandclassic.co.uk, on autotrader.co.uk, gumtree, pistonheads, desperateseller and classiccarsforsale.co.uk. Also worth a look at the Volvo Enthusiasts Club website, although it doesn't get updated very often!

I have tried placing a wanted ad here and there, but to be honest, you tend only to get approached by people with cars for sale that you'd not really want to buy!

You need to keep a clear idea of what you want in terms of price, model and spec etc, but at the same time be prepared to be a bit flexible. For me, I'd settle for a manual 144 or 164, or an auto 2.3 240. I've had experience of Volvos with the BW35 gearbox - and they are not the best to drive in modern traffic, where as the later autoboxes are fine.

I've also learned a lot about the subtext of the ads, and quite frequently you see the same cars resurface several times over in different places as the subsequent owners realise their mistake!

It can get frustrating, and once or twice I've almost bought a car 'on the rebound' from a recent disappointment. What is also maddening is the appearance on here of a 'new member' with a car to sell who then turns out to be impossible to contact. The other frustration is the ebay 10-day listing that mysteriously ends after only a day or two.

I think the best advice I can give is to take your time, be patient and to keep your eyes open and wits sharp!

Good luck with the search!

Cheers

Jack

[scooters]

I'm selling my one:
ebay item:

250606058673

let me know if you are interested - looking for around the £700 mark.