In Malaysia this Volvo 240 Wagon was the ‘must have’ family wagon for the above middle class and the affluent as its selling price made a prime candidate for high-ranking government servants and corporate managers. Its popularity went from the very late 1970s to the early 1990s before the MPV revolution started. This was the time when families managed to pack in 3 kids and maybe an in-law or two in the rear in relative comfort for a journey on the back coastal road back to their respective ‘kampung’ with no issues and worries. Today, with the MPV revolution in full swing, a seven seater is unable to accommodate the same number of humans. Startling is it not? What is even more startling is the number of small one-child families investing in a large lumberous MPV.
Today these 38 plus year old cars are still in service with many families, but this time it is with the lower middle class and some slightly above who prefer to keep this solid well built car in service for its reliability and easy maintenance. It is car that has taken little weathering unless badly abused. If you are on a tight budget and do very low monthly mileage (due to its high fuel consumption) then you should look towards a used unit as a 2nd car for the family. A good school and hypermarket runner this Volvo will be big inside, it will feature a sensible interior, it should be strong and reliable, and it will most assuredly be every inch a Volvo. It will come with a 2.3-litre version of Volvo’s trusty old four-cylinder. The 2.3-litre engine ran to a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and it could be driven to death as it was built to be abused by a manufacturer who then made cars ‘for life’. Provided it has had the minimum preventative maintenance over the years and the correct oil-change regime, it should be capable of covering an easy 3 to 400,000 kilometres before needing any major overhaul or engine replacement. It is however not the most powerful vehicle and do not expect to do any 0-100km/h dashes in under 20 seconds. Most of the units sold in Malaysia were 3-speed automatics however there were a few 4-speed manuals also. Best to look for the auto.
Inside you will find a solid hard plastic and cloth interior in two shades of brown and beige. Volvo interiors tend to last years, so if damaged then better to look for another unit. You might find some trim fading especially on the dash top and the rear panel. This is mostly due to the sun. On the test-drive look for oil leaks and retarded gearshifts on the auto. With the manual look for rubbery changes and unwillingness to fit into each gate smoothly. Usually, Volvo owners tend to be sensible drivers so maintenance should be good. It is almost impossible to find a used one in any used car lot. Most will still be with private owners. Klang Valley is not the best place to locate one. Places like Ipoh and Alor Star tend to have a few running around in good condition and prices should range from a paltry RM2,000 to a RM5,000 for a absolute well looked after 245DL. Parts are not an issue and finding a mechanic is not a problem as it is a simple engine with easy to fix electronics. On the test-drive look for rust which means an accident unit and if body lines are out then forget about it and keep looking. Most were sold with a light gold colour and or dark brown. If you find one in its original paint (even if badly faded) then consider purchase. The best thing about these old Volvo’s is its high driving position and easy exit and entry for children in their baby seats.
