Fresh Paint, Hot Wheels: 1985 Volvo 240 Estate – Sold?

December 8^th Update – We just confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ride expired and with no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car sold.  This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

No matter how entrenched a car seemingly is within its own identity, there’s always room for additional interpretation if you try hard enough. In the case of this classic 1985 Volvo 240 wagon first listed in September 2020 in Woburn, Massachusetts, the seller has plotted his course regarding some custom touches for this “restored” example commanding a $10,000 asking price. According to the NADA Price Guide, a top-condition 240 GL wagon should go for around $4,200, but that’s not an entirely accurate reflection of the rising tide of vehicles from the 1980s.

The Volvo 240 is perhaps one of the most recognized vehicles from the 1980s (and 90s), and enjoys a reputation steeped in its impressive reliability and boxy goodness that seemingly defined vehicles from this era originating in Europe. The Volvo 240 is no sports car, at least not the naturally aspirated wagons; of course, who can forget the later Turbo Wagons that challenged the top-ranking performance models of the day. 240s like this are better known for shuttling college professors wearing elbow patches and the students they taught who used the cavernous trunk space for keg transport. Today, finding a clean example is a cheap entry into vintage vehicle ownership that will reward its owner with impressive utility and low annual maintenance costs.

Of course, this example defies some of those conventions with the flashy red paint job typically seen on a contemporary Mini Cooper, and 20-inch custom wheels that seem more at home on a Cadillac Escalade. Deciding to restore a car that is unlikely to return the cost of those improvements to the owner is always a risky move, and perhaps the caretaker of this 240 felt like he owed the car a bit of love after years of dutiful service. Truthfully, if you can look past the wheels, you’re awfully close to having a nicely refreshed 240 wagon, many of which have subpar paint due to years of being left outside as the family’s second or third or third car. The interior still needs some work, but the seller has addressed typical maintenance needs with a new thermostat, brake job, transmission service, and coolant flush. If this modified 240 wagon floats your boat, get in touch with the seller – and good luck with negotiating the wheels out of the deal for a modest discount!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“For sale by owner. 1985 Volvo Wagon 240. 20 inch custom wheel new tires. New brakes new tune up. Thermostat coolant flush. Transmission Service done. 163k original mileage. 2 owner no accidents. New paint job cherry red Mini Cooper. No rust no issue at all. 10K I have the clean title under my name“

Do you have a Volvo 240 wagon story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!