1984 Volvo

245 Wagon

Manual

YV1AX7753E1574856

Clear

Diesel

As I hope you will be able to discern from the many pictures I’ve included, this 26 year old car has low miles and is in very nice shape. This is the classic Volvo “brick” in the rare 2.4 L, 6 cylinder (Volkswagen) diesel configuration, with the manual (4 sp. + overdrive) transmission. The diesel is NOT the later turbo version used in the 740 cars, and thus exhibits some of the negative attributes of the early automotive diesels: feels underpowered for the weight of the car, is somewhat noisy, and will produce black smoke when accelerated hard. During my period of ownership, I used 90% biodiesel fuel with no problems – and this at least cured the black smoke and kerosene smell. I bought the car at the Carlisle, PA Import car show in 2004 and obtained some earlier service and repair records. The car was purchased from Don Beyer Volvo in Falls Church, VA in 06-20-84. The owners faithfully followed the Volve service recommendations with the booklet and dealer stamps up to the 100k service interval. Some of the service dates and associated mileages are as follows: 11-23-85 (22,612 mi), 04-01-87 (45,071 mi), 04-26-88 (59,939 mi), 07-17-89 (75,279 mi), 12-17-91 (87,561 mi), 07-28-93 (93,307 mi), 12-27-96 (104,172 mi). During these service intervals the only repairs noted were the replacement of the windshield in 1991, and rebuilding of the transmission O.D. system (seals, pistons, and gaskets) in 1993. It was also noted that the rear brakes were adjusted and that the glow-plug relay needed to be replaced, though unclear if that was ever done. It was explained to me that the owners moved into an extended care facility and the car was stored in a garage until being sold to the 2nd owner by Ray Betts Volvo, Fayetteville, PA on 12-22-03. I purchased the car shortly thereafter on 05-21-04 with a mileage of 114,500. Before putting the car into regular use, I had both the cogged timing and injector belts changed (as well as the water pump and accessory V belts), the valves adjusted, and the injector timing reset. I also had front struts installed. The vehicle passed the Maryland state inspection on 06-23-04 with 114,611 mi. I used the car for a few trips to Vermont and Pittsburgh, but mostly it has been underutilized and sat in a storage building, being started and run up to operating temp every 2 to 4 weeks. However, I now want to free up that space and this vehicle really needs to be driven and used. Here are my impressions on its condition and present needs: The car starts and runs well. The clutch engages without slipping or juddering and the overdrive works smoothly. The car corners with a rather heavy feel and the rear pitches around too much, suggesting that the rear shocks are worn out. I purchased a front sway bar kit from IPD Volvo parts specialist, but never installed it – I will include this with the car. The brakes are really outstanding – a Volvo distinction noted in many road test reports. The emergency brake works fine. The tires are Michelin with 3/16 to ¼ in tread depth and all show even wear. The air conditioning worked when I purchased the car, then stopped cooling. I had it converted over to 134a Freon and it was fine for 2 years, but I don’t feel much cool air at present – perhaps a seal has dried out. The dash clock doesn’t work, but all the other controls and guages seem fine. On hot days going up hills, the temperature rises near the red level on the gauge, but the car has never boiled over and when I put my hand on the radiator outlet hose, it doesn’t feel as hot as the gauge seems to imply. The IPD catalog refers to problems with Volvo temp gauges – I wonder if it just reads too high. As a precaution I bought a replacement radiator – it’s still in the original carton and I will give the car buyer, if interested, the option to buy this for a good price. The glow plug indicator light sometimes does not come on when it should in cold weather and other times comes on briefly after the car has started – this circuit may need to be looked at – perhaps the relay changed as suggested in the earlier, dealer service notes. Because the car was little used the large capacity battery finally died and I have temporarily substituted a smaller battery from another car – the buyer will need to purchase the correct battery. The body is in very good shape, with only a couple of dents shown in the pictures. The car is rust free except for a small spot in the lower rear quarter panel (see photos) and some surface corrosion along the top edge of the tailgate. The glass is all perfect, the electric window contols (and locks) all work, and, except for a small crack in a front marker light, all the light fixtures are fine. The seat surfaces are leather – I covered the front seats with IPD custom-fitted, velour-type covers, but the photos show the condition of the driver’s seat with the cover pulled back (creases but no tears). I purchased custom-fit foot-well and cargo area trays – these have kept the carpets in very nice shape. The plastic door pocket on the drivers side door is broken – all the pieces are present and it can be glued back together – and I will include a set of the IPD door panel covers that can be attached over top of the existing pockets (see photos). I also purchased and stripped a complete parts car, and have the drive train, suspension, glass, body parts, lights, interior, etc. in plastic bins if the car buyer is interested in purchasing all or some of these items. Included in the parts collection is a good, used set of the striking Volvo sunburst-style alloy wheels and hub caps (identical to those shown on the vehicle). I also obtained a set of the German tools used to adjust the injector timing and have several factory and after-market service manuals that I will offer to the car buyer. I live in Maryland, near I-70 about 10 miles west of the Baltimore beltway (I-695) and would encourage prospective buyers to contact me to come and examine this vehicle – it is registered. I am limiting this auction to bidders with a paypal account and would like a deposit of $300.00 within 2 days of the auction close. The balance of the payment can be made with cash, MO or a guaranteed bank check. The car can remain in my driveway for an additional week or two if the buyer needs to make travel or transport arrangements