Car Talk

October 1996

Dear Tom and Ray:

I currently have a 1984 Volvo 240 DL, and am considering the purchase of [bluecar.gif] another Volvo. I have resisted purchasing a new Volvo because the body style changed to the new "aerodynamic look" that all new cars have. My 240DL is an OK car. It's had the normal problems and it's starting to rust out around the doors and under the tire well in the trunk. I have had it painted once about three years ago, but the rust is coming back. It's also starting to be sluggish when I put it in Drive. The transmission does not engage immediately. Is it foolish to try to keep this old car instead of purchasing a new one? I prefer this body style and the overall look of the older cars, but I need reliable transportation for the long run. What do you suggest? -- Vonnie

Ray: You think Volvos have gotten too aerodynamic, Vonnie? Wow! I suppose you think Bob Dole's getting to be too much of a swinger since he retired from the Senate, too.

Tom: If you're looking for a reliable car for the long run -- or even the short run -- it's not likely to be a 1984 Volvo 240. While you could fix it up and keep it running, it's going to be very expensive, since you've got rust and a failing transmission, and who knows what else.

Ray: So I have a couple of suggestions. One would be to buy a newer used 240. The 240 was still sold as late as 1992, and at that point, you could get it with an air bag and anti-lock brakes. So if you could find a '92 240 in good shape, with low miles, you'd be a lot better off than you are today.

Tom: Or you could just bite the bullet and buy a new Volvo 940, which is squarer than the 850 model (which is probably the more-aerodynamic one you've been seeing on the roads these days).

Ray: And if the 940 body style is still too rounded for you, you could always let my brother drive it for a few days. He's such a lousy driver, he squares off the corners on just about everything he drives.

It's amazing how many bad driving habits and wacko theories have been passed down from generation to generation! Tom and Ray set the record straight in their booklet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

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