Looking at my first 240. Tips

[edifonzo]

Hi Everyone,

I have been kind looking for a early 240 for a few years. I am a VW fan but have always had a soft spot for the 240 turbo/sports and all wagons.

I have recently sold my 1992 gti becase of rust issues that I did not want to deal with and planned to be smart and buy a newer car.

But then...

I found a 1982 242 GLT with .....144,000 KILOMETERS.

Garage parked. Looks very clean fron the pictures, I mean clean. And the owner assures that the body is rust free. It passed Air care, which is an emissions test required to insure in BC Canada. Dont know if it is a turbo or not. Automatic

The best part: $1900 canadian dollers, could maybe get him down a bit.

I figure that for my piece of mind it is going to need t-belts, water pump, tune up, and brakes.

Questions:

Anything to look for, major issues with these?
Should I be worried that the milege is too low, dry gaskets ect.?
Where does rust hide on these bad boys?
How to tell what engine? How to tell if it is an interference engine or not?
How are the autos?

Thanks everyone!

Modified by edifonzo at 11:07 AM 11-3-2009


Modified by edifonzo at 2:12 PM 11-3-2009

[gdill2]

Welcome to Swedespeed.

If the car starts, runs, stops, drives with no major issues, has a current/clear title and is registered to be operated legally on the street by all means buy it.

Look for major collision damage/repair and missing/inop systems (heater, etc.).

If the car is a true original 242 GLT then it has a B21 turbo engine which is non-interference.

Check for repair/maintenance records and post the VIN here so we can run a looky.

Both AT and manual trans have an excellent durability record.

Be sure the Air Care inspection is not about to expire as that may be why the car is for sale.

If possible post the link(s) where you found the car.

George Dill

[edifonzo]

Thanks

The aircare is recent may 2009, good for 2 years.

Will get vin # next email to owner


Modified by edifonzo at 6:35 PM 11-3-2009

[gdill2]

Car looks really good - better hurry!

BTW, the phone number is a legit individual number.

George Dill

[DarrenK]

Any updates on the car? Sorry for the late post...

If it's a Canadian Volvo it'll have a small white 'Halifax, Nova Scotia' on the engine bay slam panel. If that is the case, the GLT will be a non-Turbo but still a very durable B23E engine. The Canadian Turbo 240s were titled and badged as just 'Turbo' as far as I'm aware.

The B23E engine is non-interference with approx. 136bhp output. From what I've researched it's a very strong and durable engine which will clock up the miles no problem.

Any 2-doors / GLTs I've come across have all been 4 speed manual transmission with electronic overdrive (M46).

Rust? Make sure to give the rockers, rear arches and rear wheel wells a really good going over. Check the metal lip above the rear bumper and just under the taillights, particularly on the inside. If these areas are good it's likely a good solid body, but do check the underbody and if the interior carpets are wet.

Cosmetically, just check that everything works. Instrument panel, gauges, switches, sunroof cranks correctly, air-con/cruise if it has it and off course the overdrive switch on the shifter.

144KMs is real nice. It's still low mileage though, and for the age will probably need items renewed and a good tune-up especially if you want to use it as a daily driver. This could run into double the selling price so bargain accordingly.

I'm a little East in Edmonton and drive a '81 242 GLT, manual, approx. 335k KMs with no history. Needs a tune-up but pulls strong!

And don't frogot to post some pictures!