Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Looking for winter car (Volvo 240, Mercedes 300 Diesel)

I have decided that I would like to try and conserve my SVT's longevity by getting myself a 2nd driver, something I can use during the winter and for general use...something practical. I want something that will run forever, or at least say another 60k without major problems.

My price point is somewhere in the 2-4K range, which includes the cost of the car plus throwing in a grand right off the bat to fix all kinds of problems to make it a good runner.

I am thinking of two distinct cars (mind you I don't care about performance as you will see)

A Volvo 240, kind of like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1846187533

A Mercedes 300 Turbo Diesel sort of like:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1843609207
(kind of old but looks very nice - I'd aim for an '85 or so)

I thought of the Honda Civic and Acura routes, but what I find is that to get a 3k Civic, etc. I am looking at a rusted out bone of a car...they just don't age that well in the paint & body department.

I would consider searching for a car outside of the NE area, maybe something in the southern part of the US. Any thoughts on these cars as dependable, economical winter cars? No off-topic comments or other flamebait please

two very good cars for that purpose, IMHO. The only issue might be cost of parts when they break, and who would be doing the maintainence as the dealers would ream you.

They made the 240 in a diesel for awhile back in the 80's dreadfully slow. I'd probably pick the volvo if I could get a mtx just simply because it would be a newer car. The mercedes could easily get 300k plus out of that engine, the only problem is the engine would outlast the body

EDIT: Saw the MB, that looks like it's insane condition for it's age but those wheels are NASTY!! Anywho, being that you live in mass 4 snowtires would be a must (studded?) Southern cars won't have rust but they might have bad paint (bleaching from the sun)

HTH
-pete

go for the 240. errr no wait I mean I want to get a 240 so avoid it so I will still be able to find one when I am looking. errr nevermine I dont think I will be looking at the same one you are anyway so get the 240 (I love volvos)

I would like to get an older volvo T5 and have fun with it or maybe just a old 240 like you are looking at the drive the piss out of.

moxnix

oh and would fixing all the problems involve putting a 302 in a volvo 240

I wouldn't get either. Unless you plug them in, and baby them, diesels are no fun in cold climates. Also, I'd recommend FWD in a snowy climate.

I'd look at very reliable cars that suffer from poor value... the 1990's Ford Escorts come out on top there. Better-than average reliabilty and cheap to fix. Also, look at the non-Toyota/Honda Japanese, particularly early 1990's Nissan. Before they ruined their product line, and never got the attention they deserved. Early 1990's Subaru also presents values.

just my 0.02...

Get the diesel! Get the diesel!!!!

With a good set of snows the MB and volvo would handle just fine in the winter. I agree with you on the subaru and Escort's being good deals in that segment although the europeans would definetely be safer if that is a concern

-Pete

How 'bout an old Subaru with AWD? Those ugly wagons from the 80s? Or a big huge Blazer 4x4 from the 80s? Those suckers run forever, and nothing will stop 'em.

Go with the Volvo - The Diesel will be a nightmare to run in the cold weather - warming up the plugs can take quite a long time before you can start it!

I had an 86 Volvo 240 Wagon that just ran and ran. I never had a problem with it, you won't go wrong.

If you are looking for a diesel, what about something from VW, perhaps a Jetta?