240 Replacement?
Posted by: u5227470736789439 on 05 February 2006
I have a 1989 registered Volvo 240, which is rust-free, and runs like a sewing machine. It has broken down once in six years. Splendid, and it is a safe car, which has so much passive strength that it will be hard to get an equally fine replacement.
It still does about 40 mpg, and when I last took it on a holiday to Norway the old bird averaged 43.2 mpg over nearly 3000 miles, but she is a bit of a lump tp park, and I would prefer 60 plus mpg. I bought it (as a replacement for another even older one of the same model) as it is one of the few saloons, long enough inside to get a double bass into, and transport it with minimal risk in the event of an accident. I no longer cart a double bass about.
I was thinking of looking at a Peugeot 206 with 1.4 HDMI diesel, as this is a very economical engine, and pulls nicely. Naturally I am not after high speed or particularly quick acceleration, but would enjoy the flexibility and high torque characteristic of a diesel. The Volvo engine is itself very torquey, and rather diesel-like in its almost lorry engine-like characteristics, so I don't want a buzz box.
Any thoughts gratefully received. Fredrik
Posted on: 05 February 2006 by Mick P
Fredrik
Stay with the Volvo and buy some DBL's with the money you have saved.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 05 February 2006 by u5227470736789439
Dear Mick,
I was thinking of a second hand one, and very much if the Volvo breaks big time really. No, I have my priorities sorted on the DBL front. And they will last even longer than a Volvo too!
All the best from Fredrik
PS: Did you ever go up to Rodborough and try the DBLs out? If you did you will have seen the very ones I want to get when the time comes later in the year! You should give yourself that treat. I know I came away knowing that they worked very nicely indeed on a 200, but a 300 was even nicer. In fact, it was nigh a miraculous effect!
Posted on: 05 February 2006 by BigH47
The Puegeot will feel like it's made of cooking foil and plastic cups against the Volvo. How about an S40 Volvo new or s/h you will still keep the safety aspects and good comfort. Diesel options are available I believe. I wouldn't bank on the Peugeot only breaking down once in 6 years.
Howard
Posted on: 05 February 2006 by u5227470736789439
Dear Howard,
I definately cannot justify another Volvo, however nice that might be. I think it will be something very light and definately second hand. Maybe I should be prepared to keep the old tank going for a bit longer yet. It is not depreciating any more, and the servicing is simple and not expensive. It's just I think that I could be greener on the fuel front!
Fredrik
Posted on: 05 February 2006 by Steve Bull
quote:
Originally posted by Fredrik_Fiske:
Dear Howard,
I definately cannot justify another Volvo, however nice that might be. I think it will be something very light and definately second hand. Maybe I should be prepared to keep the old tank going for a bit longer yet. It is not depreciating any more, and the servicing is simple and not expensive. It's just I think that I could be greener on the fuel front!
Fredrik
You may save some money on fuel with a new(er) car, but put it into perspective and price up the depreciation and servicing costs that will come hand-in-hand: you may be better off sticking with what you have if you know it's reliable and not going to fall apart on you.
Steve.
Posted on: 05 February 2006 by u5227470736789439
Dear Steve,
You are right. Nothing will runs for so little as the old car. Times I have threatened the old bird will the crusher, in spite of rather liking her.
That is the good thing about this place. Roughly huen ideas get refined! In fact I ought to bite the bullet and get the cam belt changed, and live with her till something big fails, which might be a long way off on past experience.
All the best from Fredrik
Posted on: 06 February 2006 by Markus S
I'd also keep the Volvo. If you want to go Green, think about converting it to Natural Gas.
Posted on: 06 February 2006 by hungryhalibut
Fredrik
My wife has a VW Polo 1.4TDI. It's a great car, solid, comfortable, nippy and does over 60mpg. Much more credible than a Peugeot 206.
Nigel
Posted on: 06 February 2006 by DAVOhorn
Dear All,
Why this obsession with mpg.
Unless you do over 15k per year it is a no brainer.
Also run an old heap as it is only burning fuel.
A new car has used much more energy in its manufacture than an old heap does in its running.
My heap cost £1000.00 3 years ago and on a run to huntingdon last week did 28 mpg not bad for a Sierra XR4x4 2.9I with 105k on the clock and being of 1989 vintage.
So stay with the old girl for a little longer.
If you have to hit something a Volvo is pretty good, a Pug is a much more light weight affair and probably not as good a bet as the volvo in a shunt.
Years ago Russ Andrews had a major shunt in a Volvo Estate. The car was a real mess seriously destroyed. But he got out with only minor injuries. When i saw the photos of the car it was a real testament to the strength and design of the car that it could be that damaged and yet the driver walked away with barely a scratch.
The police said any other car and it would have been curtains.
If a car starts and more importantly STOPS then run it until is does one of the above.
regards David
Posted on: 06 February 2006 by u5227470736789439
The old girl is called Henrietta (or just once Jezebel!), and I have decoded to run her to her end.
Fredrik
Posted on: 06 February 2006 by Rico
Yep, certainly sounds like there's nothing wrong with it, so why not keep on fettling it and enjoying low-cost green milage! The cost difference between your 240 and any replacement vehicle will certainly pay for a good deal of fuel in the 240's tank.
Posted on: 07 February 2006 by Clay Bingham
Fredrik
Even on this side of the pond, where we are not noted for our "greeness" nor for keeping older cars running, a Volvo 240 is regarded as a classic. They just don't build em like that anymore! I have a friend who lost his to an accident. He still misses it ten years on.
Clay
Posted on: 07 February 2006 by Guido Fawkes
Fredrik
Mrs Rotf had a Peugeot 307 with diesel engine - it was very nice when it went, but it broke down quite a few times - once losing all its oil on the M4. She now has an Audi A3 and it seems to run and run. Likewise I have an old Honda that seems to run and run. If your Volvo is reliable then I'd keep it.
Rotf
