At $10,500, is a 1986 Volvo 240 Wagon a reasonable deal?

Although this may never be the first time we have stepped away from the featherlight, today is Good price or no dice The Volvo could eventually become the last car standing. Let’s decide how much such immortality might cost.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that asking all of you to get your hands filthy early in the morning is rather fruitless. Projects like yesterday’s 1967 Ford F250 that require assembly just don’t play very well. Call it “morning no.” Of course, the fact is that we are all only human and this reluctance can be overcome with a suitably low price. However, this was not the case with Ford, who demanded $7,500. Instead, it was destined to be No Dice’s overwhelming 83 percent loss.

Speaking of destiny, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave to your current or future heirs? More importantly, what mark do you want to leave on society as a whole? As the madness of youth gives way to the weight of age and infirmity, such decisions plague our thoughts.

The simplest answer is to donate a car like today’s Volvo 240 station wagon from 1986 as a reminder that you were here and made at least one good decision in your life. After all, Volvo will probably outlive not only each of us, but also our children and our children’s children. At least that is the accepted tradition.

Looks like this 178,000-mile wagon is worth skipping rather than skipping. Firstly, it appears to be in pretty decent condition, with just a few minor cracks and chips in the striations on the exterior. Inside, the cabin has modern front seat upholstery to match the original rear seat and appears to be in typical venerable Volvo style.

Everything rolls on stunning Corona aluminum rims, which the seller boasts by wearing original center caps. An additional plus are modern Toyo tires, followed by what the seller mysteriously describes as a “SUSPENSION UPDATE.” It’s not like anyone would take a car of this caliber to the Gymkhana, but it’s nice to know the wheels aren’t likely to fall off any time soon.

The ad also claims that a roof rack is a infrequent option, as is the odd combination of manual windows and power locks. The real chef’s kiss in this car, however, is the drivetrain. This includes Volvo’s legendary “Red Block” SOHC four-wheel drive, here with a displacement of 2.3 liters and an output of 114 horsepower, mated to a four-speed manual transmission with Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The latter allows for comfortable highway driving and backs up the seller’s claim of nearly 30 miles per gallon. According to the seller, both the engine and gearbox work flawlessly.

Other notable features include working air conditioning and heat, a solid stereo, and BLUE DASH MAT if you’re into that sort of thing. It also has a immaculate title, which we really like.

Of course, we don’t need to be told that this is a sheltered Volvo from the 1980s, but the seller still attracts the attention of the uninitiated by boldly announcing that this car is characterized by:

Quality Swedish design, engineering and craftsmanship make the Volvo 240’s structure and mechanisms almost bombproof, making it one of the SAFEST and RELIABLE vehicles on the road! BUILT TO LAST!! Many previous owners will tell you that they are “built like a tank”……and that this vehicle could save your life in an unfortunate accident!

The ad also claims that the car is “a great VINTAGE CLASSIC that is worth owning and driving, and continues to raise in value as it becomes increasingly hard to find one in any condition.” To that end, they’ve set an asking price of $10,500 and are selling for “cash only.”

What do you think of this seemingly solid Volvo wagon – with a stick – and a $10,500 price tag? Does this price seem like a fair deal for securing your heritage? Or does this mean that future generations will be left with deprivation?

You decide!

Topeka, Kansas, Craigslist or go Here if the ad disappears.

H/T to Don R. for linking up!