1981 Volvo 240 Diesel

4dr Wagon

6-cyl. 2377cc/78hp Diesel FI

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$10,900 CAD*

-9.9%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$2k$4k$6k$8k$10k$12kOct 2024

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1981-1993 Volvo 240 stats
Highest sale
$84,354 CAD
Lowest sale
$2,481 CAD
Most recent sale
$11,467 CAD
Sales
265

Photos

44 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1993 Volvo 240 4dr Wagon Courtesy of Hagerty Media
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Model overview

Model description

After seven years the classic boxy Volvo 140 series was mechanically redesigned in 1974, though the body remained recognizably the same. The second generation substituted the numeral 2 for the model prefix, but the designations of 2 (242 two-door sedan), 4 (244 four-door sedan) and 5 (245 5-door station wagon) remained the same.

MSRPs soared across the board, reflecting hefty push bumpers and catalytic converters for mandated unleaded gasoline. A Volvo 242GL tested by Car & Driver in 1976 retailed at $6845, and a six-cylinder Volvo 264GL sedan would set you back over 10 grand.

Improvements to the new Volvo 240/260 series included McPherson strut front suspension, new OHC engines in B21 four-cylinder and B27 V-6 configurations, as well as turbocharging and diesel options. All three body styles were updated at the same time, since the upper body was basically unchanged.

The 242/244/245 boxes were only supposed to last until 1983 but they were so well-received (and the subsequent 7-Series was less so) that production continued until 1993. The latest versions remain highly prized, even as the vastly more sophisticated front- or all-wheel drive 850 series has won new fans. 200 series production was huge with 2.8 million units sold, though the 260 Series Peugeot/Renault/Volvo (PRV) V-6 engine was neither as strong a seller nor as robust as the venerable four-cylinder.

Volvo celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1977 with the Bertone-designed 262C coupe. The 262C was an anomaly for Volvo, a rare occasion when style subverted utility. Mechanically identical to the rest of the 260 range, it was notable for its lack of head room and wide c-pillar sail panel which restricted visibility. It was expensive with an MSRP of $15995 and offered modest performance with a top speed of around 110 miles per hour. Surprisingly, it lingered until 1981.

A livelier offering was 1978-81’s 242GT, which took the standard 242 package and added handling improvements as well as more aggressive styling, including decal stripes, Mystic Silver paint and alloy wheels. Meanwhile, GLT Turbo 240s were offered from 1981-85.

From 1983, the 242/244/245 names were abandoned and all models were simply known as the Volvo 240. By the time the 240 Series bowed out in 1993, the 240 station wagon was almost reverse chic, prized by older owners suspicious of new models and willing to pay the hefty MSRP of $22,820. Testament to the 240’s enduring appeal (literally) can be found in classified ads which claim “low mileage” for any odometer reading under 200,000. Close to million-mile 240s are a regular sight at Volvo club gatherings.

Because they are so plentiful and so bulletproof, there are still many 200 series Volvos still on the road and with no major needs. Mileage and condition vary widely, and the range of trims, engines and options warrant thorough research. For the most part, however, these cars remain an affordable, practical entry into vintage car ownership, and the network of Volvo enthusiasts is both large and passionate.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1981 Volvo 240 Diesel can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $7,050 USD for a 1981 Volvo 240 Diesel in good condition with average spec.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.