Is the 1988 Volvo 240 sw wagon a good car to buy used?

YES! We have 2 Volvo's. 2000 C70 and 89 240 DL wagon. Bought 240 used 7 years ago and we are the 3rd owners of car. I would sell the C70 before I would ever sell the 240 Wagon. In fact we are beginning a long restoration project on the 240. We found a wrecked 93 240 & bought it for parts. We paid $500 for the wrecked, "spare parts" car. The 89 240 has over 250k miles. Over the years our Volvo's have needed repairs that would amount to an average of 2-3 months new car payments per year (that's including both cars). You should be able to tell if the particular car you are looking into has been abused, if it smokes or leaks oil (ours burns a little oil) so we have the oil changed every 3 months. Faded paint is common with 240's, so don't judge the car by the paint job. The other common problem with the 240 wagons is the "hinge harness" that is wired through the hinges that are attached to open the tail gate. The problem was corrected by the 93 240s. So don't be discouraged if the 3rd tail light or back wiper doesn't work. Just remember this vehicle is over 20 years old & will have its quirks. But if you have maintenance done on a regular basis, that car will last you 20 more years if you want it to. Do yourself a favor and buy Bentley's Volvo 240 Service Manual. ISBN 978-083760285-1 on Amazon for $32. Even if you have no experience with car repair (like us) its the "Volvo Bible" and a "must have" for any 240 owner. Its the best $32 you will ever spend. "Volvo for Life"