New here - just bought a 340 on ebay...

Post by **pete-d** » 20 Jul 2008 01:40 pm

I thought I ought to say hello since I've been lurking here a short while. That said, there are some familiar posters here from my use of the VOC Forums and RWDVolvos...

I needed a new daily runner so I was trawling round ebay and ended up buying this 1985 340 1.4 GL. It's not immaculate but seems to run OK and looks well enough looked after. It's done 55k miles with a full service history and has done 160 faultless miles for me in 2 days

Here's some piccies for your amusement:

Other photos at linky

All in all, I'm very pleased with it for a 23 year old car - OK it has a bit of rust but hopefully not too much in critical places - it passed an MOT 3 weeks ago without any advisories. I'm a bit torn about what to do with it in some ways it seems a bit too nice to use for daily running but I know it's not the most immaculate 340 out there. I'd also like a radio in it but since it's never had one I don't really want to start messing with it now.

I think it will be used as a daily runner but kept as standard as possible - ICE may end up just being some battery powered ipod speakers!

Pete

Post by **Figgy** » 20 Jul 2008 02:03 pm

WOW that's in good nick! I'm very envious of you guys and your immaculate interiors. (Some) Aussies don't look after their cars very well, those that I've looked at lately here (pics) all have cracked dashboards. Which could be put down to our harsh sunshine, but I reckon it's just laziness. *ducking for cover now*

Post by **SteveP** » 20 Jul 2008 02:14 pm

Lovely looking car, saw that on eBay and when it was on about a year ago - always looked nice, glad to see you found us!

Post by **jtbo** » 20 Jul 2008 02:17 pm

From here it looks like car had just come from factory or from museum, she is really a beauty, congrats!

Post by **pete-d** » 20 Jul 2008 03:05 pm

Thanks

She'll be getting an oil and filter change done shortly - the previous owner did the plugs etc. and air filter but not oil about 1,000 miles ago.

I plan to take a closer look underneath over the summer and see what rust prevention needs doing before the salty roads and wet winder weather.

And she'll be getting a good polish too

Pete

Post by **jtbo** » 20 Jul 2008 03:42 pm

For me it looks like car has far more complete adjustability of ventilation than my mkIII car, were all mkII cars better equipped compared to mkIII cars?

I feel mkIII cars were downgraded in various aspects and mkII cars were those that were top of series. Even mkI dashboard and exterior is what I like best

Post by **SteveP** » 20 Jul 2008 04:37 pm

Yeah, my Mk2 had much more adjustment than the Mk3 and I preferred the heater controls on them too - that was with the early dashboard

Post by **Ronnie** » 20 Jul 2008 05:31 pm

Minter!!!

Lovely looking car.

I prefer the Mk2 heater controls too - but the central cold air vents don't hit you full in the face the way Mk3 ones can if you're particularly in need of some stimulation on a long boring drive.

Post by **Chris_C** » 21 Jul 2008 11:16 am

I was looking at that car, tis a nice one and I'd been watching it on ebay.

If you ever need any of the front door pulls/trays, I got a couple of the green ones that arn't cracked out a scrappy a few years ago, no idea where they are now, but thought I'd get them as I'd never seen them before/again!

Post by **pete-d** » 21 Jul 2008 12:48 pm

Thanks everyone,

Nice to get such a warm welcome here. I'm sure I'll be making the most of your advice and support over the months and years ahead.

Pete

Post by **sven360** » 21 Jul 2008 10:57 pm

Mk2's rock FACT.

Good luck with 'er

Post by **hatch360** » 23 Jul 2008 12:49 am

A stunner of a car!!!!!

But how could anyone not have a radio for 23 years !!!!!

Post by **foggyjames** » 23 Jul 2008 02:18 am

Welcome, Pete!

Wow, that's looks like a really good one! B14 5 speeds are cracking cars when they're on form.

One thing to be aware of - listen carefully for pinking. That car was probably designed for four star, so really needs super unleaded now. A later Renix unit with more conservative ignition timing will help (I have one), but if you can stomach it, run it on super. Those B14s seem to like to pop the HG if you pink them too much.

If you want a few little upgrades like a stereo mounting panel and a rev counter...let's talk

cheers

James

Post by **jtbo** » 23 Jul 2008 09:10 am

hatch360 wrote:A stunner of a car!!!!!

But how could anyone not have a radio for 23 years !!!!!

Easily, my 360 has not one either, it is not possible to hear radio in it even if it would have one

240 has one, but I have not used it for months, engine is only sound I need

Post by **pete-d** » 23 Jul 2008 11:42 am

foggyjames wrote:
One thing to be aware of - listen carefully for pinking. That car was probably designed for four star, so really needs super unleaded now. A later Renix unit with more conservative ignition timing will help (I have one), but if you can stomach it, run it on super. Those B14s seem to like to pop the HG if you pink them too much.

Thanks James,

Not noticed any pinking (and I am old enough to know what pinking is) yet but will probably take the advice to move over to Super.

As for ICE, my ipod with some battery powered speakers is adequate for now and it saves cutting holes all over for things like speakers and an aerial. A rev counter does have potential though - especially if I can get a clock for the centre console, by the cigarette lighter.

Pete