[osidak]

I own a 1980 240D with a 4 spd. Been in the family since new. I got it when I turned 16. Have owned the car myself for 16 years

They are tanks, you can't break them. With a whopping 64 hp they are by no means a fast car but once you get them up to speed they are very solid cruisers.

Areas to look at before you buy

Under the battery for rust
backs of the rear wheel wells. There is a drain there that tends to clog and causes rust. Look under the plastic in the wells on each side of the trunk.

Pop the hood and check for oil in the main vacuum line. The line should be an opaque white.

Check to see when the timing chain was replaced. Should be done by 150K miles. I can send you procedures on measuring stretch.

The door are operated by vacuum. When you unlock the drivers door all locks on the car should open. If they do not it can be a real pain to track down the leak but it is doable.

Plan on replacing all suspension rubber if it has not already been done.

I used mine as a daily driver up until the time I bought my 2000 Jetta TDI. Put 325,000 miles on it in that time.

The car went through three A/C compressors in the first 2 years but was fine afterwards. Also the left side inside cv joint has gone out 4 times on my car. Other items replaced

Water Pump
Water Pump Housing
Alternator (seized)
Timing Chain (2x)
Clutch at 294,000 miles
Clutch Slave
Shocks at all corners at 225,000 miles

I saw 28 to 30 mpg on a regular basis and saw as high at 34 mpg. Remember this is a 4000 pound car.