1981 Volvo 345 Candidate

10 Januari 2009, we went to look at a 1981 volvo 345, which would be used as a daily driver for my girlfriend (as she willl have a driverslicense limited to automatic cars) and as a cheap spare for me. As we both like the 340 and especially the original DAF designed front of the 343/345, we couldn;t resist the opportunaty to buy a almost perfect 345.

When we arrived to examine the car we were suprised to find the car in this state. According to the clubmember it was one of the best 343/345's he had ever seen. (which were a lot)

The car was stored in a garagebox, not yet imported and the driveway blocked by there current car, so the testdrive consisted of a few feet forwards. This was enough to find the engine running perfectly, but the variomatic clutch not working as it should. It should 'grab' at 1000-1200 rpm, but needed 2500. The clutch could just need adjusting, or the vacuum circuit needed fixing.

After the very short testdrive the car was inspected closely. We found some minor rust, which would need attention before the car being used, overage tires, rusted exhaust, but not much else. All in all a nice car.

• Attack minor rust found
• Replace exhaust
• Replace tires
• Replace hatch supports
• Clean the interior
• Import it to the netherlands and have it pass the MOT

The car will be a nice car for an enthousiast, but as we're a bit short on cash to buy 2 340 models, we had to pass. The repairs would make it to expensive for us and my girlfriend is reluctant to drive such a nice, but rare, car as a daily driver.

The car is however highly recommended, when it's ubtainable at the right price. (looked a bit steap the club member) With a larger budget, it would be ours tho.

If you want to take a look at all the pictures I've got online, take a look here, just click on the image to view the fullsize image.

© 2009 Jan Huijsmans