Can anyone recommend a reputable mechanic in the Southern California / Orange County area? I need to take my mom's 1986 240DL MT in for a complete checkup, and possible tranny issues.

Is there a network of independent shops run by master technicians? I come from the BMW world, where ex-master technicians with their own indie shops have formed the International Association of Independent BMW Service Professionals. This is beneficial because checking up a mechanic's membership in a given geographic area provides peace of mind.

Does Volvo have a similar network?

I don't believe so. Call around though. Check your local Volvo dealer and ask them to refer you to a tech that works on 240's. Alot of times you can find retired Volvo mechanics that do that work in their spare time. But just be sure they know what they're doing. A non-volvo tech = stuff gets broken.

This is my issue, though. I'm a cynical guy, and to me referrals from past clientele are worth much more than referrals from dealers. Problem is, where do I even find current 240 clientele? I barely even see one 240 per week on the roads I drive in LA.

I know our 240 needs a lot of work, but I just don't want to be shafted with unnecessary rec's.

I guess I'll try out your suggestion.

Well I live in Michigan. I have seen about 3 240's in the past 3 years I've lived here. :)

Honestly, if you really want my advice. Get some shop towels. Buy a 2.5 ton floor jack. Buy a Haynes Manual and go to town. Seriously. The reason that many people love their 240's so much is that they are simple. They are seriously one of the easiest cars to work on.

However if you don't feel up to it. Try my previous suggestion. :thumbsup:

3 in Michigan??? That's it?! :D What a cool car you have, then!

Seriously, I *love* the car. I grew up in that car. I see all the features where it was ahead of its time. Its in great condition considering its heavy daily usage and age.

Unfortunately, my career's got me by the balls. I don't have time to become a grease monkey. Trust me, I *WISH* I had the time (yea, yeah, I know, "I could always *make* the time...", otherwise I would've held onto this near-showroom condition 1989 BMW 325i that I had to recently let go that I didn't have for more than 4 weeks. (It was in its "showroom" for a bit too long and needed quite a few things replaced from non-usage).

Anyway, going home T-day weekend. Driving it around... seeing if indeed it's simply a clutch issue or I'm looking at a much larger tranny issue.

I know what ya mean! I'm hanging on to my mom's old 240 wagon. It's a 1980 with the quad round headlights. It's fairly rare to be truthful. Which is why I like it so much! I have many memories of that car and I'm not letting it go. :)