help needed Topic is solved

new driver · Post by **new driver** » 03 May 2005, 08:46

I am about to buy a 94 940. Except in changing the front brake, there is a dent in front bumper. It has 90k miles on it. He asks for 4000

1. is it a good deal? if not, what price I should bargain for?

2.I have no idea whether the owner did a good job in maintaining the car or not, (test drive is next week), is there any tip for checking the car?

3. Is there any work I have to do for the car since the car is already 11years old if I decide to take it?

Thanks a lot for your words!!

M Jarve · Post by **M Jarve** » 03 May 2005, 09:36

If it were not for the low mileage, I would have considered the price a bit steep. But with less than 100K, that is a fair (but not remarkable) deal, especially if it is the non-turbo, non-leather version.

Some things to look at and ask about are the head gasket (these should be replaced every 100K-miles or so; sooner if it is using anti-freeze), oil consumption- some oil consumption is normal-, and then issues like rust, transmission condition, and so on. The timing belt should be replaced soon too, if it has not been already. If you look out for gasket leaks and keep the engine generally well maintained, it should last a good long time.

If it is a turbo, check for excessive shaft play, or binding when spun. At 90K, there should not be much shaft play, and no binding; shaft play should be less than 1/16th-inch, to give a number. Make sure the air-intake and vacuum hoses are in good shape.

And also ask about routine stuff, like how regular the oil changes were, if and when he had the tranny flushed, and so on.

If I were you, and the car is a non-turbo/non-leather one, I'd try to haggle a little.

new driver · Post by **new driver** » 03 May 2005, 09:48

Thanks a lot for your info, that's very helpful.

Yes, it is a None-turbo, not-leather version.

He changed timing belt arount 65k miles, I don't know about the head gasket, oil consumptionlike rust, transmission condition, and so on.

I might able to ask for another 500 off, but I guess that's it.

By the way, do you know the price for chaning the front brake, he mentioned it.

new driver · Post by **new driver** » 05 May 2005, 06:41

I found out the mileage on this car is inconsistant. in 99, it had 76k on it, but in 2001, it only had 56k on it. Even though there might be a chance the mechanic made a mistaking in reporting the mileage, but according to the average usage of this car, I am afaid, the meters was rolled back. I am really not happy with that,
Like M Jarve said, if it is not the low mileage, I wouldn't interested in the car in the first place, what should I do? drop it, or bargain for, how much should I bargain?

thanks in advance for answering my questions

M Jarve · Post by **M Jarve** » 05 May 2005, 10:04

Bluebook private party value, if you have not already looked it up, is only about $4,100 for this car in "good" condition, even with only 90K.

Ask about the mileage issue. Any bit of wavering and you will know something is amiss. Without telling him your theory about it, ask him for an explanation of the difference. With unknown true miles, I would not go more than $2500-$3000. High mileage is not generally such an issue with Volvo, but there could be 500K on there for all you know!

If at all possible, try to get a thorough look at it. Things to check for are low coolant level in the expansion tank, oil with the coolant in the expansion tank, white froth in the oil when you remove the oil filler cap, apparent oil leaks/seeps from between gaskets, especially low oil, and so on.

Better yet, try and a find a good, reputable, trusted mechanic in your area to look at it. Even if he does not work specifically on euro cars, he should be able to still tell a bad head gasket, or pull the plugs and see if the fuel is burning properly.

Take it for a good test drive, both highway and city. Make sure acceleration feels right, and that the transmission shifts well and the engine does not sputter or lag. But remember also that for 1994, Volvo used an 8-valve, SOHC I-4 that only produced 114HP without a turbo.

If I could give you a recommendation, if he is unwilling to bargain much on the price, or if he is unwilling to provide an adequate explanation of the mileage difference, walk away. For the same $4,000, you could get a very nice Turbo 940 or 850, even if it has more actual miles.

40 years in Volvos · Post by **40 years in Volvos** » 06 May 2005, 19:31

I recenly bought a 1990 245 DL Volvo from a private party. The person was a bit less than honest about the history of the car. Except for a poor repaint of the hood the body is a 9.99 on a scale of 1-10 as is th interior except for a little scuff on the drivers seat back. The odometer indicated 234.000. I paid $900.00 for the car. I then took it to a trusted independant Volvo only mechanic and told him to check it over completly. The auto trans was power flushed as was the cooling system. All new belts and hoses including timing belt. New exhaust from the cat on back. Front alignment. Alternator brushes replaced, Some electrical upgrades that should have been done when the car was newer were done. A relay for the fuel pump replaced.there were a few other small items done. I spent $50.00 more than I paid for the car for this work. I feel like I came out quite well. For $1850.00 I have a super clean nice running Volvo. Everthing works including the rear washer/wiper, Cruise control etc