Question Regarding Purchase

crimbeaux · Post by **crimbeaux** » 23 May 2005, 11:46

I have been reading the various Volvo boards for a while now and am thankful for the great information that I have gathered. I am hoping to get some opinions as to a question I have in a purchasing decision.

Having had a 95 850 GLT Sedan, a 99 V70, and now a 98 V70, I feel comfortable in regards to the differences in the vehicles.

My wife is now driving the 98 and I would like to get a wagon for myself. I am looking at a 96 850 turbo wagon, 112k miles, loaded with moonroof, headlight wipers, leather etc. Car is pearl white and is cosmetically in great shape.

The owner is a friend who happens to be a Volvo service advisor. Car was purchased at the dealer where he works and has all of the service records, which shows excellent care. In addition, he thinks the pnp switch may be going, so the transmission will not go into second sometimes. He has talked to Volvo and they will put in a reman transmission for him for the total of $750.00, so he is going to do it.

I would plan to keep the car a minimum of two years and maybe more if I really liked it.

The hold up is the price. He is asking $7500.00 with the new transmission.

This seems a little high to me (since I just paid $6900.00 for the 98 NA with 120k miles in good shape). however, does having the Volvo installed transmission justify the added cost provided the rest of the car is in excellent shape?

Or should I hold off on this and get something a little newer, well taken care of but won't have a new transmission?

I would appreciate any opinion that anyone might offer.

Post by **dosbricks** » 23 May 2005, 12:15

I think you got a really good deal on the `98.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 23 May 2005, 13:21

Looks like he's passing the transmission repair cost on to you. I would try to shave another $750 off at least.

Also, conceivably, you are headed for other potentially costly repairs as the car hits the "125k miles wall." If it takes you 2 years to get to that then you'll be OK but that is only about 1 years worth of driving for me (13k M/yr. on avg.).

No such thing as the perfect decision though so go with your gut feeling after driving it a few more times under all conditions.

crimbeaux · Post by **crimbeaux** » 23 May 2005, 17:38

dosbricks wrote:I think you got a really good deal on the `98.

I appreciate that.

That is why I am having a hard time pulling the trigger on the '96. I hate paying retail

I shop the heck out of them and usually can find a deal.

The '98 was perfect for me, as the owner had taken care of the car mechanically and had all of the records, but the car was a mess cosmetically. I like to detail them, so I found the silver lining to the dark cloud. Took me two months to finally buy the car.

No such thing as the perfect decision though so go with your gut feeling after driving it a few more times under all conditions..

Good advice...I agree. The only reason I am considering it is I trust my friend (we were friends before he began working at Volvo, I don't think he would sell me a bad car) and the new trans.

It may just come down to that gut feeling when it gets close.

Thanks for the replies.

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 23 May 2005, 19:58

Check prices on completed items on ebay. Both my son and I have purchased in the past year '99 S S70T5 98k for $7500 I bought a '00 95k S70 GLTSE for $8200 good luck hunting. Many dealers sell off high mileage cars to the mechanics who will in turn do repairs and then resell.What you should look for are service records.

crimbeaux · Post by **crimbeaux** » 23 May 2005, 21:15

Jot wrote:Both my son and I have purchased in the past year '99 S S70T5 98k for $7500 I bought a '00 95k S70 GLTSE for $8200 .

Nice finds. I will take a look a little closer at ebay.

I am in no rush and will find the best deal. I am leaning towards something newer with records.

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 24 May 2005, 18:50

There is a '98 turbo wagon listed on ebay for $7495 buy it now . Low ball the asking price and when the auction ends you might be surprized by an email.
My sons car was shipped from Houston TX to Linden NJ for under $500

crimbeaux · Post by **crimbeaux** » 25 May 2005, 07:23

Thanks Jot. I will take a look.

I purchased a car a few years ago on eBay and didn't have that great of an experience. However, I would be willing to try it again.

Do you have any strategies that work for you when looking on eBay for a car that you would mind sharing?