Reliable Volvo under $4,000

[cn90]

Agree with the replies above.

1. Make sure you are handy, knowing how to DIY.
2. Get a 1997 or 1998 (pre-throttle-by-wire) era and about 100K or so.
And as mentioned above, make sure the P.O. replaced at the wear and tear items already (suspension, shocks) so you don't have to deal with expensive repairs.
3. Stay away from Turbo models!
4. Set aside about $500/year just for parts. Labor is yours.

Then read as much as possible about all the FAQs and DIYs in this forum and you will be fine.
But as a college student (I was a college student back in the 1980's so I know exactly what you mean), be ready to be a grease monkey unless your parents are rich!

[PerthX]

I am guessing my comments are a little late but for $4000 you can find a really nice reliable 850 even a turbo version. I spent 6 months looking for a replacement for my 96 850T that literally blew up on me. Finally gave in and bought one that probably has more problems than I wanted but was only $2600 so in the end it will probably cost me $3500 once it is up to snuff mechanically.

In any case, at once point I did a search at autotrader.com for all cars under $4k in a 100 mile radius. And while there were many to choose from, I'd still rather have a 95 850 with 160k+ miles than a 8-10 yr old Honda or Ford or Toyota with 130k+ miles on it.

If I started reading the various Volvo forums earlier, I might have bought a car sooner and worried less about some of the repairs. So many repair jobs are laid out so clearly here. I would have jumped in a lot sooner!! All the best.

[polskamafia mjl]

No reason to avoid turbo's, really. The PCV clogs easier IMO, but either way, the PCV is a common problem regardless of aspiration.

[atgunning]

I bought a 99 v70 from ebay (i know, i was asking for it) in Jan of 2009 with 95k miles. I bought it specifically because of the engine photos - it was immaculate. I also lucked out, since the seller specializes in used volvos, so the timing belt was just done. I have put over 28,000 miles on it since then and all i had to replace were the tires and a lower control arm. However, now that i hit 120k, everything is going out.

Work done in last 2 months: both front outer tie rod ends, rotors and pads on all 4 wheels, tranny fluid drain and replace, cabin air filter, intake air filter, serpentine belt, fuel filter, Brake fluid flush with ATE Super Blue.

Work still to be done: Front struts and spring seats, rear shocks, ABS control Module, tailgate latch, front passenger door lock, drivers sun visor.

That said however, I absolutely LOVE this car and hope to have it for another 10 years. I paid $4000 for it and I think it was a steal. I have driven it across the country 4 times and would not hesitate to do so tomorrow. If you don't want to do your own work, don't get an older volvo.

[polskamafia mjl]

Completely agree with atgunning. Volvo's are definitely for those willing to do their own work. Also, right around 100k miles is when a lot of things need to be replace/rebuilt. After that, she's good for another 100K.