Help - Shafted Once...not again.

sacksyboy · Post by **sacksyboy** » 31 Dec 2010, 16:06

Noob here.

Almost secured an '04 XC70 and the scumbag dealer renegged and sold it to a lady the next morning (I was due pay and pick up) for the original selling price.

Learned my lesson and sticking to private sellers. Found an '03 XC70 with 103K miles in good condition (from appearances). No torn compliance bushings, no rust and no motor mount issues. I am taking it to a mechanic for inspection regardless before purchasing but i am trying to gauge if the price is reasonable.

Talked him down from $10,500 to $9,300 out the door. All the service records are there from day one and timing belt was replaced yesterday (didn't replace the pump though).

Thoughts? Suggestions? Anything I should tell the mechanic to look for upon inspection?

Thanks.

otis44 · Post by **otis44** » 31 Dec 2010, 16:18

Price seems to be about right. Edmunds TMV for your area shows somewhere between 8800 and 9200 (private party) based on clean condition. Timing belt is a plus, after inspection I'd drive the car for an hour or so if possible and go with my gut from there. Good luck..

Post by **precopster** » 31 Dec 2010, 16:44

Try and get some history re the tensioner, idler pulley and tensioner pulley.

A belt is worth $30 and takes perhaps 1.5 hrs to fit. The rest costs a lot more (around $300) and takes 4 or 5 hours to fit (especially if the water pump & seals are replaced).

If the other items were replaced recently (ie under 30k miles) you should be OK.

If no hard evidence on the other items, see if you can negotiate that off the price as well.

sacksyboy · Post by **sacksyboy** » 31 Dec 2010, 20:15

Thank you for the help guys. This forum has been awesome.