Questions/Concerns 95 850 R Sedan

kcjones · Post by **kcjones** » 20 May 2011, 18:33

I'm thinking about putting an offer on a 1995 850 T-5R sedan auto. It has 148k on it, and he claims it was rebuilt @ 100k.

Supposedly, when the rebuild was done, the timing belt and tensioners were changed as well.

What I know so far:

New brakes; pads, rotors, calipers
New shocks/struts
Lowering springs
17" Pegasus wheels (some minor scratches)
Window Tint
Interior is 8/10
Minor body damage

It is listed @ $4,400. Is this price reasonable?
Ideas of what else to look for/use for bargaining?

Also, I really want a manual trans, but how does the automatic perform? Is it the same as my 97 850 GLT?

I'm going to start @ $3,600, and hopefully not go above $4,000.

Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

Post by **JRL** » 20 May 2011, 19:15

Depends, but with body damage..... NO

Post by **phat78ta** » 20 May 2011, 19:56

You really have to know why it was rebuilt at 100k. obviously it wasn't cared for. Was it due to outright neglect, or racing abuse? What was "rebuilt"? Just the head? The transmission may be suspect too if it was abused.
What is "minor body damage"? Did you physically see the car or is this info from a listing and emails?
Seems a bit high priced with the suspect history.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 20 May 2011, 20:55

If he does not have all the records stating when and why it was rebuilt, I would not do it. Also, like JRL said, how is the body of the car?

Post by **tridents65** » 20 May 2011, 21:31

I recently (last month) I purchased a 1995 850 sedan. The prior owner had just (had receipts) compleated an all four wheel brake job with new rotors and put in a new radiator/ hoses and a fresh oil change. He had dealer records for the service up to 125,000. At that time his daughter took it out of state. When she moved back (kansas) he had the work done to sell it. When I bought it with 149,000 miles the first thing I did was the tensioner belt, water pump, pulleys, tensioner, serp belt (all instructuctions here on this site) and a tune up. I paid 3500.00. The body is good with no damage and paint is a 7 out of 10. The interior is good, no tears or stains. I do need to treat the front seat leather. tires will last till winter.So far, the car runs good with no problems (cross fingers here). It does need the PVC job done which is comming up in a couple of weeks. Hope this helps.

Post by **tridents65** » 20 May 2011, 21:41

... forgot to add this- both drive shaft boots are torn. Didn't check them before buying the car. On the list of things to do soon.

kcjones · Post by **kcjones** » 21 May 2011, 08:01

Thanks for the responses, fellas.

I have not seen the car yet, no. This info is all over the phone.

I asked why he rebuilt it, and he claimed "just because" and "ya know, gaskets and seals, just to keep 'em fresh".....this part worries me

The suspect body damage is quoted to be more "wear and tear/minor bumps and scratches"

I'm going to take a look at it tomorrow. Hopefully I can take it for a spin and get it over to a shop and have a look.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 21 May 2011, 09:55

"ya know, gaskets and seals, just to keep 'em fresh" - I'd be worried, too. For that price, it better be in great shape - which means the drive shaft boots are not torn, among other things.

Post by **matthew1** » 21 May 2011, 11:13

To me, it sounds like you need to approach this with caution. I'll echo what everyone else has said here.

If you can get it over to Volvo Specialists on Sante Fe (near Alameda), they'll look at it, and they know these cars inside and out.

I know the service writer Brett pretty well, and he is a remarkably nice guy, and has probably forgotten more than I'll ever know about Volvos.

(303) 722-VOLVO (8658)
36 South Santa Fe Drive
Shop hours 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Monday thru Friday

~ ~ ~

Also, Dave the Tech at McDonald Volvo on S. Broadway I trust 100%. He might know more about the 850/S70/V70 car family than Brett even. He owns four of them, one being a nice 1996 Platinum sedan. Read the last paragraph in this blog post about how I met him.

800-681-9431, 6060 South Broadway, Littleton.

I'd ask for Dave specifically. He used to work at Volvo Specialists.

I don't know the cost that either of these businesses would charge you. Let us know what you end up doing, please.

Post by **jblackburn** » 21 May 2011, 15:16

Personally, I would never consider a used "performance version" car like an R, Si, M3, GT (ew), etc unless I absolutely know the history of it. You can pretty much guarantee that most of them have been beat, redlined, and thrashed to death. Same reason I would never buy a car for myself with aftermarket crap like ECU tunes, turbo upgrades, fart cans and lowering springs, etc on it. It just doesn't bode well for the cars making it very much longer (especially at such an age) without needing major mechanical work.

You may say, "but you've got a turbo; isn't that a performance version?" Sort of, but I bought it from a single mom who (probably) never drove it like she stole it and owned it since new and always had all the proper work done to it if it needed anything. It's still been a bit of a hassle.

Before you make any kind of decision towards this car, Have it checked over thoroughly and HAVE A COMPRESSION TEST done to see what kind of shape the engine is actually in.