NEW VOLVO owner: 850 (year: 1996)

profilady · Post by **profilady** » 14 Mar 2006, 21:21

I just bought this car TODAY. When I test drove it everything (radio, blinkers, windows, etc.) worked fine EXCEPT for headlights (no bulb for dims). NOW...just 2 hours after buying it...

1. the brights work but do NOT stay on by themselves - I have to hold the blinker arm but when I let go they go off.
2. the radio works but NO STATIONS can be found
3. the blinkers do NOT work
4. the side / rearview mirror toggle switch does not work.

One more thing.... the speedometer does not work either. However I

Post by **matthew1** » 14 Mar 2006, 21:43

I'd find out if/how much time you have to take it back. If I remember correctly, Colorado has a 3-day satisfaction law. Don't know about Texas, but I'd look into it quickly.

This sounds like a car you don't want.

There's more 850s out there, especially for $9k.

saltydog · Post by **saltydog** » 15 Mar 2006, 05:16

2 hours? NINE GRAND?!!..........Hurricane car? I suspect either a short in the main electrical harness, probably the one to the fuse block under the hood, or a short in the turn signal switch in the steering column (does the horn work? does the airbag light illuminate when you start the car?) Either issue is trouble & Matt's right - take it back NOW & walk away....way too much money for even a NICE '96 850, let alone a handymans special like this. Don't you guys have Carfax down there? Go find another one & before you sign, take it to a Volvo independant - I know there's a couple in Austin - and invest in an inspection....best cash you'll ever spend.

profilady · Post by **profilady** » 15 Mar 2006, 07:43

Dealer said to take it to an independent Volvo dealer that works on his personal Volvo vehicle and they will COVER EVERYTHING !!

He also said NOT to pay him anything (I stopped payment on my down payment check) UNTIL it is fixed completely. He even said if the radio does NOT pick up stations (it did when I was test driving it!) that he'd buy me a NEW PIONEER system from Best Buy and have it installed (YES - got it all in writing !!!)

It is $9K with the finance charges, etc. and, of course, I will pay it off early IF I KEEP IT AT ALL, to bring it back as close to the original asking price of $7995. What IS the going rate for these cars anyway ?

THANKS for all your help!

profilady · Post by **profilady** » 15 Mar 2006, 07:45

BTW - I did run a CARFAX and it was GREAT - PERFECT !!

This car only has 65,352 for mileage.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 15 Mar 2006, 09:44

Wow, that is good customer service. What trim level is the car (i.e. GLT, Turbo)? $9k is about what one would expect to pay for a nearly mint condition 850R or T-5R w/ low mileage. If it was any other trim level, I honestly think you paid a bit much.

profilady · Post by **profilady** » 15 Mar 2006, 09:51

It is a Turbo - MINT inside and out - full leather interior, sunroof, spoiler, bra, etc. and new low-profile 14's with new rims.

Running it over to the Roger Beasley Volvo to do a FREE (dealer-paid) diagnostic check.

This is GREAT customer service because it is a VERY SMALL "buy here, pay here" place but has an EXCELLENT reputation for dependable cars.

KRE · Post by **KRE** » 15 Mar 2006, 10:25

Well...

You can get a reasonable idea of a cars lot price by looking here:

http://www.edmunds.com/tmv/used/1996/vo ... index.html

Fill in the details and there you are. The true worth of the car is what you are prepared to pay though.

I think that you overpaid but then I purchased my car from a person who looked after it. Its a fully loaded '94 854 Turbo and it cost less than half what you paid.

At least you are in the right place to get good advise.

Keith

Post by **srnkanator** » 16 Mar 2006, 16:26

I've got a 95 turbo, mint, with 63,000 miles as well. I paid $7000 for it in july '05. If they are that willing to do work for you after you drove it off the lot I would be suspicious. Ask for the service records from the previous owner. With used foriegn cars, the most impotant place for it to be taken care of is under the hood. Volvos are notorious for electrical problems, especially down here in the south.

profilady · Post by **profilady** » 16 Mar 2006, 16:30

First the $9K includes the $1950 in finance charges (of course will pay off early!) and the over $500 in "fees" (title, license, inspection, state tax, etc.) so if I deduct those charges I'm paying about right I guess.

It turns out it was a bad cylinder in the steering column. It is fixed and working great.... SO FAR at least (2 days now).

I LOVE the car. I've never paid attention to Volvo's before but WOW what a great car overall !

Thank you for all your support ! It is greatly appreciated !!