Suggestions on buying used volvo..

greencat · Post by **greencat** » 05 May 2006, 09:15

Hi - we currently have an '86 240 SL which we've loved, but its really on its last legs (i think nearly 300k!) We also have a new baby, so are concerned about safety, etc. What model/year of used 4 door would you recommend if we want to spend under 16k?? We concerned that some of the newer version break down a lot more (due to all the electric parts, etc..)
Many thanks!
Catherine

Post by **pfeener** » 05 May 2006, 19:06

You're obviously not afraid to drive older cars. I would look for a 98 S70 with under 100K miles. The problem you'll run into if you want to keep it under $16K is that it's not enough money to get you into the 04s and newer which are better than some of the earlier models. General rule of thumb:

Stay away from the S80s no matter how good the deals look

Stay away from the 01 V70 and S60. (02 or 03 of either model would be OK, but I think the 98 S70 would provide better value for you)

The 99 and 00 S70s have the issue with the Electronic Throttle Control (which Volvo has warrantied for 200K miles or 10 years, but it's still a pain)

Stay away from the S40 (early ones weren't really Volvos)

If you go with a 98 S70, have a good Volvo mechanic look it over for the routine things that go wrong. If you search through this forum you'll see posts that document the well know issues.

greencat · Post by **greencat** » 06 May 2006, 05:53

Thank you for your response! What about the V 70? Would you recommend them? There are a number of '99, 2000, 2001, 2002 cars for sale in our price range...
Thanks!

Post by **pfeener** » 06 May 2006, 07:31

The V70 is fine. I would stay away from the 01s. It was the first year of a new series. The 99s and 00s are Ok but they have the Electronic Throttle Control issue. If you get a 99 or an 00 try to make sure the ETC has been replaced. The replacement ones don't fail. Personaly I would go for either a 2002 or newer or a low milage, well maintained 98.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 May 2006, 09:30

pfeener wrote: If you get a 99 or an 00 try to make sure the ETC has been replaced. The replacement ones don't fail. Personaly I would go for either a 2002 or newer or a low milage, well maintained 98.

pfeener, they all fail eventually (see the ETM section of this forum). That's why I would recommend a '98. I know that Volvo warrants them now for 10 years or 200K miles, but most people aren't looking ahead. 200K miles will be here before you know it, and I plan on driving my Volvo until it dies, hopefully to the 4-500K mile range.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 May 2006, 09:31

pfeener wrote: If you get a 99 or an 00 try to make sure the ETC has been replaced. The replacement ones don't fail. Personaly I would go for either a 2002 or newer or a low milage, well maintained 98.

pfeener, they all fail eventually. That's why I would recommend a '98. I know that Volvo warrants them now for 10 years or 200K miles, but most people aren't looking ahead. 200K miles will be here before you know it, and I plan on driving my Volvo until it dies, hopefully in the 3-500K mile range. [/quote]