I'm selling my beloved 1996 Platinum 850! (Yes it is a *real* Platinum Edition [whatever that three-letter acronym is, that I can't remember at the moment] - look at the paint, you can see it isn't just a "white Volvo". I say this because in some other "Platinum for sale" threads, there have been doubters as to the authenticity of the "Platinum" status.)
I am the third owner, I've had it for nine years, all owners have been familiy-types, so no hard driving/racing, etc. Currently has 222,000 miles, but the OD is broken, so add 10-15k to that number.
Car has been well maintained, almost exclusively by highly-experienced, specialized Volvo mechanics (two of them, both of them former shop stewards at Volvo dealerships, over forty five years of experience between them - Larry Costa in Chester, NJ [retired], and Nick at Highbloom Auto, Nutley NJ).
My name is Tim, please see the contact info at the end of this post.
VIN number on request for serious inquiries only.
Original, standard equipment:
- automatic transmission
- 222 HP engine & mid-level turbo (same engine specs as 1995 T5, so I've been told)
- all-leather interior
- heated, power front seats
- power windows
- 8-speaker premium sound system (seriously pounds the sound)
- power moon roof
- cruise-control/trip computer
- beautiful burled wood dashboard
- beautiful platinum triple-layer paint
- MPG is somewhere around 18 city/25 highway, yours may vary
Condition:
- has its fair share of dings/scratches, but not too bad for an 18 year old car
- never been in an accident!
- driver's seat is visibly worn out, but is still sits comfortable and solid
- replaced factory stereo (cassette/FM/AM) with mid-low end Sony AM/FM head unit - has 1/8" jack AUX in, that's all I wanted. I will include the OEM car stereo when sold
- no smoking/pets
Known mechanical issues:
- leaky seals at top of engine (can't remember what they're called), so oil will drip once it's parked - not a flood, but definitely noticeable in the driveway
- power steering fluid leak - nothing major, I add fluid every 3-4 months
- moon roof only opens to "vent", won't fully slide back - this is very recent and not sure what the problem is, never had it looked at
- suspension is a little soft overall, I'd like to have it firmed up
- driver's side windshield wiper arm has poor windshield contact, needs to be pushed down into firm contact every several weeks
- AC has a leak, needs to be refilled annually, charge will only last 4-8 weeks. I think the compressor may be going/gone as well. A completely new AC unit is probably in order
- odometer has stopped working
Service records:
I'm not too good with keeping track of the repair records, I know, that's bad, but I can vouch with certainty for the following major repairs
- timing belt replaced at necessary intervals
- transmission replaced (with used part from Erie Volvo, lifetime warranty) about two years ago
- recently replaced oxygen sensor
- recent complete tune-up
- regular oil changes
Price:
Kelly's Blue Book says this car in fair-good condition should sell to a private party for $3,200 - $3,500. My mechanic says I can get $1,000 for it.
I'd like to get something in the middle. I know it's an old, high-mileage car, but it still has lots of life left, and it's "the Platinum"!
So rare and special and wonderful! Only 1,000 made, etc, etc.So, asking maybe $2,000? I will deal with any genuinely interested individual.
My name is Tim, I'm located in Verona, New Jersey, which is about 45 minutes east of NYC.
E-mail me at - timrodner AT gmail DOT com -, all serious inquiries will be responded to.
I will exchange phone numbers and provide detailed contact info for serious potential buyers only.
Thanks for reading. I hope there are some interested people here in a community of Volvo lovers. I would really like this car to go to someone who can appreciate its status, even if it goes to a parent buying a car for their kid, or whatever (my son is too young for me to keep it for him)
- instead of selling to some random person on Craigslist, ya know? Worst case, my mechanic will sell it to someone, but he lowballs the price to move it off the lot quick - but don't tell him I said that!And now, for the PICS!
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Just FYI, this ad has been cross-posted to Swedespede.com