I have 4,000 - What Model Volvo Should I buy?

Onaspring · Post by **Onaspring** » 03 Feb 2015, 22:34

After making the wrong recent purchase on a 1999 V70 XC, I'm back to my 1990 240 DL daily driver. In a couple weeks I'll have 4K to spend on a shiny new (used) Volvo. There are a bunch of different models out there on Craigslist and Auto Trader, I need some suggestions.

I really love my 240 but I don't want to sink any more money into her (7K over 4 years is enough, it's time for an upgrade) I like her simplicity, I LOVE driving a stick, I love her size, I love her body style, and I love her engine (never one issue with the engine, everything else, yes). I don't need a car to cart around kids or stuff, just me and groceries. I'm interested in getting another wagon, but the luxury versions of any Volvo have officially scared me off. I'm not a mechanic and have no desire to be other than for small things like fuses and relays, etc. I need something reliable in general that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to repair. I'll be taking a mechanic with me the next time I shop too.

So, what should I get?

Post by **precopster** » 04 Feb 2015, 04:23

Turbos are not exactly simple. They drain the wallet with various leaks both oil and vacuum, out of tolerance sensors (all Bosch by the way) and drink more fuel.

If you're happy with the 240's performance you'd be more than happy with a 99 or 2000 non turbo S70. The 99 is preferable because of the 4 speed auto and if you can find a stick in a 1999 or 2000 that's great. The electrics are mostly Denso with MAF and cam sensor being Japanese. The only caveat is the ETM however just find one with a recently overhauled ETM and PCV and you'll be fine.

MVS hardly hears from non turbo owners unless it's an ETM issue and the saving in fuel will keep costs down.

Can you handle some minor servicing and front end work or do you pay mechanics?

Onaspring · Post by **Onaspring** » 04 Feb 2015, 06:16

Thank you, I'll keep this in mind re: the turbo. I don't plan on getting another turbo in any model. I'm planning on getting a manual in whatever model I do buy. I live in Midtown Detroit so while I love the idea of a wagon, parking one isn't the easiest. I'm probably getting a sedan, pre-99.

And to answer your question, I pay mechanics to do any and all heavy and light lifting. Maybe in a few years I'll start tinkering around and attempting to learn how to do some repairs, but I just don't have the time or inclination right now.

Post by **precopster** » 04 Feb 2015, 13:04

If you go to pre 99 you're back to mostly Bosch electrics which kind of defeats the purpose. You also will lose coil on plug which is very reliable and gain cap, rotor and leads (antiquated and unreliable)

The S70s are great designs with very few issues and drive beautifully. If you must have a pre 99 just replace all the ignition parts upon purchase to avoid nasty surprises.

4K should buy a lot of car so perhaps a really low mileage car is out there with your name on it. Good luck with the hunt

Onaspring · Post by **Onaspring** » 04 Feb 2015, 14:31

I'm going to look at a 121K mileage 1999 960 tomorrow. Clean carfax, looks prisinte on the inside and outside, it's only 1500 dollars, and I'm bringing a certified mechanic from my regular shop to inspect before I buy.

There are also two other models in my area, a 2000 S70 and a 1999 S70, both less than 150K, both less than 1800. I could spend 4K if I had to, but it doesn't seem like it'll get me that much more car comparatively with the three cars menitoned above.

My dream Volvo is a C30, I'm saving up for the next two years to pay cash for the newest one I can find. Hoping this next Volvo I buy will keep me on the road with minimal intervention until then.

jonesboy1983 · Post by **jonesboy1983** » 04 Feb 2015, 15:48

I'm not as opposed to the Pre 99 models. I've had a 98 S70 and an 850 Turbo and the ignition components give me no problems as long as you use the Bosch cap and rotor, bougicord wires, and volvo plugs. I bet you could find a heck of an 850 wagon with very low miles for 4 grand. If you're saving up for the C30 you could probably find a good 850 for around 2k and, provided service is current, could keep you on the road without much issue for the next couple years. In my area, the 850s are usually cheaper than the S70s even though mechanically they are very similar except for the ignition components. Just my two cents.

Onaspring · Post by **Onaspring** » 04 Feb 2015, 21:27

Thank you, I'll keep that information in mind. I'm hoping my mechanic likes what he sees tomorrow.

Post by **precopster** » 04 Feb 2015, 22:52

The '98 960s were renamed the S90 and the wagons were named V90s so interesting that you have sighted a 99 model (which was already out of production by '99)

If it is a 960 it was produced between 92 and 97 so perhaps the seller has left a crucial piece of info out of the equation.

Keep us posted.

Onaspring · Post by **Onaspring** » 05 Feb 2015, 07:26

Sorry, it's a 1997, not 99.

There's also a 2001 V40 wagon I'm interested in, 210K, one owner:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/4860796340.html

I think that's a turbo though right?

Manual Volvos are hard to come by in Detroit. Volvos in general under 4K are few and far between.

There's a gorgeous 1983 wagon for sale but I just can't bring myself to buy a 32 year old car. I'm surprised it hasn't sold yet:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/4856876132.html

It Does have a rebuilt engine though. He'll take 1,500 for it, PLUS it's a manual. I'm extremely interested, but something is holding me back. I think I'd just rather have a newer vehicle.

Onaspring · Post by **Onaspring** » 05 Feb 2015, 18:54

No go on the 1997 960. So glad I brought a mechanic to inspect it first. Super dirty, lots of things not working and a probably coolant leak.

The wagon I was interested was sold tonight (no surprise). I'm going to call the 2001 V40 wagon guy tomorrow and ask a few questions. Always interested in one owner cars. He clearly took care of it. we'll see!