850/70 - car shopping - advice/opinions

[combatkarl]

Thanks all for the input. Some good information. I don't mind wrenching as my current GLT has gotten quite a bit of attention over the last couple of years.

No offense taken cn90.

[renns]

Assuming she's not interested in fixing her own car, and given she's 80 miles away, I'd suggest you buy her a Civic or Corolla. Either will likely be less trouble than a Volvo, and more easily fixed by the local mechanics. I love my Volvo, but it'd be gone long ago if I couldn't fix it myself.

[abscate]

She's much too cool for a Civrolla or a Crolic.

[dosbricks]

She's much too cool for a Civrolla or a Crolic.

Sure, those are just appliances.

[cn90]

This one is a 1998 V70 GLT with 90K miles, listed for $4500, Kansas City.
Seems like a good buy:

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/5267557385.html

PS: Too bad I don't need a car but if I do, this is a good one to buy.

[erikv11]

I agree that is a nice looking car. Ditch that air pump and go. Hopefully the "new timing belt and water pump" isn't junk you would have to throw away and redo, but still it is a nice find.

[abscate]

PS...80 miles is the perfect distance away and well within the 100 mile tow limit for AAA premium

[renns]

She's much too cool for a Civrolla or a Crolic.

Being cool doesn't come cheap...unless she can find a Significant Other that's also a Volvo Enthusiast!

[combatkarl]

She's much too cool for a Civrolla or a Crolic.

Well yes she is...though I'm biased and she doesn't have a significant other. She does lean toward cars that are a bit eccentric (hope it is okay to call a Volvo eccentric). One of the first cars she spotted was a 70s Mercedes diesel 4DR sedan. She likes the vintage look.

CN90 is correct in that $2000 can be a trap when purchasing a car. I may add to the amount as I likely will add to purchase in some manner via parts, labor, etc. So maybe adding money to the purchase price is worthwhile.

She is willing to learn & perform routine maintenance, but I doubt she will do much for mechanical work.

Anybody know anything about VW Jettas? (again a bit eccentric ) I was reviewing some VW forums, but they are not as detailed as MVS - thank you.

[FLXC90]

many early 2000s models had trans problems, fixed by around 05. Also, early 2.5s (up to 05) had timing chain issues, and the chain is at the trans end of the motor (whaddya mean Volvo engineers stuff to be dealer only!)