Should I buy it?

davidschaffer · Post by **davidschaffer** » 16 Dec 2016, 16:42

Would this be a more reliable because its pre haldex? Is there a best to buy year?
Thanks
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/5921003142.html

or this
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/5922094287.html

Post by **vtl** » 16 Dec 2016, 16:46

It has Haldex.

Trim-wise, I like this car more

Post by **oragex** » 17 Dec 2016, 06:37

davidschaffer wrote:Would this be a more reliable because its pre haldex? Is there a best to buy year?
Thanks
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/5921003142.html

Interestingly, someone just disconnected the battery on this car (see the ----- in dash board). Why? The 2004 were prone to the CEM water ingress ($500)

Side note, look for at least two complete keys, a key is near $400 at the main dealer.

One way to spot a better buy is to look into the paper work. A car that has been serviced with original Volvo parts, and has had new Volvo parts for the control arms, spring seats, pcv serviced (not all need this), Haldex repaired ... means the PO has taken care of it and most main issues have been fixed. Shock absorbers also get a bit stiff past 100K miles, but if the roads are smooth in your area, you can live with it.

Post by **tryingbe** » 17 Dec 2016, 08:25

davidschaffer wrote:
vtl wrote:+ Haldex is on its way out, alarm siren is dead or soon be dead, engine pads are sagged, suspension needs a full rebuild, PCV is likely clogged But it looks nice, in and out, so why not?
Is that all common maintenance for the mileage? What would be the cost for those repairs? Do you feel the car is over priced or just poor quality? I appreciate any input

Engine mounts are all rubber. Rubber pasts last between 3-10 years.

Shocks/struts last between 30-100k. My ksports coilover struts are all done at 60k, no more dampening. I've seen strut/shocks failed at "floating".
https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/ho ... t.2369101/

PCV system is usually due to lack of oil change and using conventional oil instead of synthetic.

Those are easy and cheaper parts, considering the owner's manual called for "lifetime filled" transmission.

Those "lifetime filled" transmissions are the transmissions never get its oil changed. Who knows long how those transmission can last, after 10+ years of service. I refuse to buy any car with a "lifetime filled" transmission.

badcadman · Post by **badcadman** » 19 Dec 2016, 08:58

I purchased a 2003 XC70 that appeared to be well maintained...up to about 120,000 miles, then the service documentation dropped off. Mileage was 168,000 when I took ownership in August 2015 for what I thought was a market competitive price in the $3500 range.

After purchase the steady march of replacing parts began. Rotors, pads, brake hoses, front wheel bearings, rear wheel bearings, sway bar end links front and rear, tires all around, power steering reservoir and low pressure hose, struts front and rear, springs front and rear, strut mounts front and rear, spark plugs...and that took me up to mid-December 2015. Don't forget the replacement key and key fob from Volvo.

Then the big one hit...the transmission started slipping on the way to work Jan 2016, and I got the dreaded TRANSMISSION SERVICE REQUIRED fault, and the trans locks into 3rd or 4th gear...if you're lucky. It took about 5 weeks, transmission in and out 3 times, a new torque converter, a new valve body, and a rebuild of the pump to correct. I have 2x beyond the the purchase price with the transmission and all of the replacement parts listed, and the only labor I didn't perform myself was the trans repair. And even with all of that, there are always other wear items that need to be replaced due to age/wear/tear.

If you can get to the dealer that "maintained" the car and ask nicely, they in many cases will give you an official print out of all of the services performed on that VIN. Otherwise, beware of any cars that don't have a full stack of documentation, or doesn't come from a DIY enthusiast. Just my thoughts...and this is the third Volvo I've been through.

Post by **vtl** » 19 Dec 2016, 09:02

badcadman wrote:After purchase the steady march of replacing parts began ... and that took me up to mid-December 2015

Hey, but what you got after that is a really nice car to be in, right?

I did all of that and more, car rides sooo much nicer than others.

badcadman · Post by **badcadman** » 19 Dec 2016, 09:25

Yes, but it's a love/hate relationship. Considering the investment I have in it now, I could have purchased a car 10 years newer with a quarter to half of the miles on it. Now what will be the next candidate for replacement...angle gear, rear diff, exhaust?