Need purchasing advice

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 07 Nov 2018, 18:22

So, I just got back from L.A. visiting my son. His 2001 XC70 is on it's last legs...tranny issues, loss of power and someone backed into his rear passenger door. I would love to put him back into another Volvo, but I have no idea how to manage that long distance. He has about $10K and contemplated a lease of a Civic, Subaru or Mazda. Having always had Volvos (544, 140, P1800, 240, 740, S40, S60 and XC70) I am sold it the safety and solidity of the car. Having now driven on the expressways in LA, I really do want him in a safe vehicle. What would you all do it this situation? He is not 'a car guy', thus does not enjoy nor understand the pre-owned car buying process. He found a mechanic, but its a small independent shop run by Two Swedes (that's the name). They seem to only work on the older models, no resource for purchasing.
Had to put it out there, as I know he will call soon to tell me that his car has ended its life. !

Post by **abscate** » 07 Nov 2018, 18:33

You can get a solid P2 for about 1/2 that budget, if you budget 6+2 for return timing belt and PCV you should do well

Post by **oragex** » 07 Nov 2018, 19:49

It really is all about finding a car that really had good maintenance. As mentioned, if it had done the PCV, shocks, control arms with Sachs or Lemforder parts, it may meant it was well taken care of. But remember, a Volvo needs attention after 100000 miles and sometimes it can throw weird electrical issues that are hard to diagnose.

Comparatively, a 2018 CX-5/3 or a Honda HR-V (on the small side) or a Toyota CH-R (quite an interesting car) are quite more modern and safer cars, and especially trouble free in a lease. Sometimes the trips to the garage also need to come into the equation.

Ringo · Post by **Ringo** » 07 Nov 2018, 21:38

abscate wrote: ↑07 Nov 2018, 18:33 You can get a solid P2 for about 1/2 that budget, if you budget 6+2 for return timing belt and PCV you should do well

Hi Abscate - I'm facing a similar purchase. What's the RETURN? timing belt?

Post by **abscate** » 08 Nov 2018, 02:27

Spell check fail

Refurbished timing belt and PCV

Post by **cn90** » 08 Nov 2018, 07:17

Get a 2004-2007 S60 or S80 with 2.5T and 80K miles or so. They are about $6K. They will last your son a long time.

Post by **shiloh51933** » 08 Nov 2018, 09:22

We love our 2004 Volvo XC70, it has 225k on the odometer and running strong. We originally purchased her 5-6 years ago for $4500 w/125k (I believe) on odometer. When we purchased her she had the Timing Belt Service with Water pump, tensioner and idle pulley replaced also. All 4 struts were replaced with factory Sachs, the ATF services were completed as recommended by manufacturer schedule. We recently purchased another Volvo, a 2004 XC90 T6 with 130k on the odometer. The Dealership had extensive records, the original owner (only 1owner) had followed all of the recommended preventive services as per manufacturer. The original owner had everything completed at Ramsey Volvo. I have a stack of records and a vehicle history report. This is what I look for when purchasing a new used vehicle. Almost every seller claims the Tbelt service was completed, I want proof!! After 100k the front end is usually getting bad, so look for repairs up there.

atikovi · Post by **atikovi** » 15 Nov 2018, 11:48

If he isn't much into cars and has to pay others to service them, a 6-8 year old Asian car under 80,000 miles would be a better choice.

Post by **erikv11** » 15 Nov 2018, 12:30

An 80k 04-07 Volvo goes for a lot more than $6k in LA, unfortunately. Maybe $8.5k. If you can find it sure, but in all probability you can't find it so ...

As stated by others I'm leaning toward the later model Honda or Toyota, without some DIY or the right mechanic. Either that or start looking now for the Volvo, a well maintained one for a cheap price in LA is pretty uncommon and bought up quickly, it probably won't be available they day the other car dies.