When it's time to move on (and what did you buy?)

[wheelsup]

Our cars are getting older. I was a regular around here for years. I punched a bunch of tickets, with the evap repair and transmission swap being my biggest achievements. Also did the full timing belt replacement, including getting one of the bad batches of rollers that had the belt riding off the cams (anyone remember that?!?).

This was the first car I ever drove. It was my mother's. Back in 1996, when I was 15. Still driving it today. It has allowed me to invest my money into the market and not into a car, and not into a depreciating asset. We brought my dog home in the car, and brought her to her last vet visit almost 15 years later, her nose smudges still on the windows (I can't bring myself to clean them off). But it's almost time to move on.

I have absolutely loved this car. A few years ago I put on all new suspension parts. Car has driven really well, almost like new again!

Paint is starting to peel. Last winter I hit a deer, fortunately it was mostly sheet metal I bent back and replaced the headlight. Rear bumper has rusted and is held up by a trailer hitch. It's starting to look junky.

I want an XC90, 2017+ with the self driving. I did test drive one a couple years ago. I will wait a few more years as prices come down a bit. Maybe in the 30's. But am currently looking for a stop-gap car. I'm considering the Toyota Matrix. Or maybe a Lincoln of some sort.

I poke back in here every now and then. The regulars are all gone, with little posting activity (although still more active than I would've thought!). This site has saved me so much money. The DIY-ness of cars is mostly gone. Today Tesla released a DIY list of things you can now do...and I kid you not connecting your cell phone charger was one of them. The next group of car owners will know nothing about fixing their own cars. Last of an era.

[MoVolvos]

-

Hi wheelsup - Don't know your budget but here are a couple of nice ones from what I can tell. Two should have Carfax. Looking to replace a 2003 Lexus GS300. Hate to rid of it but it is too small as the back up car for driving my parents around.

2010 Volvo XC90 V8
https://www.amdautos.com/details/used-2 ... 0/54473364

2006 Volvo S80 2.5T - I had correspondence with this dealer and they lowered the price (on the web) from $5,888 to $4,988 to try and lure me to take a test drive. The price went up to $5,988 on the dealer website but is still $4,988 on Carfax. My son's 2003 S80 T6 is a really nice touring car for the freeway. Test drove a 2005 S80 2.5T last year and it is not as peppy but still nice.
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/YV1TS592861440814

2000 Volvo S70 GLT - From the owner:
Thank you for your interest, especially as one who is familiar with Volvos of this vintage. I had a 1999 V 70 wagon prior to this car and loved it. All service has been done by Hailey Imports in Greensboro (Volvo-only shop).
Answers to your questions:
I bought the car in 2011 used.
The timing belt has not been replaced yet.
I don't believe the ETM has been replaced; not listed in my records.
Transmission shifts normally, very smooth.
No new PCV replacement listed in my records.
https://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/d ... 88218.html

[abscate]

Another Volvo of course.

My 21 year old just got her first one.

Congrats on your financial strategy. Remember two words. Index funds.

[tardcart]

cars find you, not the other way around. But you have to be open to it. just wait. hopefully the police wont beat you mistaking you for a hippie due to the condition of your car.
show them your portfolio.

[cn90]

I'd get a 2004-2007 model with 2.5T engine with < 100K miles and with good maintenance records.

In 2018, I got a 2004 V70 with 100K.

[wheelsup]

Those can be good deals but I seriously worry about long term issues such as transmission and steering components. I'm not sure I have the heart to do what I did with my car again. I hate to say it. I just don't enjoy working on my car anymore. I have seriously considered just taking Uber/Lyft to work and back, since I only need it once a week.

That being said I am blown away at how inexpensive the initial purchase price of those mid 2000 V70's are. But how much money will go into them after purchase?

Also any thoughts on the 2008+ model years? I really like the inside and outside of those cars, but I realize the mid 2000's would be easier to work on (electronically). Which is another scare of mine - the 850 was the last of the "pre-electronic" cars.

[Clemens]

tough question. my suggestion: try looking for a low mileage well taken care of 850. They are rare, but if yours still runs you have some time to search. but then, as you say, those p80s are getting old

[tardcart]

über Lyft? you better get your hormone level checked. You might be depressed.

[MoVolvos]

Also any thoughts on the 2008+ model years? I really like the inside and outside of those cars, but I realize the mid 2000's would be easier to work on (electronically). Which is another scare of mine - the 850 was the last of the "pre-electronic" cars.

My neighbor going on 4 years and friend since 1995 has sold 4 vehicles in the 4 years and purchased 5 with potentially a 6th this week. A Mini Cooper S I found for his son on Craigslist although the latest craze was the 09-11 P71 Crown Vic Interceptor. He is mostly a Toyota guy however but has been all over the map so I've familiar myself with Carcomplaints.com to see any potential issues besides comparing the years within a particular model.

https://www.carcomplaints.com/

2009 - 2010 were great years for the XC90 and usually sell fast.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Volvo/XC90/

Extremely helpful and perhaps even for some who are seasoned in this forum.

[abscate]

The P2s are still available as second “ family “ cars. Money / brain buy them for 10 years, kid uses for college, then time to sell. P80s are on 4th 5th owner. At least two of these 5 owners trash it.

Plan on $2000 to bring any Volvo to daily driver, caught up maintenance if you aren’t DIY, about 1/4 of that if you do it,