1996 Volvo 850 GLT sedan with 140k -- should I buy?

Post by **JRL** » 23 Jan 2008, 05:47

Good luck.
Now you have some options

calbrit01 · Post by **calbrit01** » 23 Jan 2008, 11:55

Sometimes you just pay too much for things, I did for my 94 855 Turbo: $5750 a year ago from a dealer with 113K miles on the clock, with a Volvo dealer service history, but there just wasn't any other nice 855s less than 100 miles away in California at the time - ok I know I am trying to justify the expense, but every now and again we get that impulse - so long as you are not borrowing from your retirement fund to buy it, sometimes you just do it anyway because it feels good. I do actually agree with everyone else, we all think all our possessions are worth more than they actually are - I am sure your aunt is a reasonable person and would understand given the overwhelming evidence - you just have to show her the KBB price after all. If your son also still wants it, he is a big boy now let him do his own repairs - my dad did, best thing he ever did for me, self sufficiency is great!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Jan 2008, 15:26

Okay guys, made some edits and some moves...if you're looking for how and where, it's in the topic called "Timing Belt, Serpentine Belt, alternator and related."

Now, let's try to keep this thread on topic to help this gentleman who's trying to arrange an 850 for his son.
Thanks,
MIJ

ArmyDad · Post by **ArmyDad** » 23 Jan 2008, 17:25

I have already broached this subject with my wife, and she is absolutely against attempting to talk her great-aunt into a lower price after we told her we'd buy at $4000. There are purportedly two other people interested in this car, one of them another relative of hers, at the price she advertised, $4200, so it wouldn't be as if we were leaving her without options.

The two 850's for sale in the Dallas area are intriguing; my son hasn't got a way to get there as far as I know.

As for the whether the price is too high or not, the fact remains that there are not a lot of 850's in that price range near me (southeastern Michigan) --- that I'd trust, anyway. There are 13 within 25 miles, and all but two are at auto auctions --- hmm. Spoke too soon. There's a red '96 850 turbo for $2800, a new listing.

Post by **JRL** » 23 Jan 2008, 17:53

ArmyDad wrote:I have already broached this subject with my wife, and she is absolutely against attempting to talk her great-aunt into a lower price after we told her we'd buy at $4000. There are purportedly two other people interested in this car, one of them another relative of hers, at the price she advertised, $4200, so it wouldn't be as if we were leaving her without options.

Obviously this is your problem to deal with. Tell her to let someone else in the family or whoever to buy it and work on the two I gave you in TX.
They are better deals and much better cars
Good luck

Post by **wheelsup** » 24 Jan 2008, 08:03

Every person selling a car always says there are other people wanting to buy it. You could always tell the aunt that your son is saving up the money now and isn't quite ready due to the added expense of repairs so go ahead and sell the car to someone else who wants to buy it now.

Either it backfires and she sells it or it's still in her driveway with a "for sale" sign in the back window 2 months later. You win either way.

What's the preoccupation with Volvos anyway? You could get a much more reliable and cheaper to maintain car than a 12 year old 850.

Post by **JRL** » 24 Jan 2008, 11:15

wheelsup wrote:
What's the preoccupation with Volvos anyway? You could get a much more reliable and cheaper to maintain car than a 12 year old 850.

CAMRY!

ArmyDad · Post by **ArmyDad** » 24 Jan 2008, 21:03

The longevity. But if you all who are Volvo enthusiasts are against buying a 12-year-old Volvo, I'm listening. I'll check the listings for Camrys. Or Tauruses.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 24 Jan 2008, 22:00

Many reasons we're Volvo enthusiasts including the safety factor, driveability, longevity, fun to drive (different than driveability) and the most comfortable seats in a car (at lest for me), but without knowing a pretty good bit about the quirks of these cars and where to go for help (as well as where to buy parts reasonably), these cars can eat you alive in repair bills. That said, I think the reason JRL threw out the Camry was because it's reasonably reliable, has a fairly long life and typically only needs the basic maintenance. Camry's Tauras' and even Accords (I had one for years) etc. are fine to me but awfully boring. Volvo's have a soul (probably what your son is attracted to) and these cars don't.

Solutech · Post by **Solutech** » 25 Jan 2008, 04:46

They do seem to have a definite personality . Had mine for 3 weeks and I wouldnt part with it .