Newly Grad looking for an old car.

DariusEizzenheim · Post by **DariusEizzenheim** » 26 Jan 2020, 04:50

Hey everyone,

I recently graduated from college and in need of decent car tips. This [blog article deleted] that I read is really straight forward and I do not know where to begin. My dad really wants me to find a V70 since this was our old family car and he really swears by it but I don't even have a job.

Any help provided is highly appreciated. Thanks.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Jan 2020, 05:31

We can tell if you are indeed Volvo worthy or just another spammer by how long it takes you to come back....

DariusEizzenheim · Post by **DariusEizzenheim** » 26 Jan 2020, 06:12

Surely I would be Volvo worthy. I'm not a car enthusiast just merely looking for assistance though.

Post by **jreed** » 26 Jan 2020, 07:04

Welcome to the site. Hopefully others will offer their advice too. From my point of view older Volvos are great as long as you don't mind repairing them. If you and your dad enjoy maintenance and repair and are willing to do the work yourselves, a Volvo could be a good car. I prefer my Volvo (220K miles) over my Toyota (187K miles) even though my Toyota uses half the fuel per mile and has required almost no repairs. Why? In my opinion the Volvo is more comfortable (seats, driving position, visibility, heat and air conditioning among others), handles better, is quieter inside, has more power and seems safer to drive.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Jan 2020, 07:31

DariusEizzenheim wrote: 26 Jan 2020, 06:12 Surely I would be Volvo worthy. I'm not a car enthusiast just merely looking for assistance though.

Sorry about that. You had just enough context to make me think you were not a spammer

Welcome to MVS, there is good advice here

Post by **rguzz** » 27 Jan 2020, 10:48

Look through the major forum topics then decide, specifically look at what it takes to get to stage zero. Unless you are willing to spend $$$ and tons of time on a 98-99 V70 look for something else. You could buy one and make it a project, just can't count on driving it as your sole vehicle. Find an older well kept Honda Accord 4 cylinder 5 speed and go with it. Not to say I don't love my 855t.

Post by **Goupil** » 27 Jan 2020, 12:32

As jreed said, old Volvo are great if you like working on cars. They are enthusiast friendly and have a great community with a huge database of DIY.
Your budget will depend on what kind of engine you want: N/A and diesel go for very reasonable amounts, turbos a bit more and R for quite a lot of money for 25yo cars.

My V70 is my first car, bought it at 19yo, and it's been a great experience so far, just not the cheapest one

Post by **June** » 27 Jan 2020, 12:57

I suggest looking at S60. Being newer picknpull yards should be full of them. Also I see them cheap on Craigslist often. Also a 04 or 05 should have updated safety like WIPPS to prevent whiplash if you are rear ended and AIR CURTAINS to protect your head in side impact and rollover. Plentiful in 2.5T 5 cylinder turbo. If you want a old Volvo that won't quit than look for a 240. Battle over the few 850 or S,V,C70 models is silly if you want a cheap car. I suggest leaving those for the enthusiasts who will keep their prices high and really they are not the end all of Volvo. It only seems that way if you read online. A Volvo of any model is better than anything else... June

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 28 Jan 2020, 06:41

My advice is simple. If you meet one of two the following qualifications you can and should purchase a volvo:

Option 1: gainfully employed or with residual savings/passive income to afford about $5000 per year to spend on car maintenance that you can give to a mechanic.

Option 2: gainfully employed or with residual savings/passive income to afford about $2000 a year to spend on maintenance, but you have the ability, space, tools and desire to work on your own vehicle.

That's my experience with Volvo's.

Post by **matthew1** » 28 Jan 2020, 07:02

Nice summary.