Good Idea, Bad Idea

[Starbuck]

Thank you, everyone, for your amazing input. It's so refreshing to be on an adult forum!

I will go and check the car out tomorrow and report back. I have one additional string of questions.

How do Volvos like aftermarket/non-OEM parts? I'm not looking to go the super-cheap route as I do know the value of a quality replacement but more in the interest of saving some money if the part is viable.

As my experience is limited to the two (I'd suddenly remembered an old, old car the owner let me christen Paul Newman) Volvos I've worked on, what parts and manufacturers are respectable, which parts should always be Volvo-branded and which manufacturers should I run screaming from?

Oh so sorry! She's listed it for $3k and recently dropped that to $2500. I would really like to only pay $2k for it, mainly because of the high mileage. In the pictures it's a super clean vehicle with a perfect body and (from what I saw) interior. Naturally I'll need to wet sand and seal the headlights but that's mostly elbow grease. Tires are a year old, brakes were recently touched (unclear on what the service was) and she said it had a tune-up in March. I'll definitely ask if she kept receipts and documents.

Many thanks again!

[Starbuck]

Pictures...

[abscate]

Beth

My strong impression is that’s a loved, well cared for Volvo based on appearance. At 2K, that’s a screaming deal, at 2500 it’s a good deal, and her 3K ask is probably attainable if everything’s in order. When you look at it, look for a dry engine both on top and underneath, these engines really don’t develop internal big issues that can’t be fixed by someone who works on German cars, easily

[abscate]

On the parts issue, without getting into specifics M V capital S is all about sorting out where we can cut corners and where we can’t so I will just say all that knowledge is resident here, and we can guide you as you find you need parts replacing. You don’t need to go strict OEM but our resident female Volvo expert June won’t talk to you if you don’t.

Volvo parts aren’t as nasty expensive as BMW or upscale VW even in the parts quality is very high.

You know Volvo’s are loved when cats hang out around them , too

[vtl]

For most (all?) of replaceable parts there's a known OE substitute, like Sachs for struts, Aisin for water pump, ATE for brake pads, etc.

Owning Toyota now and looking at Toyota parts prices, Volvo parts are not more expensive than Toyota's. May be even cheaper.

[Starbuck]

Well kids, the owner just texted me and said while she was waiting for AAA to come fix her flat, someone came up to her and insisted on buying the car today.

To be honest, I'm slightly miffed she couldn't employ a little backbone and honor our appointment tomorrow. I was polite in responding though and sent my congratulations on making the sale.

I'm disappointed I will not be joining your ranks but am very grateful for the knowledge and hospitality you all have shown. Thank you again and I'll be back if I can find another square moosicorn.

Until then, may all the BMWs you pass on the side of the road remind you...not all of us are holes of A.

Thank you again,

Beth

[abscate]

Tough break, but the good ones go quickly. Keep your eyes open in the high rent suburbs for second car Volvo’s on private sales.

...and don’t forget to say thanks again in a week in case deal falls through.

[volvolugnut]

Thank you again and I'll be back if I can find another square moosicorn.

Thank you again,

Beth

Square moosicorn! Snort snort.

volvolugnut