Looking to buy 1996 850 Turbo w/ 135K, need advice

phunkdeefied · Post by **phunkdeefied** » 29 Feb 2008, 15:24

Hi forum
First of all I have never owned a volvo. I am very interested in this car and thought I'd get some feedback from this forum.
The car is selling for 3000 and he has offered to negotiate a little. He did mention that the struts need to be replaced, so I called a mechanic to find out how much this might cost... he said 750.
I test drove it this afternoon and the car body and interior are in remarkable shape. I didn't notice much wrong except for the struts.
I'm going back to look at it tonight and perhaps make an offer. Is there any other things I need to be looking for or asking?

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 29 Feb 2008, 15:46

Get under it with a CSI flashlight. Is it leaking engine oil, transmission fluid, breaking rubber covers on the drive shafts? Probably needs a ball joint or a tierod. Do you know a small garage that can fix Volvos? Take it to them for an inspection.

phunkdeefied · Post by **phunkdeefied** » 29 Feb 2008, 16:18

Thanks, I'll do that. Overall though, does this sound like a good price. I also have budgeted around $800 for repairs, if I can get it for 2800.
Will this car last me a while? What is the average life of these cars?

By the way there is a volvo shop here, I just don't want to visit it a whole lot!

Post by **JRL** » 29 Feb 2008, 16:30

phunkdeefied wrote:Thanks, I'll do that. Overall though, does this sound like a good price. I also have budgeted around $800 for repairs, if I can get it for 2800.
Will this car last me a while? What is the average life of these cars?

By the way there is a volvo shop here, I just don't want to visit it a whole lot!

I will guarantee you that there will be NO WAY you will only spend $800 on it. These can be costly to maintain. Great cars when everything is OKO but you're dealing with a 12-13 year old car here

phunkdeefied · Post by **phunkdeefied** » 29 Feb 2008, 16:40

It doesn't have to be new... It simply needs to run. In the last eight years, I have only put 62,000 miles on my car. I don't drive that much. If the guy can prove that it has been maintained over the years.... will this car be worth purchasing?

Post by **JRL** » 29 Feb 2008, 17:25

phunkdeefied wrote:Thanks, I'll do that. Overall though, does this sound like a good price. I also have budgeted around $800 for repairs, if I can get it for 2800.
Will this car last me a while? What is the average life of these cars?

By the way there is a volvo shop here, I just don't want to visit it a whole lot!

Average price.
Better get some service records to see what's been done or you will be spending a heck of a lot more than just doing struts now.
Hopefully the things that break from 80 to 130K have been fixed.
Find out about the AC evaporator, $1500 just for that, EVERY SINGLE ONE goes bad
ABS module also goes bad, every single one.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE IT ON A LIFT FOR OIL LEAKS.

julesr_23 · Post by **julesr_23** » 03 Mar 2008, 10:17

Check the rack for leaks (can get mighty pricey), in addition to all the aforementioned leak possibilities.
Get it! for 3000 you can't go wrong! It will be the best car you've ever had.
Good luck,

-----------------------
2008 C70 T5
1993 850 GLT 270km
1984 240 R.I.P

phunkdeefied · Post by **phunkdeefied** » 03 Mar 2008, 10:29

I bought it!! Only 2800 bucks. The only thing wrong with it, according to the mechanic, is the struts need to be replaced. The previous owner had the recommended maintenance done every 30,000 miles. Never had a wreck and the interior is pretty good.

I just bought the Haynes manual to help with minor repairs. The first things I can see are the antenna mast and the dome lights in the cab.

What website do you use to buy parts, used or new?

Thanks!

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 03 Mar 2008, 10:52

Its probably near the end of its usable life. And way more then $800 in repairs especially if you can't do them yourself.

phunkdeefied · Post by **phunkdeefied** » 03 Mar 2008, 14:18

Near the end of its usable life..... What do you mean by that? My parents volvo was a 1994 and it has 250k+ miles on it. It has a few problems here and there but it is still running fine. I figure this car still has at least a few years left. Besides I only put approx. 12k per year on any car I drive.

According to your signature, you have two of these. Are they also near the end of their life?