How to approach a guy about buying his '96 855 R?

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Apr 2022, 16:27

He's a neighbor down the alley, and I've known him for about 3 years. Very nice guy, a carpenter, he's helped me with a quick project. We're not "friends", but he's a very nice person who I chat with once a month or so. He also might be on here... so Hi John! if you do see this

. He said he knows of MVS when I introduced myself years ago. He also has a base 855, a P2 XC70 and a sweet 144 in blue.

He uses this car for hauling wood and finished carpentry pieces. I want to save it.

I know it'll be $5k+ beyond what I offer him to fix it up really well.

How should I approach him? What should I offer? $3k? $4k? More? It's overall rough, but runs. It's his daily driver and stuff hauler.

Post by **Sveedy** » 29 Apr 2022, 20:12

Maybe just mention how much more practical another vehicle would be for his purposes.

" You know what you need ? An old GMC Sierra V6 AWD minivan. Yep. A good minivan. Easier to load and unload, and you could carry larger stuff. And I'd be willing to take this beaten thing off your hands, so you could do it. Man you could really carry some tools ! "

Post by **abscate** » 30 Apr 2022, 03:52

East coast approach.

“I would like to buy your car “

I’m not going to flip it, I love it. If you ever want to sell, please call me.

In 2 more years…. My son loves your car…..

Post by **BlackBart** » 30 Apr 2022, 09:27

Your neighbor might say, “Oh, you don’t want this car, you want Mike's ‘94 T-5.”

Post by **gnalan** » 31 May 2022, 14:22

Did you ever make him an offer?

Post by **matthew1** » 31 May 2022, 17:04

I haven't. I'm recalculating how much disposable income I will have (none) now that I have my son 2/3 of the year.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 31 May 2022, 19:09

Often repeated line about project cars:
"I once had money, but no time. Now I have time, but no money."
volvolugnut

Post by **BlackBart** » 01 Jun 2022, 10:47

matthew1 wrote: ↑31 May 2022, 17:04... now that I have my son 2/3 of the year.

But that's a good thing!

Post by **matthew1** » 01 Jun 2022, 12:05

But it's a 850 R...

Just kidding. Yea, I'd rather have it this way. I'll write a post about this.

Post by **FireFox31** » 06 Jun 2022, 12:24

Consider telling him about your interest in the car, even if it's not an offer to buy. Imagine the worst case scenario: One day, he decides to get rid of it but never heard of your interest so it gets sold on Craigslist or scrapped. If he knows you're interested, and that you're a living nexus of the Volvo owner universe, he may approach you if he decides to move it.

I suggest giving him a postcard-sized note with your info. Tell him to keep it in the R's glovebox for his future consideration. Then remind him of your interest every six months or so.