I think I’m gonna buy this… unless you guys strongly disapprove

[454cid]

Looks like it's running a bit rich given the dirty area around the tail pipe. Nice looking car, Though.

[Keshavsmith]

She pulled out on me. I think I asked too many questions and it made her nervous. She says she wants to get it “tested” before she sells it because she doesn’t want to sell anything that’s not safe. I guess it seems like I might’ve dodged a bullet. Bummer. I thought I was getting lucky.

[Clemens]

One of these "too good to be true" deals. Keep looking, something worth keeping will be out there.

[scot850]

But surely if she gets it tested, that is a good thing? At least you both know what is wrong with it and can negotiate from there. Like I mentioned earlier, many owners get 'forgetful' about issues with their vehicles when it comes to selling. Black soot could be it is burning oil from worn valve seals, or ECT is bad.

Neil.

[volvolugnut]

I think the seller knows something is not right but the problem is not you.

volvolugnut

[Keshavsmith]

She said she’d get back to me in a day or so but I’m going to just move on unless I hear from her soon with news that everything is cool. Which would be great, but yeah, it did seem too good to be true which is why I kept asking more questions, which now I’m glad I did, because before the last set of, “ok, just to be sure” questions, we had planned on me picking it up today. I’ve inquired about a few xc70’s an 06 and 04, but I’m just nervous about those. For some reason I have this bias about Volvos being best 98 and older. Maybe it’s cause of the 3 I’ve had the two that were super solid, so issues, were a 98 and a 91. I dont know. I had a 00 v70 that had a myriad of issues from the moment I bought it. I know it’s all about good maintenance and ownership, but as you guys know, it’s hard to really trust what people say.

[BlackBart]

We found our 04 from a local contact, someone we knew. It had been “maintained,” but with minimal effort and not much care. The receipts were from a local independent who never used Volvo (or even name brand) parts and took some short cuts. We’re slowly catching up.

[scot850]

This is generally the way for 99% of old cars not just Volvos. My buddies son that I helped with his 06 S60 AWD asked if his buddy could get some advice on buying an S60. Happy to oblige. He first planned on a cheap 01 S60 with automatic trans. Cautioned on the automatic boxes on 01-02 cars. To check for software upgrade and ideally it has been swapped. Also check for maintenance history and finally on the ETM. He shied away on that car. Then it was an 01 T5 S60 with manual trans. He was better ready for viewing this one but walked away. Dealer/seller neglected to mention the slipping clutch, trashed interior (no interior pictures) and general lack of maintenance or history. Again walked away. Problem is these days all old cars are now trying to be sold for more than a good one 2 years ago and come with often a list of expensive issues ($2500 for an 03 XC70 with a bad trans??).

I also warned him that he will have to plan on an insurance safety inspection and at least $2000 in missed maintenance to bring the car up to a good reliable condition. Same would be true of most old cars.

I wish you luck. Pickings on old Volvos in Calgary are very slim these days. Edmonton at just over half the city size seems to always have more and better choice but is 300km away.

Neil.

[matthew1]

Then it was an 01 T5 S60 with manual trans. He was better ready for viewing this one but walked away. Dealer/seller neglected to mention the slipping clutch, trashed interior (no interior pictures) and general lack of maintenance or history.

Too bad on this one. This is a P2 I'd want -- manual trans FWD T-5 for the two(?) years they were made, 2001-2002(?).

[yanga001]

She said she’d get back to me in a day or so but I’m going to just move on unless I hear from her soon with news that everything is cool. Which would be great, but yeah, it did seem too good to be true which is why I kept asking more questions, which now I’m glad I did, because before the last set of, “ok, just to be sure” questions, we had planned on me picking it up today. I’ve inquired about a few xc70’s an 06 and 04, but I’m just nervous about those. For some reason I have this bias about Volvos being best 98 and older. Maybe it’s cause of the 3 I’ve had the two that were super solid, so issues, were a 98 and a 91. I dont know. I had a 00 v70 that had a myriad of issues from the moment I bought it. I know it’s all about good maintenance and ownership, but as you guys know, it’s hard to really trust what people say.

I started in this boat too. The best way my indy described it to me is that the p2's were really iterative improvements in terms of engine on the 99,00 vehicles. Yes a p80 non turbo and turbo engine will be nye indestructible, but the P2's benefitted from improvements in suspension serviceability, some engine components, and technology. He said a P2 04-08 S60/V70 FWD is a very reliable car.

The one thing with an XC70 is its AWD system. I've been told that Volvo did a pretty good job with it but it wasnt the greatest. Be ready to service the fluids in said system and handle the nitpicks of awd (ie rotations, even tire wear, more expensive repairs).

I usually do not trust a word of the owners. I've been told by people that a volvo has a timing chain and didnt need a timing belt service by a seller. They really do not know.

In my experiences interviewing people during my job, I found the following.

Most people do not know exactly what they are talking about, and will get defensive/uncomfortable with too many yes/no or technical questions. My usual strategy is to examine the car thoroughly with ramps, a scanner, and perhaps a jack. Always explain to the seller what you are doing to the vehicle as you examine it. Some people may think your code scanner is "stealing the car", not many but some.

Take the vehicle for a test drive for sure, and explain to the seller who should be with you, what you are doing. If you are going to floor it then let them know before hand. If you are checking how it tracks by releasing the wheel then let them know.

When you ask the seller for information on the vehicle, try to do it over the phone or in person. People can say a lot more without thinking hard on it versus a well tailored text/email.

This is getting long, but I like to inspect cars like its an investigation. Compare all your physical data and observations to what the person says. 90% - 95% of your information should be determined by what you see and not what you are told. Check the sales history of the car, is it being sold in a short period of time, if so why is it being sold.

The P80's and P2's are great cause engine wise the entire platform is very similar. This means that when you look at a car you should always take the same steps. Have a system in place, and if you need a checklist then type one up.

Hope this helps!