Keep my 1988 740GLE or buy 1997 960?

stevez · Post by **stevez** » 21 Dec 2008, 03:24

Hi all.. pleased I found this forum.

I've had my '88 740 for 16 years and it's clocked up 352,000km (218,000 miles). Independant Volvo mechanics have serviced it throughout and say it is still in good condition as far as the driving goes.

I just paid A$2000 (about US$1400) for a 350,000 service, new front struts and shockers and transmission leak repair. The market value of the car is only about A$750. It needs new tyres and various cosmetic repairs inside. These repairs could cost A$1,500. I'm also not sure about the a/c... could have a faulty evaporator for which I've been quoted A$1000 to fix.

My question is, should I continue to shell out on a car that still drives as well as when I bought it, but its value is now just about zero?
I have been looking at a 1997 960 which has done only 88,000km (55,000 miles). The asking price is A$10,000 (US$7,000). It has full service history and 12 month warranty through the dealer.

Any opinions?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Dec 2008, 09:51

Welcome to MVS. All of the prices you quoted...prices for repairs as well as for this "new" car seem exceptionally expensive to me. I guess that's the difference between where you live and where I do (U.S.). My suggestion is to go to a good independent mechanic for repairs or learn to do them yourself... These cars can become money pits if you trust the dealer or expensive euro repair shops. I guess if it were me, I would trust the car that still drives like new (no need to figure the worth of it in today's terms- not having a car payment is reason enough to keep it), see what its real needs are and what can be done at a lower price from an independent mechanic or shop. You already have more money in it than it is worth so you'll lose if you sell.

Post by **billofdurham** » 22 Dec 2008, 11:48

+1.

Also consider that you can sometimes get an AC repair done much cheaper at a specialist AC shop than at an independent Volvo shop. Look around on that one.

The 960 sounds tempting but it will be a much more expensive beast to maintain as it has many more gadgets on it that are 'dealer only' accessible, unless your independent has all of the Volvo diagnostic equipment.

Bill.

stevez · Post by **stevez** » 23 Dec 2008, 03:25

Thanks for the advice fellas!

I test-drove the 960 today and boy does it move compared to my 740. Seems like the engine is in really good condition.

A bit disappointing was that the leather on the sills on ALL of the doors had moved and buckled, giving it a really tacky look. Plus a couple of other busted pieces on the centre console didn't help. Otherwise in fairly good condition. Still, I may as well spend a bit more one something that has not much wrong with it, if I decide to upgrade.

The a/c on my 740 was quoted by an indie a/c specialist and that's where the A$1,000 came from. This was backed up by my non-dealer Volvo mechanic.

I've also been looking at some other Euro cars, so who knows, I may move away from Volvo after 24 years (previously had a 244GL).