what to look for when purchasing a used Volvo

terry007 · Post by **terry007** » 06 Apr 2009, 01:10

hi, I am new to this forum, so I have a very candid question.
I am considering buying a used Volvo, hesitating between few models ,
1999-2000 s70 or v70( Turbo or non-turbo) (GLT? SE ?)
or
2001 v70 (turbo or non turbo) Tranny problems?are they less reliable then the previous years? etc ..
or
a 2001-2002 s60 or s80
My budget unfortunately is around $ 7500,00
What sort of problems should I expect from one or the other and which model and year seams to be more reliable?

Not trying to start a polemic here , just looking for the general facts from personal experiences .
I am looking for safety and reliability.
Thank you so much,as I am very glad to have found this great site.
Terry

Post by **Sperry** » 06 Apr 2009, 09:43

My '94 850 Turbo was purchased for $2750, with 80,000 miles on it.

The Defroster didn't work. "Just went out. It comes and goes. Probably a connection"
The REC light was flashing, a trouble code. The ECC was fried. $75 for a salvaged control.

The tires were worn on the inner edges. "Just needs new tires"
New tires, ball joints, alignment, and a bunch of other stuff. $800.

I later did the struts [with related parts] and the shocks. $800
Ignition switch went, but I got home. $70

Better tires after 40,000. $650
Radiator cooling fan went. $65 salvage part.

If you can't fix the little stuff yourself, you better have money.
A local guy has spent a fortune getting his '95 Turbo to 100%, all with garage parts & labor.

Timing belt is due. Door check just broke; 30 minutes to remove; no replacement just yet.
Rear speaker is out [I'm trying to get the old one out]. $
Climate blower fan intermittent. I'm taking it out today. $40 salvaged.

As JRL would put it, every car will want $800-$2000 in work.
The easy thing to spot is a T-Belt replacement, with sticker on cover.
If it wasn't done, that may be the first thing you want to do, although mine is overdue.

Front end diving, new struts. A little pricy, but they last.
Rear tires choppy, shocks.

The cars generally run a long time, and I'll get another when mine dies.
It shifts so solidly and perfectly, I might be waiting a long time. Everything else may break first.

2001 was a nasty year, but some people swear by their '01 models.
Too many new sensors, bad transmissions, bad 4WD transfer cases.

I plan on buying a '97 850 or a '97-98 S70 next.
And an '03/'04 S60 after that, with the 2.5 engine.

Post by **matthew1** » 06 Apr 2009, 10:05

Sperry, excellent summary.

Terry, you used the word reliability which triggered my standard response. Follow that link, then click any Topic title, like First Gen. V70 reliability to see the whole topic.

The MVS Volvo Buyers' Guide isn't the last word on Volvos, but it's got some good info in it.

Generally you want to stay away from 1999-2001 models because of the Volvo Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) fiasco.

Sorry to scare you, but you need "full disclosure" now, not later. Let us know what you do. If you buy a Volvo, we're here to help with anything we can.

terry007 · Post by **terry007** » 06 Apr 2009, 12:24

Thank you for the response
Wow! stay away for all 1999 to 2001?
s70 ,v70 ,s60 ,and s80
thats a lot of cars!
what about turbo or non turbo?
T

Post by **matthew1** » 06 Apr 2009, 12:37

terry007 wrote:Thank you for the response
Wow! stay away for all 1999 to 2001?
s70 ,v70 ,s60 ,and s80
thats a lot of cars!

Yes, hundreds of thousands. Unless you want to take on the ETM issue, which you may want to... it all depends on your tolerance for dealing with problems. If you're a weekend mechanic type and find a 1999-2001 for a superb price, absolutely buy it. If you're a traveling businessman who just needs his car to work, absolutely do not buy a 1999-2001 Volvo (or any older Volvo for that matter). It all depends on you.

Tell us more about you and I'll be able to say Yes or No to any particular model.

terry007 wrote:what about turbo or non turbo?
T

Volvo turbos* are very reliable, among the most reliable parts on the cars.

* 5 cyl turbos more than the inline 6 twin turbos

Post by **Matty Moo** » 06 Apr 2009, 15:56

x2 on just about every one needing at least $800 worth of work.

Those that have one that needs zero work won't get rid of it.

I bought a 96 with 166k. After replacing all the front end, timing belt and all components, etc, some pcv parts and a boatload of odds and ends, I'm around $900. That's doing everything myself. Now that it is almost in perfect shape, I will never get rid of it.

Good luck

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 06 Apr 2009, 18:06

matthew1 wrote: absolutely do not buy a 1999-2001 Volvo (or any older Volvo for that matter).

I don't think I'd go that far...I am very happy with my '98. (115K ! )
And there are a TON of very well kept 850's out there...
Some of them are also very reasonably priced.

I 'd base it more on the specific vehicle you're looking over.
A good paper trail and a solid inspection by an experienced
Volvo mechanic will tell you a lot about a prospective set of wheels.

And lets not forget the new "non contact" ETM retrofit for '99's and '00's.
But I have to agree about the 2001's...

Rolling train wrecks, by all accounts.

Post by **matthew1** » 06 Apr 2009, 18:20

^^^ Remember, we don't know anything about him. He may have never opened a car's hood, like many motorists do (don't) these days. I looked at my brother-in-laws' 2008 Audi A4, and the entire engine bay is covered by a plastic shield. You can't see any components at all.

People are being conditioned to accept the dealer doing everything to the car for the length of ownership, and as a result they know nothing about how cars work.

I hope Terry will get back to us with his level of comfort with automobiles, it makes all the difference in the world.

For the mechanically-minded, I believe the 850 and 1998 S70/V70 are the best values in the automotive world, bar none. We can buy these things for $2500 in great condition. There is no equal in transportation value.

My 1997's plate registration was just $32 this year, and I flirt with 30mpg on the highway. Cheap to operate. Crazy cheap.

terry007 · Post by **terry007** » 06 Apr 2009, 21:31

thank you guys,i m not a weekend mechanic what so ever.. as i do not have the time at all.i m always working...and when i have free time its for my kid...
How ever i was really looking to buy a 99-01 s70 or v70 so i m a bit bummed!
The 850 is great but i m looking for rear airbags as i have little kid,

i thought that for 7.5k i would find a good Volvo.My neighbor is selling an s60 01 Turbo with 110k on it just did the timing belt ,water pump ,and the brakes.etc etc
I like the look but now....not so sure....
really i m bummed always wanted to drive a v70 or s 70....and the only ones with rear airbags are the 99 on....

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Apr 2009, 22:04

Buy a '98-'00 S or V70 and deal with the ETM (set aside about $600 to replace the bad one with the non-contacting one that doesn't go bad). Also, make sure everything checks out and it has good service records before you get it. I think these are the best for your budget although you might be able to find an '02 s60 or V70 for your price range too. Just be patient and don't buy the first thing you see.