what to look for when purchasing a used Volvo

[confused_al]

...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...

I see a lot

$41.37 per 1.75 liters + Band Aids.

there
BTW, my wife only gives me $3/bottle wine after I'm done

[Oconnect]

I just bought my 95 Volvo Turbo, luckily the engine seems to be solid. But I've had to replace all four brake rotors, drain the transmission fluid, new oil, drain the radiator fluid, replace the spark plugs, drain the engine, clean the engine, put in a new air filter, new break pads, balance the tires, new shocks, flip the tires. Luckily I was able to do most of it my self so it set back a cool $1200.

Another issue I'm having is a 4-1-4 code from the engine computer. The error code is "Boost Pressure Too High". After having a group of friends look it over I believe I have a modified turbo. Someone changed the computer to apply more PSi to the engine. My -60 is way too fast for stock parts, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds!

My concern is that my engine can't withstand the PSi and my engine will crap out one day.

Oh...and my 6 disc stock CD changer jammed. I'm going to attempt to pull it appart and fix the jamming issue, if not I'll buy a new disc changer, I hear Alpine changers are compatible.

Besides the time and money I've invested I love my car to death! I've driven a lot of cheaply made new cars in my day but my 850 Turbo is a breath of fresh air.

[terry007]

thank you guys i will take your advice.. when looking for the car
for sure bring it to my mechanic ,them check the ETM and make sure their is a service record on it.
Cheers

[_HighVoltage_]

My -60 is way too fast for stock parts, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds!

[wheelsup]

2000 Silver S70 w/ 70k on it, $7k asking...thoughts?

Seems high - will need tbelt and ETM (eventually) as well as other odds and ends like the PCV.

I was thinking of offering $5500?

[terry007]

hum there is an s701999 glt here in la with 65000 miles with a one month warranty for 5500 dollars,
i may go for it

[wheelsup]

I really need to fly out there

[vlvman]

Lets not forget the older volvos held up very well and there is a good reason why the new ones don't, maintenance.
Volvo relaxed maintenance schedules on newer volvos thus they don't last as long. If you want your newer volvo to last a long time follow the older maintenance schedules.

[V70Johnson]

Okay...my 2 cents. I've owned my 2000 V70 for nearly two years now. Found it online at a local Honda dealer after searching for two weeks for a replacement for my 93 945. Right price, relatively low mileage & a clean Carfax report. At the time that I bought it, I was completely ignorant of the ETM issue. Sure enough, about a month after I bought the car, it began to lurch at predictable speeds and after I educated myself, I knew that it was time to tackle the ETM replacement. Long story short(er), with the help of Don Wilson & Vexed Volvo, I engaged a Volvo dealership to replace the unit, filed the appropriate paperwork with Volvo, & was completely reimbursed for the new unit + labor. Funny...at the time of replacement, the Service Advisor told me that the ETM software "upgrade" had been done by the prior owner.
Other than the above, I absolutely love the car. I've owned a number of Volvos over the last 20 years & this one is by far the very best. I would add that this site is also the very best!
Finally, I can personally attest to the safety reputation of the car. Been in three fairly severe accidents in Volvos.......drove away from two, walked away from the most recent. In all three incidents, had I been driving practically any other car....well....I really don't think I'd be here!