New To Volvos, Need Advice on What Model To Get.

Post by **JRL** » 17 Sep 2007, 14:48

MadeInJapan wrote:they only imported 500 or so into the U.S....unless it's a Canadian version...in that case you'll see KM on the dash and not Miles.

360 INCLUDING wagons! (in 98 )

swm · Post by **swm** » 18 Sep 2007, 07:53

wow, only 360, anyone have feeback on the below questions RE price?

swm wrote:im trying to get to see it this week, if it is a rare find, i better move fast. Is the asking price seem fair...assuming the suspension is in sound shape? anything to be worried about on the turbo itself? hows the lifespan on these. If everything is in good shape, would i be insulting the guy to offer 4500-4750?

equinutok · Post by **equinutok** » 18 Sep 2007, 10:25

I do hope you find the car you are looking for. I just found out the previous owner of the 850 wagon I just purchased is looking for another with low miles and an automatic instead of a standard. There are several things I was not to sure about regarding buying Volvo's and this list helped me a lot. I still have questions regarding tires and rims stuff like that but all in time. What I do know is for the size and storage abilty of these cars the gas miliege is great compared to any of the standard SUV's that are floating around . I decided to go on a car hunt and used the www.fueleconomy.com site daily. Within about 2 weeks I had my list so narrow things were looking pretty grim for a new ride! I honestly never thought I would own a Volvo but I sure am glad I do now! It is the safety of my daughter on long road trips to chicken shows that played a huge factor in my decision making. My son already rolled a BMW pretty badly and walked away , the other kids in the car did the same! I have a lot of faith in imports when it comes to safety . I hope all works out for you.

volvoaddict007 · Post by **volvoaddict007** » 18 Sep 2007, 15:27

swm wrote: If everything is in good shape, would i be insulting the guy to offer 4500-4750?

Hi swm,

He might be having a hard time selling a 5-speed even though I would be lovin it. With 169k I'd offer him 3k. You can always offer more.

It would sure be nice to know the clutch has been R & R'd. If no records on that bring up the expense of the repair as a bargaining chip.

A compression test is fairly simple and if any cylinders are below 130lbs I would either shy away or be asking for a huge discount.

The longer it's been on the market the less he may be willing to take.

A Carfax ( pretty much a requirement nowadays )may have info to use as leverage as well...

When I was in the market for a used motor for the 850, I inquired about changing out to a 5-speed. Volvo and Saab dismantlers told me the manuals weren't holding up well to the Turbos. But you are looking at an S70. Maybe VOLVO worked it out. But kinda wonder why only 360 came over. A call to the dealership with the vin# should tell you if the 5-speed came with the car from the factory. If you turn your own wrenches and you love 5-speeds I would disregard this paragraph and go for it !...

I looked high and low for my 5-speed wagon and even w/ the manual being after factory I didn't care. I love that car! ...

va007

equinutok · Post by **equinutok** » 18 Sep 2007, 16:00

I looked for several months for a 5 speed wagon as well. What I found is most people have automatics. I wanted a standard and that was one of the other reasons I was leaning towards the Volvo because I could not find a standard MB.Well they really did not even offer them in the style I wanted. Another factor with a standard and it seems they are harder to sell for many people until some crazy woman decides she prefers a standard! Even when I was scouting the used car lots locally they looked at me like I was crazy! I do not have a turbo so as far as hard on clutches I have no idea.

volvoaddict007 · Post by **volvoaddict007** » 19 Sep 2007, 05:12

Right on! Nuthin' like shiftin' a wagon. It's kind of a surreal experience. ..

va007

swm · Post by **swm** » 19 Sep 2007, 13:02

yeah, i REALLY want a 5 speed, i have had one for so long, i just dont like an auto, although, the auto in the family Honda minivan is just fine ha ha, and while i dont turn my own wrenchs, i do want one, and yes, i have had a REAL hard time finding ANY 5 speeds in any 850s or S70s. anyways, thanks for the great questions to ask...as for the clutch, whats R&R'd? Is it highly advisable to take this vehicle to a mechanic even if it is running really well on a test drive? speaking of 5 speed wagons, there was one recently for sale locally i was considering, but with a minivan for the family needs, i wanted a sedan for commuting.

equinutok · Post by **equinutok** » 19 Sep 2007, 16:58

Why do you need a sedan? My wagon was cooking down the roads today feeling pretty sporty! You never know why you might need that extra cargo space in the wagon? Also it gets about 26-28 MPG highway! Mine is not a turbo... Mine is vanilla right now until we get her dressed up! Still she gets great MPG and feels pretty spiff.

swm · Post by **swm** » 19 Sep 2007, 19:12

I want a sedan because we just bought a new Honda Minivan and that has MORE then enough room for my cargo needs. The Saab i use as a daily commuter right now, probably hasn't had the trunk popped or the backseat used in over a year :happy...well except to cart my son around on the rare occasion to the market in the evening when moms working. i have ZERO need for a wagon...im not opposed to them, i considered one for a while, but i just don't have the need.

equinutok · Post by **equinutok** » 19 Sep 2007, 19:30

Well than that is understandable! I looked at a few Honda CRV and things like that but not the mini van. I will be using this wagon for traveling to chicken shows! I could have used a mini van but its best I did not go there. I do hope all goes well with your hunting for a car you want!