1998 V70AWD Would you buy this car?

[deepsouth]

I bought my 1998 V70 AWD for $1500. The propshaft had been removed and it had just over 170,000 miles. Since buying it several years ago I've replaced timing belt and all it's related components, water pump, most suspension parts, MAF, two ECT's, cracked coolant reservoir, PCV system, couple of calipers, brake hoses, pads and rotors, front O2 sensor, cap and rotor, virtually the entire EVAP system and all of the vacuum lines, two door lock actuators, performed SAS delete, re-soldered the ABS module, new TPS, and the list goes on. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but even doing the work myself (a bit of a labor of love) it has cost me more than I care to think about. It now has over 220K on the clock and runs great (knock on wood). I guess my point is that given what's inevitable with this vehicle the price sounds high to me.

Eric

[dosbricks]

Eric says it well. Just about every one of those repairs have to be done to maintain a 16y.o. car in good operating condition and to make it be reliable for the next 100k miles. The question is, how many have been done to this vehicle?

[rspi]

I'd rather pay $3,500 for a car in good condition than $1,500 for a car that I will put $2,000 worth of parts into within the next 6 months.

The car that I purchase a few months ago had 105,000 miles on it. After buying it, I immediately purchased about $1,300 worth of parts. If I would have paid $2,500 for the car, I would have maybe lost money on it.

[Chai]

Hello rspi and forum members,

Thanks for your replies.

Well, I guess I should not get this car. I don’t do any car work myself at all and I have to rely on car mechanics who charge me whatever they want. I am literally a little old lady.

I think one of the reasons the price seems high is that people in the Bay area love Volvos. And this V70 looks really lovely. No scratches, tears or marks anywhere. It’s clearly been maintained.

I called the mechanic where the car has been maintained and I know it needs:
Timing belt ($700)
Transmission flush ($166)
CV boot - is torn and needs to be replaced before winter ($150)

Things that are being monitored:
Upper engine torque mount (~$150)
Oil cooler hoses (about $600 to replace)
CV joint, front, on drive shaft line (~$450)
Power steering leakage, further down on the list, not urgent, but could cost ~$1200 eventually
Rear brakes were 3mm at 173K (5K miles ago)

So I can some expenses in the car’s near future.

The current owner has put about $2000 into it since buying it in 2013 -- about 15K miles ago.

Also, since it’s AWD, it will cost more to drive and maintain than one that is not.

(sigh)

Thanks!

[mecheng]

If you do your own work: trans flush $20, upper mount:$15, timing belt with oem parts $130
See the difference, then these cars are worth it. Otherwise unless you love the Volvo experience there are other options

[Chai]

Update: I bought it.

Thank you, everyone. This morning I was convinced I did not want this car.

But I bought it anyway for $3200 after talking with Robert and the folks at Specialized Auto, where the car has been serviced for that past several years.

No, I don't do my own work, but I believe I know what lies ahead.

Thanks again!

[jblackburn]

Update: I bought it.

Thank you, everyone. This morning I was convinced I did not want this car.

But I bought it anyway for $3200 after talking with Robert and the folks at Specialized Auto, where the car has been serviced for that past several years.

No, I don't do my own work, but I believe I know what lies ahead.

Thanks again!

Best of luck - seems like the shop knows the car well, and it has been looked after by the previous previous owner.

Throw up some better pictures once you've got a chance!

[dosbricks]

Well now that you have it, I have to say the interior leather looks great for it's age. It must have always been garaged. Best of luck and remember this site is always here to help you know what the issues are so you can be knowledgeable when you visit the repair shop.

[polskamafia mjl]

+1 to Robert's original comment.

170K Miles doesn't seem like a lot to me.

[abscate]

Nice work Mrs Chai.

There is a forum for people helping people locally if you want to connect with fellow SANTA Cruze control folks in your area. There must be some MVS folks in your area!!