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

swm · Post by **swm** » 24 Sep 2007, 21:58

thanks guys, i just wanted to confirm it was too much, who pays KBB value anyways. So if the compression test checks out good, what is a fair price to offer, considering the clutch and AC? Anyone have suggestions on just how i can tell him he is asking too much in a way he might understand and go lower, im ok walking away if i feel im not losing out ha ha, but i dont want to walk away if there is a deal in there somewhere.

swm · Post by **swm** » 25 Sep 2007, 09:11

update, drove it again today, and man, the damn clutch feels great. i was hoping to have leverage on it and see if its wearing, but it feels solid. He also told me he is FIRM no lower then 5000, and for the full 5300 he would throw in a brand new set of Alpin snows. ARGGGG what to do.....

Post by **Volvo_240_Atari_2600** » 25 Sep 2007, 13:18

Just out of curiosity to the vetarans here like Volvo Addict and MIJ.

Sorry to jump into someone else's thread to ask my own questions but I'm looking at a 98 v70 wagon... Automatic and she's got 166k on it.

The seller did do the evaporator and compressor a year ago so I know I won't have to deal with any in-dash r&r for the evaporator for a long time.

She's had the car since 2002 and she acquired the car at 80k and she said it's been well maintained but I will still look it over with a fine tooth comb.

The asking price is $3,500.00

Does that sound fair for a vehicle with that many miles?

BTW... If anyone is looking for a rare 5 speed wagon, there is a guy in Raleigh NC who just sells used Volvos and he has a sweet burgundy 850 5 speed wagon for about $4,900.00 I found him yesterday on CL but I think he may have sold it since I cannot find that listing today.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Sep 2007, 15:22

Your price is fairer than the original poster....that guy is looking at one with more miles and $5000 or a bit more with the Alpins. To tell you the truth, it's a matter of choice. If you like the car and will kick yourself later for letting it go, then go for it. I know I paid a bit more for mine than I thought I should have but I've had no regrets...it's been my daily commuter and has had very little issue and the ones it's had, I've been able to deal with myself for the most part. I could have waited for a less expensive S70 but then again, it might have had issues and the last thing I needed were headaches.

volvoaddict007 · Post by **volvoaddict007** » 26 Sep 2007, 05:32

I have always been a big believer in lower mileage cars. For people who don't work on there own cars and have the financing, my best advice is to buy a car with less than 80K from a dealer that can provide an extended warranty that covers most parts like the factory provides . This way that consumer knows how much that car is going to cost them every month... no worries ( you still have to maintain the vehicle to keep the warranty valid ). With this type of buying plan you don't lose all that 'drive off the lot with a new car money'. But you better shop around and make sure you're not getting the shaft.

I myself have been having financial issues the last couple of years so have decided to start turning wrenches again. And I've also decided I'm going to have fun doing that and not see it as the treachery it can seem to be.

I've already replaced the motor in my 850T because it overheated w/o me knowing about it. Well I found a way to 'enjoy' that experience and now anything else that will happen seems like it should be mounds of joy by comparison.

I've heard of people having really good luck w/ these cars and others like myself... Well, let's just say my car just doesn't like me for whatever reason. Now I've got an ABS light on and a noise coming out of the rear wheel area and I still haven't replaced the A/C relay because the junkyard wants $50 which I think is rediculous. I can't even afford that right now because things have gotten so weird with my self employment. Once I get the A/C relay I will be able to use the heater IF that is my problem causing the car to stall w/ fuse #31 installed. I'm hoping the A/C relay also brings the ECC ( electronic climate controller ) back to life and then I still have a bad A/C compressor.

I can't imagine someone else having this much 'fun' with a used car. My 760 on the other hand has been a gem with 276k on the meter... and it's a 5 speed.

All of this has happened in the past 5k since purchasing the car... and guess what. I STILL love my 850 turbo!!!

With all these problems the car is still a blast to drive and it has never left me stranded ( only because I had enough mechanical smarts to pull #31 while 200 miles from home ) and the stock premium sound is terrific especially since I added 4 tweeters.

Now swm I don't know if you need a car soon but I would sure like to see this seller get down to the lower 4s since you have 2 major repairs looming. And I would just tell him that. If he isn't willing to get down to your 4500 mark leave him your phone # and continue your search. Obviously nobody is knocking down his door at 5k. You haven't told us how long the car has been on the market or his motivation for selling. 2 key factors in negotiating.

On the other hand if he isn't willing to budge he has time to sell it and probably will someday. Seeing that the car has a hard to find 5-speed you may have to pony up but don't do it without a compression check...

Oh, and I'm pretty new to Volvos but much thanks to the veterans around here. I don't know where you guys find the time... but it IS very kind and generous and much appreciated...

va007

P.S. I just realized this was my 100th post... Don't I get some kind of prize?...

.

swm · Post by **swm** » 26 Sep 2007, 07:39

The seller isnt motivated. He got his wife a new minivan, and took over her saab and just has no use for this third vehicle (which he loves), in fact, he already let the craigslist listing run out...as i noticed and he addressed it when i saw him yesterday by saying, "i even let the listing run out as im not too hurried to sell". He has an idea for the price, and he has made it clear he is pretty firm. the best i can really hope for is 5k WITH snow tires, but id have to smack him around to get that im sure...when i asked about 4500 he almost choked i would even offer that low ha ha. I also spoke to a guy selling a 99 V70 5 speed for 4500 and 160k on the clock, and is in a much worse position...no records, no idea if the tbelt was done or the condenser, one window doesnt work, no idea on age of clutch and the list goes on, but i might check it out as i could possibly get him REAL low on it well see.

swm · Post by **swm** » 26 Sep 2007, 09:01

he relisted it so it appears...if anyones interested in seeing it

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/car/432167995.html

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 26 Sep 2007, 20:15

If you really like the car and it's as good as it seems, talk him down to 5 grand and have him throw in the Alpins. I know it's a bit more, but read my previous post.

volvoaddict007 · Post by **volvoaddict007** » 27 Sep 2007, 02:25

I'd rather have a car that was well maintained with 166K than a 'rode hard and put away wet' vehicle w/ 80K. The photos look promising in that it looks like an affluent person who is more likely to have maintained the vehicle and had it garage kept.

If you really like black then you may have found a real honey there ! I really like the 850's w/ the dark gray moldings that went away with the S70s. A black 70 although negates this concern. I love the spoiler too. My 850 has the spoiler and is a big reason for my true love... no kidding

One thing about a person who is firm on there price is that they were also probably firm in there responsibility to maintenance.

You just have to ask yourself," If the air cond. and clutch go out in the next year am I going to live through it?" If the answer is yes then GO FOR IT !!! If those really are mostly highway miles like his ad claims then that clutch may have many years left on it. I have to think that a garage kept car is easier on that air evap as well.

OK swm, I upgraded this car to excellent condition and KBB is showing $5800+ ( in the Kansas City area, I don't know your zip ). Now that you've shown the ad, and the car looks as good as the photo, ( which is rare ) I just get a good ( IT'S A 5 SPEED ) vibe about this deal and say get a compression check, give the man 5K and welcome to the MVS family !!!

va007

volvoaddict007 · Post by **volvoaddict007** » 27 Sep 2007, 02:41

Oh, by the way swm, I'm very envious of Boston sports fans. The Red Sox are my second favorite baseball team... and being a Chiefs fan...well, it just gets harder as the years go on. Congrats on the Pats !.

va007