Purchasing a 1996 850 GLT N/A with 279,500 Miles?

[mika]

Haha very funny. I dont know why it is deleted. Still planning on inspection tomorrow ( faux piece of mind , considering mechanic almost hung up on me when I said v o l v o ) . Will post with updates by end of weekend if sale goes through. I know this thread ended up being silly but I bet someone someday will search it and find some use out of it . Thanks to all for their input. If all goes well there will be a 300k miles odometer shoot by the summer

[northernlights]

No fear!

I like the mph to kph conversion sticker, although I don't think a 740 needed it!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/autom ... d=all&_r=0

[rspi]

My opinion is that any running car is worth $1,000. Any $1,500 car that runs for 3 months was not a real bad deal.

My car has 267,000 and has been across country 4 tikes since may, round trips. In May it had 243,000 or something like that. Since may I have changed the oil a couple of times, changed the spark plugs, changed a water pump, changed the wiper blades, a waste gate, bypass valve and a broken window. All about $225 I guess.

Same time, my daughters S70 with 186,000, and 3,000 in the same amount of time has cost me more... About $400 excluding tires & upgrades. Inner & outer tie rod ends, windshield, interior trim, center console, roof liner, coolant hoses, and needs rotors.

[rspi]

At 279,000 many items have been replaced. If I had to guess, I'd say that my daughters S70 has cost us 4 times as much as my 850 has. The S70 was purchased looking new with about 143,000 on it, now has about 189,000. Head gasket and all. My 850 was purchased with 188,000 on it and now has 267,000. I plan to take the wagon across country again next month.

I put over 400,000 on my 740 GLE and would not hesitate driving it 1/2 way cross country.

My point is, $1,400 for the car that is running is likely fine for driving around town. I have seen these cars with more than 360,000 and 500,000 miles on them. The car can be had for $1,400, gas, oil change, and drive it in the ground for 2 or 3 years without any real issues.

[xHeart]

I say, offer OP $1000 for it AS IS.
Then drive it to erikvII for consultation, and any-and-all assurance for $399.

Robert once said something like this... if compression is good then motor is too. Everything else is a DIY -- I agree. That said, I will still service TB, water pump, and PCV, replace parts if needed.

--Fearless owner.

[erikv11]

I say, offer OP $1000 for it AS IS.
Then drive it to erikvII for consultation, and any-and-all assurance for $3.99.
...

I edited that, hope you don't mind!

[mika]

So, the seller read this thread, took down the ad and now is refusing to sell me the car. Wtf?

Confused, but will take it as a sign that this old vo was never meant to be for me. Back to waking up wnd driving fiance to work at 545am Had money ready and everything, went to bank today. He provided some reasons and told me not to contact him again.

Now onto another volvo

[misha]

Guys told you what to look and where to pay attention.That's all.

If HE refuse to sell you the car after he read all this stuff...he is hiding something.

Simple as that.

[erikv11]

Huh. Maybe he wants it as a long term project? Or keep it until spring and try to get 1600 for it?

Oh well ... there are other Volvos out there at this price point, keep an eye on Kansas City and Omaha Craigslist too, they see more of them.

Did you see this ad? http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/4763170724.html. However, it may well need some work ...

[mika]

Guys told you what to look and where to pay attention.That's all.

If HE refuse to sell you the car after he read all this stuff...he is hiding something.

Simple as that.

Research and discussion should be encouraged here right? Esp before a purchase like this. I have the feeling there is more to the story , dont want to be a part of it.

Have my eyes on an 850 glt in chicago with 130k for same price.

Orignal seller guy was nice when i met his but this smells bad today. Seriously shady. Just cant figure it out