Buying another car for the other daughter

johnm · Post by **johnm** » 14 Feb 2010, 10:40

Please I need some input. A 2000 C70 with 129000 miles has come to my attention. Is this a good car to buy???? I just bought a S70 for the other daughter. Please let me know your opinions ASAP. Thanks.

stat435 · Post by **stat435** » 15 Feb 2010, 11:38

To me the c70 should be a good buy as long as it was kept up. but if it is a conv be sure to keep an eye on the top and use a top cleaner to keep it up otherwise they will rip and crack fairly easy, also the conv has been known to have a cowl shake when the top is down (not the strongest chassis out there for sure) and there are some electrial gremlins but that is pretty much the norm for a volvo around those years. but other than that it would seem pretty good.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 15 Feb 2010, 11:51

I'd make a point of giving the C70 to the more responsible driver.

Not that it isn't tough, but open top is open top, even for a Volvo.

That said, I'm envious, just make sure the throttle module service has been done. That can get expensive. Check that it does -not- have a 5 speed automatic (a 4 on the shifter).

Otherwise, same advice as any other car, take it to your mechanic for an inspection, look over carefully for signs of collision repair, etc etc.

- Kevin

johnm · Post by **johnm** » 15 Feb 2010, 21:46

Kevin sorry I pm'd you...still learning. Anyway, it is not a convertible. That said she wanted to take it for a spin and of course punches the gas...I told her to take it for a ride not race it. She said it was very rough. I drove it today and found that the dealer must have put regular in it. I filled it with premium and it immediately started purring. It is an automatic but it does not have a 4 on the shift. It goes from d3 to drive. I have it at the mechanic now for a full check and repair of all issues. Yes, I bought it because it was hard to find and there were 2 other customers waiting to buy it...I just got there first and almost all things were working so I couldn't resist. Why do you recommend the younger daughter not get this car? Just want to know..... I would have given it to the older daughter but did not want to show any preference....so kinda stuck unless I have a VERY good reason. I know about the throttle issue but don't know if it has ever had a problem...I will carfax it and the dealer conveniently misplaced the repair receipts. Thanks.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 15 Feb 2010, 22:04

Don't worry about the PM. I was about to answer it.

It's good that it's the fixed-top coupe; I'll take a full safety cage over those pop-up roll bars any day of the week. I would expect that to limit or eliminate the cowl shake, as well.

The two can be expected to perform comparably in a frontal or rear-end collision but, bottom line, a two-door car has wider spaces between the pillars. Imagine being hit in the door with the other guy coming in at 45 degrees, with the corner of his bumper dead center in the door.

I know Volvo thinks of these things, and all hats off to their safety record. A 242 saved my life once, when I went careening off a twisty back road late on a cold October night, just a few days before my 18th birthday. You're doing exactly what my Dad did, and I salute you for it.

All that in perspective, a sedan is still the toughest of shapes.

Also... although this your business not mine... a coupe, of any make, is more tempting; to its driver, to his or her potential suitors, and to the local police.

- Kevin

johnm · Post by **johnm** » 18 Feb 2010, 20:46

Hi guys,

Thanks to all and Kevin for the input on the C70.
Well, I took it to our mechanic and bad news... but I guess also good news. The turbo is blown and there are a number of other somewhat hidden issues. The really bad part is that I have to fix it and it will cost $2200. Our mechanic say this may appear bad but he thought the car is great and after all the repairs it will be pristine. FYI to all my friends now on the forum. John

DaveG · Post by **DaveG** » 19 Feb 2010, 08:41

if you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost? did the $2200 push it beyond what you thought was a good deal/price?

i'd call that 'bad' news myself; and the fact that the dealer 'lost' the service records is troubling at best.

johnm · Post by **johnm** » 19 Feb 2010, 10:09

The C70 cost me $4550.00. At the time it seemed on the edge of what I wanted to pay but have run into many people and dealers saying that used cars have recently gone up in price maybe because of the time of the year???? Tax refunds, people not trusting new, etc. I don't know. The volvo type of car is scarce in the Orlando area and there was no way I was going to buy an American made car.

atefitty · Post by **atefitty** » 19 Feb 2010, 10:13

I never liked the c70's...the bodies are not ridgid..when you put them on a hoist the doors wont even close..the steering wheel on every one I've driven jumps around and transfers every bump in the road through your hands..The coups look cool though especially with the right wheels. the conv. has too many issues with the tops...if I had to get one it would be a coup not the conv....Oh, their way overpriced too! Sorry C70 owners, this is just my personal opinion.