need buying advice 2002 c70 convertible

raymone · Post by **raymone** » 01 Aug 2010, 09:35

First of all thank you for any help you give it is very much appreciated... I am looking at a 2002 c70 convertible ($3,000) which is in decent shape mechanically and esthetically (other than the seats). What should I look for while inspecting and driving the car? It has 153,000 miles but like i said it is in good shape mechanically. Or should I stay away from this car? Any help suggestions, advice are helpful.

Thanks

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 01 Aug 2010, 20:29

The biggest thing you need to look at is the maintenance records. How well the car is maintained will make or break a volvo. They are very reliable cars but only if they are taken care of.

Now I would also check that the ETM is good because I believe 2002 was on of the years that they were bad. Lastly, make sure that the top goes up and down without an issue. I would make it go up and down a few times in a row just to be sure that it is ok.

Other then that, check things that you should check on any used car like brakes, hoses, oil, coolant, etc...

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 02 Aug 2010, 12:37

if the drive train is sound, $3K is a great price. Go for it.

Post by **JRL** » 02 Aug 2010, 13:28

FCPGroton wrote:The biggest thing you need to look at is the maintenance records. How well the car is maintained will make or break a volvo. They are very reliable cars but only if they are taken care of.

Now I would also check that the ETM is good because I believe 2002 was on of the years that they were bad. Lastly, make sure that the top goes up and down without an issue. I would make it go up and down a few times in a row just to be sure that it is ok.

Other then that, check things that you should check on any used car like brakes, hoses, oil, coolant, etc...

02 ETMs are fine (new design)
As was said, service and maintenance records are a MUST if you personally do not know the previous owner

Post by **writer100** » 02 Aug 2010, 16:34

Lastly, make sure that the top goes up and down without an issue. I would make it go up and down a few times in a row just to be sure that it is ok.

+1.

Assuming that you have no convertible experience, realize that tops can be very expensive to repair or replace. Convertibles are a lot of fun, but they are definitely more delicate than hard tops. I strongly recommend only purchasing one if you have a garage in which to park it. Lastly, they will never be as solid feeling as a hard top. As an owner of one, I believe that they make great second cars.

raymone · Post by **raymone** » 03 Aug 2010, 09:42

Made a mistake it is a 1998! Still need advice.

Post by **JRL** » 03 Aug 2010, 09:50

That's a big mistake
Well, at least there's no ETM to worry about but 98s have even more glitches than later models.
Check the seat and seatback operation and the window operation, they're glitchy at best

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 03 Aug 2010, 13:09

for a '98 instead of '02, disregard everything posted, start a new thread in the right forum or even better look for a 2002 C70