Guidance needed - used car shopping

DougM · Post by **DougM** » 01 Dec 2011, 06:10

I'm back for more advice. We didn't end up getting the 1996 850 turbo--it was sold to someone else. So here are some of the vehicles I'm now looking at. Any advice is welcome. Car will mainly be used by my 16 y/o son, and then hopefully handed down to his younger brothers.

1999 S70 for $1,500 - 255k miles, appears to be in nice shape.

1996 850 GLT for $2,400 - unsure of the miles, car appears to be in flawless condition (except slight tear in drivers seat).

1999 S70 GLT for $1900 - 180k miles, in nice shape. Owner says the turbo has a small oil leak and he was given an estimate of $400 to fix. Does that price seem accurate? Would that problem be a reason to stay away from this car?

1997 850 GLT for $650 - according to the owner it was running up until a couple days ago and now it won't start. It cranks, but doesn't start. I know that isn't much info, but what are the odds it is something cheap/simple?

2000 S70 - dealer is selling, says they drove it 300 miles and then when they went to drive it again it won't shift out of first gear. Again, I know that isn't much info, but what are the odds it is something cheap/simple?

Also looking at two S80s. Any advice on an S80 vs. 850 or S70? My concern on the S80s is that they are both 1999's which was the first model year.

Thanks,
Doug

Post by **erikv11** » 01 Dec 2011, 06:49

I would go for the 96. It is a non-turbo so will not leak oil constantly (should not leak at all in fact!), and will be easier to work on. Offer them $2000. Probably there are some big things you can use as bargaining chips - when were they struts or other front suspension items replaced?

The car for $650 could definitely be something simple, most common no-starts are cam position sensor or crank sensor, or a fuel supply issue (fuel pump or fuel system relay). Then on to ignition and ECU-related items. Could be figured out instantly or take a little while to track down.

The 2000 S70 I would stay away from, I am very leery of transmission problems.

Post by **jblackburn** » 01 Dec 2011, 07:17

STAY FAR AWAY FROM THE S80. 1999's are unreliable giant pieces of junk.

I agree on the '96, seems like the best bet. The 1999 GLT might also be worth a look at or test drive to see what else is wrong with it. If it's just a gasket on the turbo, it's a super easy fix. If it has other typical 1999 problems like the ETM, walk away.

That said, every 5-cylinder Volvo leaks oil whether it's turbo or not. Check out the PCV systems on both of them - pull out the oil dipstick while the engine is warmed up and running and check for smoke puffing out of the opening.

Post by **bronxnativ** » 01 Dec 2011, 07:55

The 96 for sure. That's what I own and I can attest, it's the best 850 so far! If it's manual, even better, that way you wont have to deal with the auto tranny issues that are common in the 850's. The starting price for my 850 was also $2,000. I got him down to $1500 after inspecting it; you should do the same. The PCV is an issue, so theirs a discount, suspension (such as leaky boots) another notch down, heater core for sure, ABS module, etc... Do this and you are bound to get it for much cheaper.
Good Luck!

Post by **kcodyjr** » 01 Dec 2011, 12:14

If you can afford it, and especially if it's a stick, the 96 is clearly the best choice. It was a VERY good year.

The 97 was also a very good year, and a GLT means light pressure turbo, and also means loaded. If you don't mind taking a chance on the cause of the no start condition, and you do like a "spirited" drive, you won't be disappointed. I've got one. I wouldn't trade it for any other car at any price.

Don't touch anything 1999 or later of any model, they became a royal pain in the butt, mainly due to electronic throttle, and other electronic reengineering, most of which makes life more difficult for the DIYer. Ditto on avoiding the early S80 like the plague. Gorgeous cars, but their owners probably had the sorest bitten bruised asses in Volvo history.

Post by **rspi** » 01 Dec 2011, 12:56

DougM wrote:I'm back for more advice. We didn't end up getting the 1996 850 turbo--it was sold to someone else. So here are some of the vehicles I'm now looking at. Any advice is welcome. Car will mainly be used by my 16 y/o son, and then hopefully handed down to his younger brothers.

1999 S70 for $1,500 - 255k miles, appears to be in nice shape. DOESN'T SOUND BAD IF YOU CAN FIND OUT THE HISTORY OF THE ETC.

1996 850 GLT for $2,400 - unsure of the miles, car appears to be in flawless condition (except slight tear in drivers seat). MAYBE, SEAT TORN, $1,600 MAX. I DON'T THINK I WOULD OWN A NA MODEL.

1999 S70 GLT for $1900 - 180k miles, in nice shape. Owner says the turbo has a small oil leak and he was given an estimate of $400 to fix. Does that price seem accurate? Would that problem be a reason to stay away from this car? IF THEY SAY IT HAS A SMALL LEAK IT'S LIKELY A BIG LEAK. MAYBE $1,200 BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM A EXPENSIVE TURBO REPAIR. ALSO, NEED TO LEARN ABOUT THE ETC HISTORY.

1997 850 GLT for $650 - according to the owner it was running up until a couple days ago and now it won't start. It cranks, but doesn't start. I know that isn't much info, but what are the odds it is something cheap/simple? I WOULD GO FOR THIS ONE. GET A COMPRESSION TEST DONE, MAKE SURE THE TIMING BELT IS NOT BROKEN. MY GUESS IS THAT IT HAS ONE OF 3 PROBLEMS: 1. BAD FUEL PUMP RELAY 2. BAD CAM SENSOR 3. BAD PNP SWITCH.

2000 S70 - dealer is selling, says they drove it 300 miles and then when they went to drive it again it won't shift out of first gear. Again, I know that isn't much info, but what are the odds it is something cheap/simple? LIKELY A PNP SWITCH. IF YOU CAN GET IT FOR UNDER $1,800 YOU SHOULD BE OK.

Also looking at two S80s. Any advice on an S80 vs. 850 or S70? My concern on the S80s is that they are both 1999's which was the first model year. THE 1999 S80 IS THE WORSE CAR THAT VOLVO EVER SOLD.

Thanks,
Doug

bigkev414 · Post by **bigkev414** » 01 Dec 2011, 23:12

Had all of 'em - had two S80 twin Turbos; they are crap, and if you get the one they built that does go OK the kid will probably kill himself with the power plus massive torque steer plus inexperience.

Avoid any oil leaks and Transmission problems LIKE THE PLAGUE!

I would look at the 99 S70. I've had two, and have one currently (T5 sport) and apart from the 'heart stopping' fuel consumption I think they're the pick. Of course I'm older than 16 and comfort comes into it too............otherwise as the other guys say, the 850.

santem · Post by **santem** » 11 Dec 2011, 17:32

I agree with bigkev414, the S70's are great cars, I own a 2000 S70 AWD with 115,000 miles on it and it runs great without major repairs, Interior fixes like the seat are easy, you can just get it sewn up. I was in an accident with a 1999 S70, I was a passenger when a man sped through a red light and I won't drive anything else. While these cars can go forever I would go for the 180k s70. You should only go for the 255k one if the seller can provide comprehensive service records. (Carfax, repair bills, mabey even a warranty if you buy it, etc.). I don't know much about turbo oil leaks but I would have a mechanic check any car you have a real interest in. If the turbo is an easily repairable problem I would personally go for the 1999 s70 w/ 180k miles.