I know nothing about Volvos and I'm in the Virginia Beach, VA area. Any advice on what to look for?
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Purchasing a 1996 850 wagon with bad cluster and CE light
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jblackburn
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- Posts: 14043
- Joined: 8 June 2008
- Year and Model: 1998 S70 T5
- Location: Alexandria, VA
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Estimated mileage and maintenance records would definitely be something you want to look for.
Can you do your own work on cars, or are you willing to learn? How much are you willing to spend on this car to get it "up to snuff"?
If not, then this isn't the car for you - it will eat you alive in maintenance costs if you have to bring it to a dealer or mechanic every time something is wrong with it.
If you can link to the posting you've found for this car, someone can probably glance it over and give you an idea of whether or not it's worth it.
General things you want to look for:
-Timing belt maintenance can run $600 and is due every 70,000 miles/7 years. Not a set-back necessarily, I had to do the same thing within a year of buying mine.
-How well does the A/C work? The evaporator is an expensive/time-consuming repair.
-Pull out the dipstick with the car idling after taking it for a drive. If you see smoke puffing out of the opening, the PCV system needs to be cleaned. Not really an easy task, but it's definitely do-able even if you know nothing about the car.
-Stomp the brakes real hard. The ABS should activate; if it doesn't, there's a problem with the ABS module, I have seen people yank the bulbs for them.
Aside from those few things, I would start with the Volvo Buyer's Guide, then come back with specific questions.
Can you do your own work on cars, or are you willing to learn? How much are you willing to spend on this car to get it "up to snuff"?
If not, then this isn't the car for you - it will eat you alive in maintenance costs if you have to bring it to a dealer or mechanic every time something is wrong with it.
If you can link to the posting you've found for this car, someone can probably glance it over and give you an idea of whether or not it's worth it.
General things you want to look for:
-Timing belt maintenance can run $600 and is due every 70,000 miles/7 years. Not a set-back necessarily, I had to do the same thing within a year of buying mine.
-How well does the A/C work? The evaporator is an expensive/time-consuming repair.
-Pull out the dipstick with the car idling after taking it for a drive. If you see smoke puffing out of the opening, the PCV system needs to be cleaned. Not really an easy task, but it's definitely do-able even if you know nothing about the car.
-Stomp the brakes real hard. The ABS should activate; if it doesn't, there's a problem with the ABS module, I have seen people yank the bulbs for them.
Aside from those few things, I would start with the Volvo Buyer's Guide, then come back with specific questions.
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier
A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."
mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier
A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."
mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!
Thank You very much! You saved me a TON. The oil dipstick revealed creamy white oil. It was from a dealer, so it was way over priced.
I ended up passing on it.
But I'll keep checking the forum.
sent from my EVO 3D using Tapatalk
I ended up passing on it.
But I'll keep checking the forum.
sent from my EVO 3D using Tapatalk
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