you have $5k, have kids & love wagons: 240, 850, or V70?

seraphine · Post by **seraphine** » 27 Jul 2015, 12:29

Hi all, thanks in advance for any and all opinions, help and experiences!

tl;dr: Best/is there a good Volvo wagon pick for under $5k for a couple with two babies?

My partner and I are current/ex Volvo owners: I had a '91 740 sedan for about seven years until I had to give it up in 2011 to move into NYC; he currently owns a '97 850R Turbo wagon in excellent condition that's garaged in California, and has zero interest in bringing it to the terrible terrible east coast.

Now surprise — we're pregnant with twins!

We're moving out of NYC, relocating upstate, and so undoubtedly in need of at least one car, but — our ultimate top top concern and priority — is having a safe vehicle we can feel confident in transporting our precious cargo.

We're both still stuck on Volvo as we've loved ours despite the maintenance and really enjoy the safety factor and style. Is something this old (90s) reasonable and modern enough for accommodating carseats properly, and traveling with two infants?

Considering a sub-$5k budget, our family situation and our affinity for the wagon, what would you look for? I am reading all sorts of conflicting things about the later V70s, though many still say they're great; the 240 is classic but aging, and my dude really loves that 850. We have also flirted with the idea of getting a cheaper 240 as a beater (local errands) and a V70 for a work commute/longer trips.

Thank you!

Post by **matthew1** » 27 Jul 2015, 13:33

None of the models matter in comparison to finding a good sample... a good car.

Spend your time and energy finding a great (good) wagon. Even a mid-2000s V70 at this point is going to be past the zone of not-much-needed-because-it's-new-ish. In other words, any of the cars you listed is going to be a potential catastrophe.

That said, there are going to be ten or a hundred times as many suitable mid-2000s V70s than 240s out there. P80 cars would of course fall somewhere in between these markers.

Post by **matthew1** » 27 Jul 2015, 13:34

Used Volvo Buyer's Guide

Post by **JDS60R** » 27 Jul 2015, 18:28

Get a 04 V70. I love the 850 but by now it needs a lot. if a junkyard is nearby then 850's are doable but an nice 04 v70 will serve you well. 05 had some canbus issues 06/07 too much money and the same car.

If you can get an 04 with 100K-125K miles you will have a good starting point.

But the best advice so far is what Matt said- Get a "Good' car. I am amazed at how little service some owners will put into a car. Service records, dry drivetrains ( no leaks) , clean fluids -including transmission and good engine compression are all the minimum you should be looking for.

Pull the tranny dipstick - if the fluid is black then walk away.

seraphine · Post by **seraphine** » 28 Jul 2015, 08:20

Thank you, I appreciate the replies!

I've seen a couple '04 V70s that are worth looking at, thanks for the suggestion. And then, there are a LOT of 98-01 models out there. Is it worth staying away from those during that time period because of the known issues? Was '98 an okay year? (I have read this). Thanks!

mika · Post by **mika** » 28 Jul 2015, 08:33

98 is the "last of the best" : no electronic throttle, no coil packs, normal distributor. If you want the least problems: get a naturally aspirated any model prior to 98. IF you have a "bigger budget" like 4000,5000, I have heard that an s60 non turbo's, and also V70s (listed above from someone else) reliability is great. But if you have less than 2000 on each car, the 240/850/v70 are all cheap, but consider a budget for repairs/to get it up to your standards. don't pay more than 2000ish for the older cars unless they are ebay mint.

I have had a 240, an 850, and a v70 all without turbo. In my opinion: all are amazing.

FWD great for snow (850/v70) some people prefer the "look" of the inside of the 850, which I agree: sturdy.

240 for "fun" and character, especially when not sleeting/blizzard outside... since its a nice looking car, drive great in a manual.

ALL are older cars: things will break, but everything is fixable with some time and help. don't expect a perfect car: listen to the cars and don't force things when they are about the break. Have a junkyard planned out so you can get parts that break to install yourself (plastic, seats, ect), or a part you can bring to your mechanic for install. Ask questions on here! We will do our best to help. I never had a car until I got my first v70, then got an 850, then a 240 I restored, and now a 940 turbo just for fun.

Post by **matthew1** » 29 Jul 2015, 10:52

Seraphine and all, sorry if I sound pessimistic. I do it on all the "What should I buy?" threads.

I'm a bar-setter-lower. Set it low, and you'll never be disappointed.

Or, maybe I'm a pessimist because I've seen a few hundred thousand posts about fixing broken things on Volvos

.

(But I've read almost the same number of posts about how to fix those broken things

, and that's awesome.)

Whatever, Seraphine, keep us in the loop on what you buy. I'd love to hear.

ems_kws · Post by **ems_kws** » 23 Jan 2018, 18:52

We settled on a 2000 AWD V70. I liked the sight increase in ground clearance and the AWD for some of the snottier weather in the winter. We have three kids from 6 weeks up to 4 1/2 and it fits great. I did put an extra long rack on the roof to throw the stroller. We use a two seat jogging stroller for some things. That allows the cargo area to have everything else without cramming it and things falling out when you open the liftgate.

I work on my own vehicles and just did a head gasket and some other work in my garage. It is one of the last years that the guy at home still can reach everything.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas- ... lsrc=aw.ds

Post by **Rattnalle** » 24 Jan 2018, 12:05

I know this is an old thread and the car is bought already and all.. But I really can't help myself:

If someone is asking for a safe car among the options given the only sensible answer is the newer P2s. It's just a more modern car in every sense including safety.

You can like the older models for a variety of good reasons but safety compared to a newer Volvo isn't one of them. They're good compared to other cars the same age, not new(er) cars. At least this applies when comparing to European cars.