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List Volvos and Volvo parts for sale, want to buy, or for trade. Include your location!
This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database » New Thread for Buying Advice, Avoiding Scams, Craigslist Ads
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matthew1
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This is for buying tips and tricks - ads, Craigslist, looking under the hood, etc.

Post by matthew1 »

This is the forum to post to if you have good advice for
  • what to look for in a Craigslist ad
  • what to be wary of in a Craigslist ad
  • what to look for when you're looking at a used Volvo
  • how not to get ripped off
  • gripes*

* Craigslist ads that literally say "Mechanic's special"... this is code for "this is my last attempt to get a few hundred dollars over scrap value." I see these all the time. There's nothing wrong with these ads... at least the seller is being upfront.
Help keep MVS on the web -> click sponsors' links here on MVS when you buy from them.

Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a cut!

1998 V70, no dash lights on

1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace

2004 V70 R [gone]

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theWIFES_S70
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Post by theWIFES_S70 »

You know what would be great to have? The "going" scrap rates... I had to scrap an old Saab for $60 bucks last year. It broke my heart because it was mint. (Well, you know, except for the blown turbo...)
Retired:
1998 Volvo S70, N/A, 5-speed, 187K
2007 Volvo S40, 2.4i, 5-speed, 121K
2015 Volvo S60, T5, 85K
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E Showell
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Post by E Showell »

Wiper tracks in windshield = walk away. Someone who couldn't be bothered to change the wiper blades probably neglected a lot of other regular maintenance.

I also check the radio presets. If FM 1 is NPR, that's been a good sign in my experience.
'98 V70 NA FWD 5 spd, silver sand metallic (sold)
'99 V70 NA FWD Auto, dark blue (sold)
'99 S70 NA FWD Auto, black (sold and resurrected -- Don't cry for me Argentina . . . )
'07 S80 3.2 FWD Auto, Barents Blue Metallic
'06 V70 R AWD Auto, Sonic Blue Metallic (sold)
'04 XC70 Ruby Red Metallic (sold)
'95 855 auto (sold)
'86 245 manual (sold)
'05 V70 T5 M (totalled)
'06 V70 FWD Auto (totalled)
'02 Honda Insight CVT
‘04 Honda Insight CVT — “Yesterday’s car of tomorrow” (sold)
‘06 Honda Insight CVT
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matthew1
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Post by matthew1 »

Haha, yes NPR.
Help keep MVS on the web -> click sponsors' links here on MVS when you buy from them.

Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a cut!

1998 V70, no dash lights on

1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace

2004 V70 R [gone]

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theWIFES_S70
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Post by theWIFES_S70 »

E Showell wrote:Wiper tracks in windshield = walk away. Someone who couldn't be bothered to change the wiper blades probably neglected a lot of other regular maintenance.

I also check the radio presets. If FM 1 is NPR, that's been a good sign in my experience.
E., what if WBGO is #1 and NPR is #2?

8)
Retired:
1998 Volvo S70, N/A, 5-speed, 187K
2007 Volvo S40, 2.4i, 5-speed, 121K
2015 Volvo S60, T5, 85K
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MadeInJapan
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Post by MadeInJapan »

If they tell you it's $300 because they think the timing belt is broken and the car doesn't start, and you find it's the serpentine belt and because the alternator wasn't running the battery is dead and you jump start it and she starts up without missing and the car is decent otherwise, buy it!
'98 S70 T5 Emrld Grn Met/Beige Tons of Upgrades Mobil-1
'04 V70 2.5T Red/Taupe Some Upgrades Mobil-1
'07 S40 T5 AWD 6 speed manual! Silver/Black Stage1 Heico & Elevate
'07 S60 2.5T Blue/Taupe- my kid's Volvo
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theWIFES_S70
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Post by theWIFES_S70 »

MadeInJapan wrote: ↑22 Apr 2017, 22:05 If they tell you it's $300 because they think the timing belt is broken and the car doesn't start, and you find it's the serpentine belt and because the alternator wasn't running the battery is dead and you jump start it and she starts up without missing and the car is decent otherwise, buy it!
:lol:
Retired:
1998 Volvo S70, N/A, 5-speed, 187K
2007 Volvo S40, 2.4i, 5-speed, 121K
2015 Volvo S60, T5, 85K
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petermetzger
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Joined: 24 June 2011
Year and Model: 1999 V70 T5
Location: South Bend, IN

Post by petermetzger »

Hey my 99 V70 should be worth double - preset 1 is NPR/classical and preset 2 is NPR/news :lol:

I'm headed out to check out a '95 850 turbo wagon with 176k miles and rough paint "but runs well" - any specific tips or things to watch out for?
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theWIFES_S70
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Post by theWIFES_S70 »

petermetzger wrote: ↑09 May 2017, 17:47 Hey my 99 V70 should be worth double - preset 1 is NPR/classical and preset 2 is NPR/news :lol:

I'm headed out to check out a '95 850 turbo wagon with 176k miles and rough paint "but runs well" - any specific tips or things to watch out for?
I'd say so! :) How was that 95 Turbo wagon???
Retired:
1998 Volvo S70, N/A, 5-speed, 187K
2007 Volvo S40, 2.4i, 5-speed, 121K
2015 Volvo S60, T5, 85K
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abscate
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Post by abscate »

Check the AC ports on an older car advertised with "cold AC"

Before you touch them....compare the dust level on them with the engine compartment nearby

If they are wiped clean, they probably have a leak, and just stuffed Freon in to cover it up for a few weeks.
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