Purchase Advice

Post by **ZionXIX** » 22 Jul 2020, 12:36

I'm looking into buying a nice 2004 xc90 5cyl turbo FWD I saw locally. It's even the color I prefer. Up until this point I have only owned P80 models. What did I need to ask or inspect specifically in this model?

Post by **oragex** » 22 Jul 2020, 13:01

I would only buy if the seller had it for long time and has a pile of repair bills to show. 2004 starts being old by now. Test the PCV - just slide a piece of saran wrap over the oil filler at idle, should suck it in with force. May also turn the wheels and look at the control arm bushing behind the wheel. See if it looks fine, otherwise it may meant the owner didn't spend much on repairs. The AWD also doesn't last unless it was already repaired. I'd say, besides being a car properly repaired, your biggest fear would be a weird intermittent electrical issue and the gearbox shifting poorly when hot.

2000c70hpt · Post by **2000c70hpt** » 22 Jul 2020, 17:30

Also ask when the timing belt was last changed

wanderdüne · Post by **wanderdüne** » 22 Jul 2020, 19:13

Not a lot of difference mechanically to the P80, the front suspension as mentioned above is a wear item for sure. Look for water intrusion/ corrosion ahead of the door jambs from plugged sunroof drains. Can affect CEM on driver side behind dash and yaw control under passenger seat.

Post by **ZionXIX** » 23 Jul 2020, 06:26

Good info, thanks!

Post by **abscate** » 26 Jul 2020, 05:17

Water intrusion, in TX?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 26 Jul 2020, 07:56

abscate wrote: ↑26 Jul 2020, 05:17 Water intrusion, in TX?

Submersion?

.

2011 Volvo XC90 V8 AWD
Mileage 14,502, Damage BACK UP CAMERA; LOW WATER/FLOOD, REPAIRS AVAILABLE

https://www.ecoastauto.com/inventory/de ... 3/M376KJCK

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Post by **ZionXIX** » 30 Jul 2020, 06:38

So I finally went to see the vehicle in person. The body is great condition. Only 1 major dent that I could find. Headlight have no fade at all. It's missing the passenger side marker light cover. Seats are in desperate need of leather treatment but no major tips or tears. Someone replaced the OEM radio for a cheap aftermarket. Little stuff like missing fan speed knob, 1 broken vent, 2 missing button covers on the driver seat controls, drink holder door is broken. Everything I tried worked, windows and sunroof etc.

Drive wise the passenger strut is extremely clunky and you can visibly see the strut tower pushing through. I didn't see any dents under the hood but it definently needs new spring seats and or strut mounts. Somehow every single plug bolt head is coated in a light layer of rust. My p80 lugbolts are original and they look new. Not sure why the rust is formed on there.

Engine is pretty clean but unsurprisingly lots of smoke coming from dipstick tube. I didnt have a glove to test pcv. Right now it's at my trusted volvo mechanic for inspection. What do you guys think so far?

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Post by **ZionXIX** » 30 Jul 2020, 08:38

Indie volvo mechanic just called with his evaluation. Short version:
29 codes stored in 9 different computers, many related to battery and fuel system.
Both struts mounts are shot.
Transmission fluid dark
Rear brake rotors below minimum levels
Ripped driver side drive axle
Serpentine belt heavily cracked
Excess crankcase pressure failed glove test

He quoted me 3000 to 4000 for parts, labor and tax.
Thats with struts, mounts and spring seat replacement.

Post by **ZionXIX** » 30 Jul 2020, 09:14

Update: I offered them $2000, they countered with $3500 including tax and title. They wouldn't come down any further. I passed on it.