This V70_GLT a good buy?

[ericmci]

Hi-

I am considering buying another 99 GLT this time a V70.
It's a a friends car and he hasn't driven the car in 3 years, But it hasn't sat, he started it 2-3 times every week ran it for 15-30 mins and occaisional trip down the street for gas each time over the years.
However he did not change the oil during this time. He always used partial synthetic- Castrol and said the oil levels were always where they should be at periodic checks during this time as were all fluids.
The car recently passed inspection with minimal work- (calipers and rotors in the front and new tires)
And I have to say the car appears to run excellently. And peak under the oil cap looks nice and clean- no sludge.
Given these specific conditions- should I feel ok about buying the car at a good price?
Typically how well is a this model going to weather that situation?

Thanks!


-Eric

[abscate]

If the oil on the stick looks clean and it passes the glove test , go for it.

You are in Maine so you can run it up on a country road for a few minutes without that bothersome paperwork

Glove test is a vinyl glove snapped over the oil intake filler snout to check for pressure

The 1999 are the coveted Prince models and are owned by the superior intellect, good looking, humble bragadocious, most successful members of our society.

One of the hardest choices I have in the morning is which one of the four 1999s I have to drive that day.

How many Miles on her and her sexy Italian throttle body that will probably puke at about. 150k miles?

[850 LPT]

It sounds like a pretty good deal, but there are a few questions you should ask, items you should check. When was the timing belt and water pump replaced, condition of tranny fluid, how old is the brake fluid, what is the status of the ETM, etc.
Also, in my experience even well maintained examples do require some repairs or maintenance, so figure that into your budget.
But if everything checks out, go for it.

Last year I bought a 99' S70 that sat in the woods for quite a while and brought it back to life. It can all be done but it can cost a little.

[erikv11]

Keep in mind the 99 owners club is a small and very ragtag bunch, basically ostracized by the rest of the more humble and sensible P80 owners.

Otherwise, go for it. The low-use years shouldn't matter, I'd change the oil right away though it's going to be very wet.

[abscate]

Dont you have Plants to go look at?

Did Prince say we are going to party like it's 1998?

[ericmci]

I love my S70.
It's such a solid car.
IMO it's the perfected 850/S70 and also in my IMO the last 'real' Volvo.
It was built to be "renewed" not replaced.
Don't get me wrong there are some great new Geely Volvos but this car is just a great blend of fun to drive comfort - and durability.
Maybe this club is small compared to other Volvo sect but I am proud to be a part of it.
I always appreciate the responses here.

[Sveedy]

Dont you have Plants to go look at?

Did Prince say we are going to party like it's 1998?

But I thought that the '99 model year was a bit of a transition year and as such had more than its fair share of problems. Kind of what might be called a bastard year. Was under the impression that the '98 was the top year for the 850.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go make some popcorn...

[Clemens]

Dont you have Plants to go look at?

Did Prince say we are going to party like it's 1998?

But I thought that the '99 model year was a bit of a transition year and as such had more than its fair share of problems. Kind of what might be called a bastard year. Was under the impression that the '98 was the top year for the 850.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go make some popcorn...

No, 95 was the pristine p80 year. Stable ABS, OBD1, SIPS and Airbag, T5 or T5R. Heated third row seats and FWD only. Now try to argue with that ...

[abscate]

i fear I have awakened a sleeping Giant

-Sir Francis Bacon

[Sveedy]

I see that I made an error. '99 is a P80 but not an 850. My bad.
I do like that the '95 has both OBD1 and OBD2.