I just posted to the newcomers area, so "hello" as a 1st timer here on the V70 forum. I wrench on cars myself, but haven't had a Volvo before. I'm looking at a 2000 V70. It seems to run very nicely, but has some cosmetic issues. The car has 114k on the odometer, and I believe that service records will not exist. If I decide to put the time in, I'll do a basic pre-purchase inspection, including compression test. It's history will be a guess.

I like the occupant protection for my new-driver daughter, and the room it has for hauling an instrument. So here's a barrage of questions: Can anybody tell me when the timing belt would be due? Also, the SERVICE light comes on when the cars is started, but I noticed it went out after idling for a while (2 min. maybe?). Is this indicative of OBD codes (I didn't have my scanner with me), or a surpassed maintenance for oil, etc? Also, the airbags were due for inspection/replacement in 2010 according to the door post sticker. Do most enthusiasts do that, or just keep cruising with airbags as-is until a fault is detected by the OBD? There's no third row seat. Can I ad one? It needs a rear bumper cover for sure. How much for one of those?

Finally, the "big one!" Obvious fixes include popping out a right rear door dent and repainting both bumpers (after getting a new rear cover). The wheel well behind the dented door suffered a scrape too, not sure if I'd bother with that. The car would look pretty nice with just the fore-mentioned cosmetic work. Tires are mid-life at best. I think it can be had for $2000. Does it sound like a "buy?"

Thanks in advance for any information you can offer.

- Rich

 

Hi Rich, welcome to the forum.

I would say that $2,000 is not bad for a running Volvo.

Now for your answers:
1. The timing belt should have been replaced at 105,000. If it was done, there should have been a sticker somewhere with a date/mileage on it. If you can't find that, that would be prority 1 since these cars have interfierance motors.

2. The Sevice Light just lets you know that an oil change is/was due at the 5,000 mile mark. You need a special tool to reset them so most do NOT. Many have pulled the bulb, not sure if I have yet.

3. Service Light has nothing to do with OBD codes. Does the OBD, CEL come on when you turn the key to II (on) prior to start? If not, that bulb may have been pulled or has blown.

4. Most of us just keep driving with old air bags. These cars have a SRS light. The system includes the seat belts because they have retractors in them.

5. A third row seat can be added.

Hope my response isn't to late. Have a good weekend.

 

rspi - thanks, those answers were right on target. I lost my chance at the V70 due to a surgery my wife had ... the time to make it happen just wasn't there. I'm still interested in Volvos though, cheap ones mind you. Looking at a 95 850 tomorrow. 122,000 miles, asking $1200. Owner basically said bring a grand and its yours. Looks nice, I'll see how it drives. I appreciate the education on the V70. It's still what I'd prefer, but looking at all options now.

 

Welcome Rich, I have 2 v70 wagons and a 1995 850 4 dr. sedan, if you pick something up and need some help I'll be here. Good luck, hope the wife is A-OK.

 

Thanks Colt1911 (your name implies we share another interest), I'll be calling on the offers for assistance at some point. I think I'm passing on the 1995 850 GLT, but I could probably get it for $800. The front end is pretty loose, and the engine oil is going somewhere ... can't determine if it's via a leak or burning it. No smoke, but there's evidence of a leak on the right side, basically on the CV boot and steering rack. Since the owner was not astute enough to top the oil before I looked at the car (not even touching the dipstick), I don't have reason to believe he would have topped the transmission or power steering either. He said he did not, and he didn't act like he was hiding anything. The A/C didn't blow air, but I could hear the clutch engage and the line chilled down. His description of intermittent operation sounds like a blower or switch, if I had to guess. The body is straight, roof paint badly faded but pretty good elsewhere. Seats and carpet rough. All windows and the sunroof operate well. Even though the title says 1994, the VIN checks as a 95, and it has side airbags. I gather the 95 850 had the first side airbags ever, and would have been about a $500 option on a GLT. Probably a good buy for $800, just not sure I want to worry about both front end work and the possibility of oil burn. There's a super-clean 850 for the same price that is said to have a head gasket issue, might look at that too. Anyhow, hope to be on here with a car in possession before long.

 

Well that's good to know too! Watch out for head gaskets, a warped head can cause a lot of anguish, these cars can all be worked on by anyone with a reasonable amount of common sense, they are great, and with the help of people here, it get's only better...hope to hear from you on the other thing as well one day
Pete (COLT)