Hey all! First post here. I've been driving a POS GM-Era Saab I bought a couple years ago had racked up quite a list of little fixes and a few bigger needed-repairs, so instead of putting any money into her, I found another car through a family friend who buys at auction.

I know it's not anything fast or fun, but I needed a safe medium to full sized wagon with ample space for a growing family and a dog that had less than 90k miles and that fell somewhere south of $7k. Oh, and it had to have a manual transmission. This fit that to a 'T' and I've always admired the classic wagon style of the V70. (and I'm 1/4 Swedish...)

2003 Volvo V70, 2.4L na, 5spd :bigthumb: I guess these are somewhat rare with a manual, so while I'm not a huge fan of dark blue, I had to spring for her considering she only had 80k miles. According to found receipts under the seat, it lived the last part of its life in Tewksbury, Massachusetts and found itself in a collision, so it was totaled out. It cost me more to fix it than to buy it, but I still got maybe 30-40% discount off of what a used car lot would ask when it was all said and done. Drives like a dream. Seats are superbly comfortable, as everyone had told me they would be. I was worried the n/a engine (168hp/166tq) wouldn't be enough for the 3300 car, but with the 5spd it seems ample enough.

I took the buffing wheel to her today. She's not perfect, but shines up nice

Before repair:




After

 

Very nice, I have a manual T5.... love it.

 

I would've loved to score a T5 w/ a manual in my price range, but it just wasn't going to happen. Those things get snatched up so damn quickly. And to find one at auction with the right kind of damage, right mileage, not too far away, etc. It just wasn't going to happen. That said, I'm enjoying getting 29-30mph on the highway!

Erik

 

nice find & refinish !!