Hi everyone. This looks to be a pretty informative forum. I have searched and didn’t really find an answer to my following questions.
I have a 2003 350Z that is currently in the shop getting some major surgery and I need to get a daily driver. I don’t want to spend more than $2,500 and when searching used cars on autotrader.com it seems that a used Volvo is the best bang of the buck.
I found a 1991 740 turbo for sale and will be looking at it tomorrow. It has about 112,000 miles on it and is automatic. What should I specifically look for when I check out the car and what questions should I ask the current owner? Also what is the life expectancy for this car before any major work will be needed? Any other advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Ryan

 

anyone?

 

1. Make sure all or 95%-99% of all service records are there.
2. Make sure the Serp. belt has been replaced.
3. Check the vaccum lines and turbo hoses for cracks, tears, etc...

 

unfortunatly when you go past 100,000 its anyones guess

 

can you post a pic where the turbo is? is it out in the open or under something? i have never seen a 740 motor.
thanks again

 

It is right out in the open.
You will see it on the passenger side as soon as you open the hood.

 

Hello Ryan,

A car's life expectancy all depends on how well it has been taken care of. If driven by an average driver, the car may die at any moment, whereas if driven by an enthusiasts like us, the odometer would so well beyond 200,000 or even 300,000 miles.

Before paying, make sure to take it to an independent shop that specialises in Swedish or European cars for pre-purchase inspection. You may have to spend $100, but it's worth it as you may be able to avoid a lemon. If this is difficult to do, test drive it and listen & feel for oddity, open the hood and visually inspect for fluid leaks, cracked rubber/plastic parts, etc... Also, if the 740 is equipped with timing belt, make sure that it has been replaced at the specified interval, as many Volvo engines can die the instant the belt breaks.

If you end up buying it, give it a good tune-up, unless done recently. I'll leave you with a reference, but please note that the reference is specific to the 850, although many things can apply to other cars.

https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

Good luck and let us know if you need further assistance.


JPN