Another post by me not knowing what the hell i'm doing!

Need some tips, advice, thoughts, that kind of thing.

Long story short, I'm stuck between a few vehicles. One is a 98 s70, one owner, but the maitenance records are non existant. The guy said he'd take 2700 but I'm sure I could get for 2500. He also said theres a sticker noting the timing belt has been replaced. (dealer) 1998 Volvo S90 One Owner 118K Excellent Condition

The other is a 95 850 with a great looking service record. (see the car fax.) I offered 2000, but the guy doesent seem to want to take any lower than his asking price. I'll probably pass.
Cars for Sale: 1995 Volvo 850 Sedan in Casselberry, FL 32730: Sedan Details - 344725375 - AutoTrader.com

Another is a more local 850 wagon with 90k miles..
Might be considerable if I can get for 3.5? (he says he wont take any less than 4.. we'll see. I have plans to see it next week.)
all belt(s) replaced
new brakes, paint, trim pirces, windsheild, abs module, drivers seatbelt, faux suede headliner. Belts and brakes all that matter I recoc.
1996 Volvo 850 GLT Wagon



Last and probably least is Volvo gl 940. 92
I've emailed the seller but havent gotten a response yet.. I noticed on one ad its advertised for $2000 and a 94. I guess theres still hope for this one if I can get real information and agree on $1500..

Anyway.. Tips/advice more than welcome! Sorry for another noob post

 

The 92 GL940 looks to have slight color shade difference to the left front guard when compared to the doors on viewing pics. Part resprayed / repairs?

The more versatile / multi purpose 850 wagon is my 1st up preference based on the pics and info supplied.
It definately has that 'one family owner' and well looked after /maintained appearance about it.
Color red always fades badly so the fresh respray is a considerable bonus given its age. Was it kept garaged or left outdoors a lot?
New headliner good too. I have a saggy headliner to deal with myself sadly.
All the recent work done should mean a good period of hassle free motoring, hopefully.

If I was only after a sedan then the 98 S90 would appeal to me more than the silver 92 940 personally.

The 95 850 sedan looks good but the vinyl trim on the bumpers ,front and rear lets it down visually due to the dull grey fading.

The wagon will be the more expensive option so if you prefer that haggle with the guy between $3500 and $4000. if your inspection impresses you. His asking price of $4800 seems a bit ambitious.

 

Hey, Thanks alot for your opinion!
Much appreciated!

Very close call between the 850 sedan/wagon and s90. Kinda suprized to see a dealer selling the s90 and 850 at a reasonable price.. Did you see the carfax on that 850 sedan btw?

 

S90. I miss mine.

 

Hah! I guess everyones going to say something different

Only problem with the s90 is, the vehicle history is non existant. Even the carfax says pretty much nothing. Only when registered each year. Last reported mileage is 26..

 

And how I looked this one over, I can't understand! O.o
Just sent the guy a message about this here, if he's the original owner and belts been replaced.. definetly potential!

Volvo 740

 

I put over 400,000 miles on my 740. However, the plastic in Volvos is horrible. I can't imagine the car being in to good of shape cosmetically.

 

Good video, also shows how roomy that 850 wagon is!

 

i think the 760 is out. The guy has no information whatsoever.
When I asked about his maitenance schedule he..
''uhh I changed the oil..''

 

I'm kinda leaning towards the wagon now. Going to check it out Monday. Hopfully the car fax will look as good as that 850 sedan and i'll be able to talk him down to 3.5k.

Only thing I'm kinda bummed about is it's FWD. Not that it makes a difference for the way I drive, but i've always heard RWD is the best option if possible. Another thing.. I'm doing research on these 850's.. Some had the head light wipers and some don't. Why is this? And is it possible to have them put on the ones that do not have them?

 

I'd go with the wagon. They're just more versatile than the sedan. I'd get a wagon if my wife didn't dislike them so much. As a kid we were driven around in Volvo wagons, diesel wagons. My father loved those things.

 

About those 850s.. I noticed some have the headlight cleaners and some don't. Why is that?

 

Can they be added if the vehicle doesent have them?

 

Alright guys, heres what my decision has come to. Either of these two wagons.

The original 96 850 i posted above 1996 Volvo 850 GLT Wagon

Or a 97 v90 wagon with higher mileage(176k) but a strong maitenance record. -------> Good Running 1997 VOLVO V90 <--------

Assuming I can get the 850 for 3.5 - 3.7k and the v90 for about 1 - 1.2k. What do you guys think?

 

Good to hear the merits of a versatile wagon are winning you over.

The 97 V90 at $1500 is obviously a temptation price wise and the recent work done on her is good news also however the pics show she has definately not been loved cosmetically.
In fact, she looks like she has worked quite hard, hence the much lower price.
The 850 has obviously been the pride and joy of its same family owners and the mileage is very low also.
At the end of the day it boils down to whether your happy to pay less and spend a lot of time and additional money refurbishing the V90, which you may enjoy doing immensely? or paying out more upfront, knowing you will have less ongoing maintenance / upgrading expenditure.
As an aside, are headlight wipers really such a big deal?
My V40 has them but I have never used them. Guess it's just part of that iconic genuine Volvo look?
Good luck with your negotiations and purchase anyway.

 

Yeah, just working on working out a time to see the 850. Both the owner and I have pretty crazy work schedules. He's going to be doing more paint work around the fender and a piece to the door broke causing it to only open from the outside. He says he's getting it fixed but i'll probably be seeing it before that is done. Hopfully tomorrow.

Especially if all this is fixed.. I have a feeling i'll end up going with the 850 if I can negotiate a lower price. I don't think i'd be willing to pay 4k for it, which he says is his bottom price. We'll see though.. It has been listed for a little while..

 

As far as the headlight wipers.. I just like the way they look and curious why only some 850s had them and others dont.

 

Anyone know why some have the wipers and some don't? Were they removed or are only specific 850s equipted with them?