Interested In buying a used Volvo
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Interested In buying a used Volvo
Hello all,
I'm looking to spend about $3k on a Volvo and was wondering if any of you Volvo gurus could recommend a few models in my price range? I hear that some of the older vehicles are reliable and I'd be happy with an older vehicle, but am not really sure which models to focus on.
I've noticed that a few 1988 240 GL models with about 150k miles get bought up right away. That seems like a fairly good indication, but I'm not well versed with Volvo cars.
Thanks for any feedback to get me started in the right direction,
Mike
I'm looking to spend about $3k on a Volvo and was wondering if any of you Volvo gurus could recommend a few models in my price range? I hear that some of the older vehicles are reliable and I'd be happy with an older vehicle, but am not really sure which models to focus on.
I've noticed that a few 1988 240 GL models with about 150k miles get bought up right away. That seems like a fairly good indication, but I'm not well versed with Volvo cars.
Thanks for any feedback to get me started in the right direction,
Mike
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,340
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From: IPS, MA
RE: Interested In buying a used Volvo
Hello Mike,
Greetings from Vermont.
Since I've only worked on 850, I'm not pryvy with other Volvos.
However, I can say that you'd have to expect to spend between $500 and $3,000 for repair bills within the first year, just for the parts regardless of which Volvo you buy. This is pretty much universal to any car with $3K range.
Make sure to test drive one, have your mechanic or Volvo technician do an inspection,and see if it has a full logbook (maintenance record).
Good luck,
JPN
Greetings from Vermont.
Since I've only worked on 850, I'm not pryvy with other Volvos.
However, I can say that you'd have to expect to spend between $500 and $3,000 for repair bills within the first year, just for the parts regardless of which Volvo you buy. This is pretty much universal to any car with $3K range.
Make sure to test drive one, have your mechanic or Volvo technician do an inspection,and see if it has a full logbook (maintenance record).
Good luck,
JPN
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
RE: Interested In buying a used Volvo
I recommend the following: 240/740/940 with SOHC 4-cylinder, B23 or B230. These engines are pretty much indestructable. Turbo? Your option, but maintenance on an older turbo may be initially and proportionally more $$$.
Remember...
Longship's Volvo Principle: "Every Volvo costs at least $5,000. If you buy one for less than that, it will likely cost you the difference in repairs to put it into good shape."
I just picked up a beautiful '89 740 Wagon (B230F + M47) for $2,600. It has cost me an additional $2,600 to put it into shape (new clutch, drive shaft support bearing/bushing, A/C fix and R134a upgrade, tires, miscellaneous other small stuff). It was meticulously maintained by its previous owners and has complete repair records. It was worth putting that much $$$ into it. My new baby is now ready to take on the world. It gets 28-29 MPG on the road and drives like a new car!!
My advice is to look for the right vehicle. Try Autotrader.com which is where I found mine. Prefer a private seller as you'll likely get a better deal.
Remember...
Longship's Volvo Principle: "Every Volvo costs at least $5,000. If you buy one for less than that, it will likely cost you the difference in repairs to put it into good shape."
I just picked up a beautiful '89 740 Wagon (B230F + M47) for $2,600. It has cost me an additional $2,600 to put it into shape (new clutch, drive shaft support bearing/bushing, A/C fix and R134a upgrade, tires, miscellaneous other small stuff). It was meticulously maintained by its previous owners and has complete repair records. It was worth putting that much $$$ into it. My new baby is now ready to take on the world. It gets 28-29 MPG on the road and drives like a new car!!
My advice is to look for the right vehicle. Try Autotrader.com which is where I found mine. Prefer a private seller as you'll likely get a better deal.
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vjules
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Jun 2, 2006 12:52 AM
