Need advice. '98 V70 v '96 850 v '96 850 turbo
 

Hi, female college student with little knowledge of cars here. My 2 brothers own 940s and they tell me Volvo is the way to go. I need some advice on which one to buy.

Info: The 98 V70 and 96 850 are both blue sedans from a dealer. The v70 is $3300 with 112k and the 850 is $2000 also with 112k. I don't really have much information on either of these cars but I'm going to go look at them tomorrow.

The 1996 850 turbo wagon is $2800 at 119k. One owner with all the service records. Just detailed. It has a small dent in the fender and some small dings and scratches. Owner said he took the car to a whenever the service light came on. He doesn't know if the timing belt has been changed but I can get my bro to do that if it hasn't.

What questions should I ask the dealer? What should I look for?

Also, are v70s any better than 850s problem wise?

EDIT: bought the privately owned 850 turbo. the dealer cars were crap.

Hurrah!!! I was hoping you would get the 850 Turbo Wagon. That would have been my choice from what you posted.

Look through the service records, try to find a slip that tells you when the timing belt was replaced. It's a little tougher to replace those belts than it is on your brother's 940 because the 850 is fwd and has NO space to get to things there. If the belt has not been replaced, try to get it replaced by someone that knows what they are doing.

The other thing to check for is the PCV system replacement/service. This is a engine breathing system that helps control air within the motor. If the system is clogged up, it can blow oil seals, yuk and bad news. So, if you can NOT find a ticket for this, here is how you can figure out if it needs to be serviced/replaced:
* Drive the car around so that the car is running at normal temperature.
* Park the car but keep it running.
* Open the hood.
* Pull the oil dip stick out about 1/2 way and see if you see smoke coming out of the dip stick tube.
If you see smoke coming out of the tube like a steam engine train, your system is clogged up and the PCV system needs to be replaced. Your brothers can do that with a kit form FCP and instructions found on this site.

Congrats on your purchase and I'm jeaous that you have a wagon and I don't.