We are pretty set on getting a Volvo. We sold our car... in 2 hours (not a Volvo)... and now we are in a position to purchase one.

I have some questions for you guys/gals as you all seem enormously knowledgeable. The reason we sold our car is because we are leaving Phoenix and moving to Chicago for graduate school--in May. We'd like to keep some of the money from selling our car for the move, obviously.

We are looking at some 2000 v70 xc se models in the coming days. One with 160k miles ($4500) and one with 110k miles ($5750). Both look in good condition.

So what I am getting at is:
-- What would be a Volvo model you'd look at in the $4000-$5000 price range?
-- Thoughts on the model above?
-- What are some things to look out for when buying a used Volvo?
-- How long do transmissions last?
-- I'm a wee bit concerned about cost of maintenance (as I am a student)? Any advice in this regard?
-- I know Ford bought Volvo and I'm sure this has impacted reliability. Is there years that are more reliable than others? We were hoping for a wagon & AWS to put more stuff into as we will need to drive to Chicago.

 

You can look at the Buyer's Guide in the 850 DIY sticky. The '98 - '00 V70's have what's know as drive-by-wire and those units should have gone out by now. Look for a yellow sticker on the bottom side of them.

Other's should help with more tips. If they don't have maintenance records, shy away from them. Also, make sure you take a good test drive. Start the car cold and warm. Get the car checked out and make sure no CEL pops. A test drive should be 20 to 50 miles.

 

Q: What would be a Volvo model you'd look at in the $4000-$5000 price range?
A: Whatever has low mileage/newer year model.

Q: Thoughts on the model above?
A: I'm not savvy to anything other than 850 & S/V70, but you should make sure the timing belt (and related components) has been changed at a specified interval.

Q: What are some things to look out for when buying a used Volvo?
A: The first thing I check is the existence of maintenance record & owner's manual. Those who do not take good care of their cars usually lose the owner's manual. Also, if the timing belt breaks whilst the engine is running, you may need another engine.

Q: How long do transmissions last?
A: Semi-permanent, only if the previous owner(s) took care of it. If not, it could fail at any moment.

Q: I'm a wee bit concerned about cost of maintenance (as I am a student)? Any advice in this regard?
A: Recently, the cost of repair for domestic & imports alike have come very close. If you're going to be a student, you should invest some $ in basic set of hand tools (I recommend Sears Craftsman) + Torx bits + Haynes service manual.

Q: I know Ford bought Volvo and I'm sure this has impacted reliability. Is there years that are more reliable than others? We were hoping for a wagon & AWS to put more stuff into as we will need to drive to Chicago.
A:Ford has let off Volvo a while ago and Volvo is now under Chinese company. Quality-wise, Volvos seem to have maintained their standards but some say it went south ever after Ford bought it.

I hope this is of some use.

JPN

 

See post #4 in this thread..
https://volvoforums.com/forum/genera...stions-68221/?

 

If you do end up with a volvo and in Chicago, I have a great Mechanic. Have known him for 15 years and bought 2 240 wagons through him. Euro-Autoplex on Ashland Avenue. Guy's name is John Rek (sp?)

 

You can look at the Buyer's Guide in the 850 DIY sticky.