This is my first time on a forum and I thought I'd come here for some friendly advice. I am no mechanic, but I love learning on my '94 Toyota pickup the art of home automotive repair. I've been searching for an affordable car that will be able to make the trip from South Carolina to Wisconsin and back (about 2000 mi. round trip) preferably more than once. I have always admired Volvos for their reputation and their style. I am currently looking at a 1993 940 4cyl. wagon with 219,911 miles at a used car lot. I went there the other day to check it out and drive it. At first glance it seems to have been a well taken care of car. The interior and body are in pristine condition. The leather has no cracks, rips, etc. There are no dents, rust or other glaring issues on the outside. The under body has no rust, signs of dripping fluids or oily build up. The engine compartment is clean, the belts and hoses look to be in pretty good shape. The dealer also claimed that the timing belt was replaced in 2012. Here's the bad stuff:

1. Low thumping noise from right front especially when braking or over bumps (warped rotor, bushings?)
2. Slight jerk when when the transmission shifted on the highway (I did have the pedal to the metal)
3. Driver's automatic seat only moved along one of the tracks
4. Sunroof doesn't close all the way will work if done manually
5. Needs new front tires

What I need advice about is whether or not I should attempt to get this car in the condition it needs to be in to make such a trip. With all the manuals, forums and Youtube videos out there I'm pretty confident in my abilities to be able to make most repairs myself. Or am I being naive? The dealer is asking $3000 for it. With the issues I've found, would it be outrageous to suggest a price as low as $2000? Any advice would be most welcome. Thanks.

 

$3,000 is WAY TOO MUCH! With the issues and miles it has this car will sell for a $1,000 here on the West Coast, and OR is Volvo friendly as it gets.

Issues:
1. Probably strut mounts--- minimum $400
2. Hopefully nothing major. How is the fluid looking? If it needs a tranny, forget it! May be you should look deeper into this issue, drive it more.
3. Seat has to come out and the cable needs to be replaced or modified, depends on who does it but minimum $150.
4. Sunroof probably needs just lubing, (service) by someone who knows what they are doing--$100
5. Tires.
How's the A/C? Heater? P/S rack?

I know these cars are getting hard to get in good shape but still, you'd be crazy to pay more than $1,500 max. And this thing better be beautiful cosmetically!

 

I plan on taking it in to a trusted mechanic later in the week for him to look it over. The A/C blows cold. Power steering seems to be just fine. Here's a link to the vehicle: 1993 Volvo 940 Charleston SC 2137 :: New Life Auto Sales :: Used Cars Charleston SC,Pre-Owned Autos South Carolina,29418,Previously Owned Vehicles Charleston County SC,Used Car Dealer Summerville,Used Auto Dealership Mt. Pleasant,Cheap Cars Monks Cor
I'll keep that price in mind. Thanks!

 

That car has the front mounted distributor with Regina coil--rare, except in 1993 940 models. I f you buy it, when you buy tune up parts, you have to keep that in mind and ask for Volvo 240 wires, rotor, cap, etc.

 

Before attempting the trip, 1 & 5 would have to be addressed. I'm not sure what is a slight jerk you mentioned in 2 but I would have the engine & transmission mounts should.

Getting the pre-purchase inspection is a good idea in this particular case.

I agree with lev on this. $3000 with these issues are a bit high. You should be able to get it to $2k or maybe slightly less. Scour the craiglist in your area to see what others are asking for similar cars. Wagons are typically slightly higher than sedans.