Should I buy a second Volvo?
 

I came across a '97 960 for sale at the same dealership where I bought my 2001 V70 T5. It has 170,000mi and they're asking $500. Are they that troublesome? It was bought (only by seeing from the pics, I still have no info on the car yet, till I call in the morning) from a very respectable dealership in Columbus OH, Buyers Volvo, or Buyers Imports. So that maybe leads me to believe that it might have been taken care of. The pics look like it has a little damage to the outside, minor scratches and dings, while the interior from what I can tell from only one photo is OK, and I detail cars, so nothing that a little elbow grease and good product can't fix. Opinions are valued! Still don't know much about Volvo's yet, as I have only had my V70 for a few months. Link below to listing on the dealership's website. Thanks!

Jason Hatfield Automotive - Sunbury, OH

I believe the 960 is the best car that Volvo ever built. A dealer selling a car for $500 in this country of greed and selfishness? I doubt it runs right. My guess is that it has a burnt valve or bad head gasket. Short of those 2 issues the car is a deal.

@rspi What would it cost to fix both/either of those issues?

I have a 960- in fact that car looks a lot like mine- tan leather interior, but can't tell the outside color (I'm color blind). Mine is forest green.

Anyways, in my book $500 is way low for anything that doesn't need major work. And if it does need a head gasket or maybe has a broken timing belt- then you are looking at significant dollars in parts and labor- I would guess maybe in the $1200 range, by the time you get the valves replaced, etc..