Its a good looking car. And drives strong. Its got 66k on it and carfax is clean. The dealer said it was a trade in from an old ma and pop. Who really knows. Its in good shape. They are asking $5,000. Its got a broken cup holder and a little oil on the trunk mat. The paint has a few nicks and dimples in the doors. Not more then a dime. Is it worth it? Its an automatic way the by. Any feed back? What should I look for? I test drove it. Everything worked. Any help would be great. Thanks!!!

 

Greetings,

Many members would say it is too pricey, but the mileage is low. Also, yellow 850s seem rare and hold more value than other colours, though I can't imagine old ma & pop driving a yellow 850[8D].

Don't rush to spend $5,000. As to what to look for, the first thing I would look for is maintenance record. And make sure the timing belt has been replaced; even though it has a low mileage, the belt should be replaced at every 5 years or so. If the belt breaks while the engine is running, that's it.

Also, test drive it if possible and look for fluid leaks in the engine compartment & bottom of the car. I would also check how much treads are left on the tyres.

Some hints may be found at:

https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

I'll let others provide you with better opinions as to the value of the car.


JPN

 

What model and year is it? I would not spend $5,000 on a non-turbo model and would be reluctant to spend that much on a 93-94, but a 96 or 97Turbo, I might go that high. An R or T5R with that low of mileage would be as steal. If you want to be sure of the model look at the 6th and 7th position of the VIN:

55 =NA non-turbo. -$5,000 is too much
56= GLT which had alow pressure turbo in the 97 model only. -$5,000 too much unless it's a 97
57 = Turbo or T5 in 96 - 97. $5,000 OK if in good shape and has a goo maintenance history.
58 = T5R IN 95 or R in 96-97 - BUY IT.

Hope this helps.

 

It is a turbo model. Its dark green. And the car fax shows it has had all the regular tune ups and lubes. I plan on putting a little money into it. So, maybe Ill replace the timing belt if it looks worn at all. It looked like someone spilled antifreeze under the hood. Little droplets were on parts of the car. KBB on the car was 8200. The leather on the inside is in really good shape. Thanks guys! I gotta go to work and then go see about this car. Sticker price is $5,000. I think I can talk him down to $4,500. I think thats a fair price.

 

I guess I should have looked at your subject a little better instead of just reading what you said.. Good luck!

 

Well, I checked it all out. What I thought was anti freeze was just uv reactive fluid. Apparently. Hah. Anyhoot. I noticed the stero wouldent turn on. It just read "OFF" Not even a speaker pop. Whats that mean? Everything else is perfect. But... The stero. Is it an anti-theft device? Also... Is it hard to replace the cup holder that slides out? Thanks.

 

The stereo is locked, but reading the followingthread would unlock it:

https://volvoforums.com/m_65899/tm.htm

I don't think it is difficult to replace the cup holder, if you can find a replacement parts. You may need some Torx tools though, as many modern cars seem to like to use Torx for whatever the reason.

If you plan to keep the car for more than a year or two, I suggest that you buy a Haynes service manual (about $15-$18) and would also order owner's manual if the car doesn't have one.


JPN

 

Is the code assigned or picked by the owner? The owners manuel is in the glove box. It may be there. the guy at the dealership said I would have to get a new one. Hahahahha, I knew you could just do something to get it going again. He dropped the price to 4750. Ill take it.

 

Hi Jollygood,

I'm sorry that my reply was incomplete.

The 4-digit code is assigned to each stereo, and is usually kept somewhere in the glove box (inside the owner's manual, etc). Mine actually had it right on the stereo itself.

If you cannot find it in the car, visit the local dealer and give them the VIN of your car so they can find it for you.

It is good that you had $250 discount. Now, I would expect some maintenance (tune-up, etc) soon in the future so I would put the savings aside. I don't mean to scare you, but many people (85% or more IMO) do not follow scheduled maintenance and do not visit shops except for oil or tyre-related servicing, until something major breaks down.

Luckily, your car has low mileage, so I believe the suspension components still have some time left until they need replacement (except for rubber bushings, that go bad after about 5-6 years). Make darn sure that the timing belt has been replaced recently and if not, have it replaced asap at Volvo dealer or a shop that specialises in Swedish/European makes. Timing belt replacement is not a cheap service, but if it breaks when the engine is running, that's it for the engine.

I hope this helps.


JPN

 

Thanks a lot! Thats so awesome. Ive never even so much as been in a Volvo and I just got one. I test drove it. But, thats the first time even inside one. They are wonderful. Haha. No more beater for me.

 

CONGRATULATIONS!