If you counted my other posts, you'd see I've been looking for a cheap Volvo for a month or two. It's for a new teen driver. Side airbags and liability-only insurance are two of the big criteria. Since they fit the criteria and are a pretty nice cars too, I'm excited about the possibility of getting a 1995 and up Volvo. So far 850s and V/S 70s are contenders. I'm on car #5, due to either being slow to act or finding an issue I didn't want to deal with. I'm more apt to take on a mechanical issue if the car is relatively clean, rather than on okay running car that needs body work or has a thrashed interior. On-deck now is a 1997 850 GLT with a "head gasket issue" on a 2.4 turbo (B5254T). 187,000 miles. I'm trying to inspect it today or tomorrow. It's at a shop with a $700 estimate for a head gasket. Owner does not want to put out the money, as he lives in an urban situation and does not need the car. Pics and owner testimony make it appear to be a sweet car aside from the engine. It was advertised for $1000, then $800 ... no takers. Today, $500. I've sourced a couple of sub-100,000 mile complete engines for $900-$1100, delivered. So two questions, really: 1) Since I cannot drive it, any common mechanical flaws on a 187K car that I could do a visual check for? 2) These engines look like an straight-forward R&R. As a reasonably accomplished shade-tree mechanic, could I expect to handle such a job without too much difficulty? If so, and given the sums I mentioned above, would an R&R with an 85,000 or so engine be a wiser investment than repairing the 187K engine? Thanks for the input!

 

I don't know how it would be possible for someone to do a hg job for $700. I did one myself a few months ago and it cost me $850. If it's a head gasket "issue", it should still start and run. Our S70 GLT had a head gasket "issue" for about 2 years (20,000 miles) and the car was still being driven daily. If it will not start and run, it's more than a head gasket issue. Could have damaged the head and block. I never pulled the entire motor and have heard a few complain about it but it can be done. Just make good notes and take your time.

You can likely get the car for $350. Any old car could have lots of other issues, bad tranny, suspension problems, bad AC system, and the list goes on. Look at the 850 Buyers guide in the 850 DIY sticky.

I think you should keep looking and find someone that is willing to lower their price because they really don't need the money.

 

I think for a first time Volvo I'd be looking for one that is driveable so you know you have a working engine and transmission.

If the timing belt is off already there isn't a way to know if the "head gasket" condition is a result of a normal wear failure or if there is more damage to the head.
If you replace the engine then you're still going on the word of the previous owner as to the state of the transmission and any running gear issues.

You kind of have to feel your own way on this one. Could be a good deal if you can do the work or a money pit if you get a used engine in there only to find out you have no reverse ,,, or ???

I think I'd pass but it would make for a good project if the body is worth the effort.

 

I have been driving my mother's old Volvo 1996 850. It had been sitting on and off through the winters. The battery needs to be charged after a few weeks of sitting. It is finally over 85000! Still drives great. I was going to trade it in and was horrified by what Carmax offered! Offended even.

 

You can't trade in a car that is over 10 years. I usually give them away.

 

please, dont hesitate to give me all the cars you have over 10 years old....

 

LOL, I only give them away when I'm done with them. I hope to get a '92 Volvo soon. It's been sitting in a garage for about 4 years. Has about 80k on it.

 

I need to move south! By the time I see a 92 up here there isn't anything left of the bottom of the body from rust out caused by winter salt.

 

if it is actually only the head gasket spend the $$$ and port and polish the head while your at it.

 

I have seen people buy these cars and the motor is locked up. You have to make sure the motor turns.