I've found a black 1995 volvo 850 turbo wagon that supposedly has 53,000 origional miles, charcoal leather interior and the asking price is $3,900. I'm still waiting on the guy to send me some more pictures before i pay for a carfax on it but assuming its in overall good condition and the milage is legit would that be a good deal? If you need any more info please let me know.
Thanks,
Scott

 

If the mileage is legit, hasn't been in a major wreck (don't assume that info will be in the carfax..), and isn't otherwise thrashed, then yeah that's a good price IMO.

Re: carfax; might look at AutoCheck too. I used them last time and seemed good.

But like real estate, used car prices/value seem to change dramatically based on location. Prices are high here in Pac NW for decent used volvos because demand is so high. Not sure what it's like there...

 

Sounds like a fair price if the car is very good or better shape.

 

well he sent me the pictures today and it has a couple small door dings and a dent on the front fender but i think a paintless dent repair shop could fix the dent. also the airbag cover on the passenger side is peeling up in the corner. other than that it looks to be in decent condition. I told the guy that i'd take it if he'll come down closer to 3K. So now I'll just sit back and wait.

 

a few more...

 

Have you driven it? Looks pretty good from the pics... though black is not my favorite color; too hot in summertime...

 

haven't driven it yet because its 3 hours away. He said there was a college girl that was coming to look at it this saturday but he also said she really wants a truck. hopefully she doesn't take it and he'll call me back with an offer around 3K like i told him i'd pay. I'm also waiting to see a carfax but i won't pay for one until I know I'm going to make the drive down there.

 

I think you are really trying to low ball him at $3,000. I looked it up on KBB and would think that $4300 would be a reasonable price for that car with that low mileage. From the pictures it looks to be in good shape.

My #1 suggestion would be to find either a Volvo Dealer or Independent Volvo mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection of the car. Then based on what he tells you, you can haggle on the price. Don't lose the car if it's good cause somebody else was willing to pay 2 or 3 hundred more than you. $3900 looks like a very reasonable price if nothing major is wrong.

 

Yea I agree with Jim you would spend almost twice that to get a newer used car that prolly doesn't compare to the wagon.

 

I work this weekend so i'll have to wait and see what happens anyways. Also Nada values the car at a lot less than KBB and edmunds true market value is even lower than the nada. hopefully the other person passes and I can work out a deal on it. I want this car but I don't need it. another thing is he said he thought it had a check engine light so i'll have to see what that is about as well.

 

I actually think the $3k price is reasonable based on what I also see up here in the Pacific Northwest. As I remember, prices in Texas are lower than many other areas.

Now I base this on these observations. Even though it is a turbo it is missing:
roof rack
upgraded interior with wood trim
heated seats
head lamp wipers
premium sound system ( no CD player-obsolence)

Here a Platinum Edition is in the mid $3k with just over 120k miles.

This appears to be a basic turbo model. IMHO.

 

to be honest, i would prefere it without just most of those with the exception of the heated seats and premium sound system. I'm crossing my fingers that this works out though.