I like the color of this car (Saffron), but he mentions an issue with the drive shaft bearing and an issue with the door locks. The door lock I assume would be wiring in the door accordion or something like that? What would this cost to fix in people's estimation? Obviously the drive shaft bearing is the more costly repair. Can anyone give me a ballpark price to fix that?

I also get a strange feeling from someone who refuses to post pictures, but maybe they are just odd.

Here is the ad- 1998 Volvo V70R awd with 170k, smogged/reg, beautiful

Thanks!

 

Any thoughts/feedback before I contact him?

 

Work sounds about right for the mileage. Our S70 has about the same and I've done a lot of that stuff.

The shaft can be removed for next to nothing. The door latches can be fixed with a very short copper wire.

 

So what do you think a fair value for a car in this condition? $4,000?

 

I really am a bad person to ask that because I think to much of that car. If the seats are in good shape it is likely worth more than what is being asked if it passes my 5 point inspection.

When I set out to look for a R wagon, I only wanted a '95 or that saffron '98 V70 R. The fact that the shaft is still on it makes it more appealing to me. Grant it, the S/V70 is a high maintenance car but having new tires and several of the other repairs done is worth some $$$. Shoot the guy a written offer stating that you need pics and that you'll sent a $250 deposit within 24 hours. Then write that the offer is subject to you having it inspected within 72 hours. After it's inspected, if it passes you pay more of the money untill you pick it up within 14 days. Before any money leaves your hands you need to see a picture of the title and a lot of high quality pictures.

 

Two things to add to my pre-purchase video concerns is to check for coolant issues in regards to a bad head gasket and the broken dash issue that these cars have. If the dash has broken mount tabs and it is making a lot of noise while driving you will have to get that fixed. My daughter dash was making so much noise that there was no way I could have driven the car in that condition. It is a big job to fix, 5+ hours.