Hello, I have came across a 1995 Volvo 850 Wagon. The man selling it is a Friend of a good friend, who owns his own garage. The exterior is okay got some scratches and dings but i don't care considering its a 95 leather is good shape got cracks, normal wear and tear for 18 year old car. It is a stick shift with 100k it needs timing belt and has 2 bad tires yet he said before he sells he will:
Put it new timing belt
2 new tires
oil change

He is selling for $2,000 the things listed above are included in that price.

So what i am asking is:
Is it worth it ?
Is it a good car ?
Anything i should look for ?
How many miles can it get with regular maintenance ?
That years Cons ? etc... What are somethings i need to know before i buy it?

 

Pictures would really help people give there opinion and better asses the vehicle.

As far as mileage goes, that's pretty low, specially for a 5 speed. Do you know for sure the odometer has always worked during the life of the car and never had to been replaced? At the current mileage in excellent condition kbb puts it 3100. And thats the base model, Does the one your looking it have GLT under the 850?

Most 850's have had the odometer gear replaced, and most people don't replace them right away, therefore the odometer doesn't show the actual mileage. Take it to the dealer and have them pull the actual mileage. You could even have the over look the car and give you an estimate on a TB job.

I would tell him not to worry about the tires and if he would knock 150 off his price. Tires for these Volvo's aren't as cheap as your Toyota's and honda's. So he might go buy the cheapest ones he can get. I try to avoid cheap tires and always get michilen, properly rotated and balanced will go as long as they are rated for. Front tires are the most important on a front wheel drive car.

If you do a Timing belt job and keep up with regular maintenance going to 300 to 400k wont be an issue.

Main common problem is PCV system gets clogged, Easy fix and about 150 in parts. Specially if car has been sitting for extended periods of time.

Best bet take it to the dealer or your mechanic and pay 50 or 100 bucks and have it looked over.

Hope this helps.

 

You do NOT need the dealer to get the mileage on cars built between '93 - '95.




Personally, I would only purchase a turbo model. They are a lot more fun to drive.

 

Also, you don't want him to ONLY replace the belt. At that age it will need new rollers and water pump unless you have written proof that the water pump has already been replaced.

 

2K seems high for a NA but the mileage is really low IF it's correct. Sometimes low mileage can be as bad as high mileage if it's been garaged and forgotten for a few years at a time.