Hi everyone,

First time poster, I live in Durban, South Africa. I'm looking at buying a 2002 Volvo C70.

http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/c...00915185705262 (if you don't see any text, disable AdBlock Plus)

It's R80,000ZAR which works out to just under 9,000USD which seems to be quite below the book value.

It's got quite high milage (132 000 km/82 020 miles). What sort of issues should I look out for, thinking about its service intervals, what big replacements/services am I looking at the next check in?

Thanks

 

Bad timing belts. The owners won't do the service and run the car forever on the original belt. If you don't know when it was replaced, it's likely to be pretty old. Expensive repair. Also, the window motors (regulators) go bad, at about $800 USD each for just the part! We all need to find an alternate for this, it's ridiculous. I don't use mine much, just to preserve them!

Poor fuel economy, jiggly front end, poor turning radius, weak seat leather, short-lived power antennas.

 

+1 on the timing belt and suspension items
Volvo OEM regulators run ~450 with aftermarket models ~160. If the plastic rollers break on the regulator there is a nice write up on Volvospeed as to its repair with metal garage door rollers. Buy the car if you want, but drive the car first before you pull the trigger. I like mine, but parts on it wear out faster than other car brands. Good luck.

 

I'm also looking to buy a C70, a '99 Convertible.....

How sturdy is the cloth top? I don't have a garage, only a gated carport, it'll protect the top from rain and sun when parked.....and in Southern California I don't worry about snow and ice....
...but there are rainy seasons here were it pours pretty bad and I'd be out driving it....

Someone wanna ease my concern?

Thanks!

 

You are considering purchasing a vehicle that is ten years old!!! For god's sake man the top is worn already! The auto is practically worn out! I have an old 02 c70 with appx 40,000 miles on it and I would never dare drive it across country. In short a ten year old auto is on borrowed time.

r.

 

10 years old and worn out? Wow?
I have a '99 C70 rag top with 'only' 190,000 kms. I drive it in the winter, Ontario, Canada (not as bad as Minnesota, but close). I have the top up and down as often as it isn't raining or snowing , and it is in really good shape yet (three small wear marks - not tears near front center).
I don't take through any kind of car wash and only use 'baby' soap to clean.
Just my 2 cents (canadian)

rexhall34