Hi all. I'm helping the woman buy a car. She wants a convertible and I remember the C70 I rented a number of years ago being great and their used values are spectacular so I suggested that. We are shopping 1999-2002 or so cabs, trying to keep the cost around 5k.

-Does anyone have any links to a proper buyers' guide?
-What specifically should I look for in terms of maintenance?
-Are there any years / models / options to be avoided?

and the big one:
-Are maintenance and repair costs reasonable? I know this is / was a relatively expensive car (she's coming out of a Civic) and doesn't make a ton of money (chef) so keeping it running cheaply is important. I know Volvos run forever--my mom had three of 'em--but I know they can also complain a bit along the way.

Thanks for any advice you might have!!
-Sean

 

I was also looking at S60s as a more practical solution, but they are oddly more expensive for the same model year / mileage.

 

first of all, you better see a physician with the problem you have....priapism. engorged blood vessels spell big trouble. That aside.............stay away from the years of c-70s that you are considering. Very costly autos when 'things' go bad. Window regulators will quit on you and you best be looking at close to one grand simply to replace one. Volvo parts are simply costly and the older volvos simply are not reliable. Mine is an 02 with 45,000 or so miles on it. I only drive it in the winter but the dealer seems to be putting his children through Yale at my expense. I keep the auto simply because I enjoy the styling but realistically it is a poor auto to keep and if it was my only auto, I would not keep it. 'nuff said?

r.