Alright, so I found a 1999 White S70 GLT with 71000 miles. Pretty much exactly what I am looking. The options above the standard are leather seats, dual power seats, alloy wheels, automatic and power moon roof. The car was well taken care of mechanically they have the complete service records from the Volvo dealership and an independent they use, they are the 2nd owners. but have the service records from the 1st owner. (Going to check to see if the timing belt was replaced, forgot)

However, the leather on seats is cracking and would need to be reupholstered to get into tip top shape. Also, there are a few stains on the backseat carpet because they have children. Besides those items the car is good shape.

For the price they are asking 7,400 and the car is at this place called the Buggy Bank, they are a facilitator to connect buyers with sellers by hosting their cars at a lot, but you do all negotiating with the private seller. According to edmunds the car is worth ~6,650 in good condition and about ~5,500 in fair condition, if buying from a private seller, add a thousand if from a dealer. So, I'd like to make an offer and a fair one that is not too high or low and would like an opinion or two.

 

I'm in Canada and got a 120kmiles S70 1999 in excelent shape for 3800$ which is near half the local market price.
6500$ might be a good offer depending on them.

 

Asking and taking prices are sometimes far apart. I would start by offering low book and go from there.

 

I agree with JKS2 , I would offer $5800 and see what they counter with. I wouldn't pay more than $6500 though since the seats have accelerated wear. $7400 is dealer book retail which would include some reconditioning and a warranty.

 

Thanks for the replies and more are always welcomed. I think I am going to try and get it somewhere in between 5,500 and 6,500 because mechanically it's in good condition, which is a lot more than I can say for a lot of the other volvo's I've seen. Thanks again.

 

I just did a KBB lookup and got about the same values as you did. I would start at $5,000 and see what happens. I would walk away if they will not take less than $5,800. I'm assuming this is not a GLT or Turbo model? You will be much happier if you find a turbo model, which is my reason for keeping the deal below $5,800.

 

So I got down there to take a look at it, about an hour and half away thus not having looked at it yet and it is a turbo not a base. The price that is agreed upon is 6500 as it is my highest and their lowest. They did take good care of the car and they are going to call me tomorrow to go over what they have put into the car, it does need new tires, but it seems like that may be it. (Will take it in to Volvo dealer before I actually buy though).


Different question, assuming everything is like it seems to be, should I buy it? I just graduated college not sure what to do and I am not looking for something to dump a lot of money into, I am either going to buy this volvo or a preowned certified cobalt.

 

So it's a turbo five speed? I'm assuming that's what STD means in your original post. Is it a T5 or a GLT? If it's a T5 five speed, I would jump on it at $6500. If it's a GLT, I would give it serious consideration.

 

What s70's have std's......[sm=icon_quiet.gif]

 

Turned out to be a GLT not a non-turbo base like advertised, but should I even consider it considering that I am looking for something that is going to be reliable and not totally drain my bank account every 6 months?

 

Nick-

I purchased my 2000 s70GLT <salvaged title-prior flood>with 94,000 miles for $5,500 3 months ago
I made the seller change the timing belt before the sale.
In 3 months the following have occured:
Ineeded anew Rheostat for theElectronic Climate Control.
Ihave an Evap leak which is triggering the CEL but I will live with that for now until my next inspection.
I needed a new thermostat.
Then there are the other "minor personality issues" I would expect anyone to find on most 7 -year old cars with that mileage.

$6,500 doesn't sound that bad but you say it needs tires so there is another $400-500 right there. Hope the comparison helps.

Rick