Hello -I recently purchased a 1998 SV70 (non turbo) through a private sale. The car has only 105K, and was with its second owner. Although I was only able to take it for a short test drive (no current tags), I felt that everything seemed pretty decent on it. Started without issue, idle smoothly, brakes seemed good, looked dry top and bottom. I checked where the car had been parked and didn't see any leaks. Fluids all seemed good. The seller advised (in ad ) the AC was not working. They said they looked at it last Sept but couldn't find leak, and it didn't hold the cool air. They wanted 2600, I offered 2300,they counted with 2400 and I accepted. I picked up the car (new tags) and drive it to work then to home (about 38 Miles). Car ran great. I parked it at my house that evening. The next day (Saturday) I went out to take the car to the gas station and noticed that it was dripping fluid underneath. A good amount (3 spots all within a inch of each other. If you’re standing in front of the car looking at the front windshield, the leak is about 20 inches or so back from the front of the car, slightly to the right (towards driver side). Not sure if it's tranny or oil. Seems to leak more when driving longer. This unknown leaks, coupled with potentially costly AC repair, onto that I had to pay 300.00 for new brakes just to pass inspection, made me weary.

I know that I bought the car "as is" and I really have no legal recourse to get my money back. Out of frustration , I asked the guy if he would take it back for $2100K saying I was willing to eat the $600. I felt that if I decided to keep the car, I could be in apposition where I would adding a lot of $$ for AC and leak issue. I would not be able to sell without fixing leak, and would need to take less because of AC. Chances are I would end up paying a hell of lot more than $600, and still not have a reliable car. I appreciate your feedback. The seller stated he would take it back for $2100, even though he is not required to, Question, should I bail out now and get 2100 back, or should take the risk and figure out what I will need to invest. I’m sure many of you have go through this situation, with perhaps same problems. ThanksRJB44

 

Here's my advice: Take it to a Certified Volvo mechanic and pay to have an inpsection done. Should have done this before you bought it, but hindisight is alway 20/20. If you are willing to lose $600, spend another $80 and know for sure whether or not you should keep the car. There is no way for somebody on this board to tell what you should do without knowing more about the car. After the inspection post the results and then we can probably give you advise. Good luck.