Hi All,

I am about to make an offer on a 2002 v40 (~115k). I had a buyer's evaluation done by a volvo specialist.

Here's a summary of work that is needed:

• Timing belt/serpentine belt still needs to be changed.
• Misfires under load. spark plugs are worn and ignition coils have hairline cracks. needs new plug wire set.
• Exhaust manifold leaks and is noticeable on cold start up. Needs tightening
• Vacuum pump runs non stop (could be the sensor or something else)
• Front strut cushions are worn
• Fuel filter is original

Here's a summary of things that are in good shape:

• Front brakes (50%) and rear brakes (80%)
• Newer battery
• Tires in very good shape
• Exhaust, steering and drivetrain are good
• No oil leaks
• Cooling system is good
• Breather system at -.1 (Good)

The current owner went with me to the inspection and decided to purchase the plug wire kit and change out the spark plugs and ignition coils. This will save about $150 in labor. I don't want to question his ability to do this correctly (while I know nothing about this process, my understanding is it is relatively straight forward) I want to make sure the spark plug gap is set correctly. Should I ask him if he knows how to do this? He has changed spark plugs before but I just want to make sure this is done correctly.

Because the timing belt has a crack in it and could go at anytime, I am thinking of actually completing the purchase at the mechanic's shop. I want the timing belt to get fixed immediately and I don't want to take the chance of something going awry. The current owner thought it was a non interference engine and the mechanic very nicely clarified that it is indeed an interference engine and that the pistons will run into the valves if the belt breaks. I am concerned the belt may break before I buy it (the family needs the car for another month or so). Do you think I should make my offer contingent upon a second inspection that confirms no damage is done during the next month?

We have not discussed the water pump. Any thoughts on when this might need to get replaced and whether or not this would have been identified by the inspection?

Here are some other things I know about the car:

• The car has been in two small accidents. One was about 8 years ago at the front corner of the car (passenger side). The repair appeared on the carfax and it was noted as a minor repair. The second accident was a fender bender from (they were hit from behind). That repair did not show up on the carfax. The owner does not feel either of these have impacted the functioning of the car and confirmed the air bags did not deploy.
• A few years ago the fuel sensor was replaced. No issues with fuel pump as far as we know.
• Vacuum pump was replaced a few years ago. I'm wondering if it will need to be replaced again or if changing out the sensor may result in it shutting off.

The total repair estimate of the things that we know need to get replaced is about $1900 ($400 of this is to change the spark plug, ignition coils, wire set). If the current owner makes this update and does it correctly, this means the estimated repairs will be $1500 but this does not include the vacuum pump or exhaust manifold tightening. If it turns out it is not the sensor the tells the vacuum pump to turn off then the repair costs will be higher.

The guy wants $6500 for the car and I am thinking of offering $5300. What do you think? I want to be fair and I appreciate the current owner's good faith efforts to try and do some of the work himself. I also want to make sure I reserve some budget to get the car in top running condition so that it has a great beginning to the start of its second lifetime under my ownership.

Thanks for your help and please advise if there are other areas of concern you think I should have on my radar!

 

Two items to have on your radar:
1. The original fuel filter should be changed. A filter that is 9 years old is in need of replacement.
2. Check your shock absobers. 71,000 miles/115,000km is a very long time for the original Sachs shocks on the car. Bilstein touring shocks would be an excellent replacement. Laddie

 

My honest opinion, having JUST bought a V50 (having driven, and having my guy compare them all) - it sounds like this car is not even worth buying. I would look for a better one (Yes, it does take time - it took me a LOT of research to find just four, in my area) - but boy, it made all the difference.
It has obviously not been well maintained, and I've been taught that this is just bad news waiting for you with these cars.