I was approached by a private seller for the following:

2001 VOLVO V70 AWD CROSS COUNTRY
STATION WAGON
2.4L L5 FI 20V
ALL WHEEL DRIVE

Has 150K and is in what consider to be very clean condition. I have never purchased a Volvo before - I am personally a VW guy myself, but my wife really likes this vehicle and personally feel that it is a very nice ride.

I ran a CARFAX and see no issues - he gave me the number to his mechanic and also said that all scheduled maintenance has been completed. I test drove it and it seems to be fine...

He is asking 7,000.00 for it. Should I buy or bargain?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

Hello, I could just say "Do a search on ETMs, early AWD systems (aka bevel gear), 5 speed transmissions 2001 and 2002.", but that would be rude.
The early ETMs were of a design which failed. A contact strip wore out. There's a service campaign to effect a temporary remedy. It relocated the wear zone on the strip. It was free and may still be offered by Volvo. There is an aftermarket remedy available from a Canadian company for ~$500.
If the bevel gear isn't growling it would still need to be flushed. If it growls the rebuild is involved but doable by a good shop. A new one is psyco-expensive, I've read. A used one is a big gamble.
The early AW 5 speed auto is what should kill this deal. There you can do a search. Appx. half of them go bad, maybe more. Rebuilds cost ~$3,500. Go for an earlier 4 speed in good shape and avoid AWD while you're at it.
Spend some time on these boards and you'll see what I mean.
Too many dice to throw on this car. You can swing the ETM rebuild. You can disconnect the center driveshaft if the bevel gear goes out. Nobody in God's world wants to risk a $3,500 rebuild. Also, at 150K, 7 large seems a bit high. Remember, car buying takes effort. Kira ps I hope I was in time. K

 

Georgeandkira,

I can say this... even with the stories I hear. I talked with the owner who is the second owner of the vehicle. He gave me his mechanics number and I called and verified the following:

• AWD was replaced/rebuilt
• Full tuneup was done one the car at the same time

I talked it down to 6K even with all the stuff that was done. Still a fair buy?

Thanks for the info... I may be hard headed. My wife loves the car!

 

Listen to Georgeandkira, he is trying to save you a lot of grief!!

If it were me, i would look long and hard for a '98 w/low mls and good condition; they're hard to find but they're out there...

 

Should be your first RED FLAG.

It may be a great car but how much are you willing to spend to maintain it? Price accordingly.

I don't think I'd go over 5 for a car w/150K on it.

 

Hello, ..was away a few days; just caught up on the thread. I'm going to stick by my " The early AW 5 speed auto is what should kill this deal." line of thought. At 150K there'll be plenty to do on any car. Shocks/struts, front end hardware, exhaust, brakes, even a heater core. All these things are maintenance items. You'll be paying to keep ANY $6,000/150K car on the road. I'd eliminate the $3,500 to $4,000 wild card {the early AW 5 speed} by finding either a 1998 or earlier {no ETM, 4 speed equipt} or pre 2001 {no AW 5 speed}. Remember, a bad ETM is now easily addressable with the forementioned Canadian rebuild. 4 large for a transmission would sting like a son-of-a-perch. My 1999 was a great car. There was a local guy selling his 1999 and I urged my friend's daughter to look at it. A 1998, or earlier, will give you more DIY and aftermarket options. You don't have to be one of those people who say "Da old one's didn't have no comPEWdas". But since one eye's on money (what else is new?) do the shopping work and find the V70 or 850 wagon which fits YOUR situation. There's more to this decision than, "My wife loves the car!", sorry to say. Kira ps---->OR save your pennies and buy a 2003 or later. She'll really love that car! K.