Great forum. Thanks.

I'm currently looking at a 2004 V70 2.5T with only 44k miles. I drove it yesterday, and overall it was okay...a bit of vibration but not too bad.

The car has basically been sitting since October. I'm planning on taking it to a mechanic, but any suggestions/warnings would be appreciated. This would be my first Volvo.

cheers...matt

 

Hello, Why was the car sitting for 8 months? "a bit of vibration" could be as simple as an unbalanced wheel or even unmatched tire pressure. A crooked wheel could be the cause. Check the lower control arms for damage. FWD or AWD? Check the trans fluid for quality. Watch the gauges for erratic action. How much are they asking? Take it for a long test drive. There are too many stories of a CEL coming on during the "125 mile trip home". Kira

 

Kira, thanks for the response. I know that one of the results of a sitting car can be "square tires," and I wouldn't be surprised if the vibration was caused by the tires.

It's FWD.

It sat for 8 months because after the man's accident, they just weren't in a position to sell the vehicle (it was they're second vehicle to begin with). They're son is actually selling it for them.

They are asking $13k, but I'd offer closer to 11k depending on how the inspection goes. I figure it needs new tires and probably a couple other things. Car also needs a pretty good detail job.

 

44k seems excellent, a competent mechanic should be able to find any problems. Service history is a must if available (more so than with other makes). The tires very well may have flat spotted due to sitting, but once warm this should go away. Good luck and Happy Volvoing!

 

Thanks Volvo rock!

Can I ask why you say records are important "more so than with other makes?" what's special about the '04?

I'm also considering an '02 with 50k.

'02 vs '04, who wins?

 

'04 wins. '02s have a weak tranny, so your best bet is the '04.

Maintenance records are important, because the 5cyl white engines are prone to sludge and PCV clogging if regular oil changes were not done on a regular basis.

The volvo rec 7500 miles interval with dino oil is not good enough for these engines.

3500 miles interval with dino or 6-7k miles with synthetic is just right.

 

Thanks jda! Good info.

 

JDA is correct, I would buy a Chevy/ford/Dodge and not worry about history, but with Volvo they are a little more finicky than most, ie good service equals happy car and owner and neglect equals empty bank account. Our 02 is rock solid at 117k, original trans, etc, however the 03s plus seem to fair better in the long run.

 

I would say check the catalytic converter. I have an 04 and it started giving a bit of a vibration upon acceleration. It turned out to be the cat, but it was covered under the powertrain warranty, so I didn't have to pay for it. Other than that, I have had no problems and love the car.

 

OK! Just got it back from the pre-purchase inspection done by an indepents euro mechanic.

Nothing too bad:

Cracked upper eng mount ($218)
Battery (from sitting for months)
Power steering resevoir ($275) - Sounds like this is a common "leak"?
Coolan flush ($143)
Front brakes ($560) + brake flush ($130)
Fuel filter ($150)
Spark plugs ($300)
TIMING BELT ($600)

Most of the items are just to bring it up do ideal condition, besides the eng mount. My question is for the timing belt. 44k miles, but 7 years old. Good idea?

Any other feedback is appreciated. Some of these (along with others I didn't list), I would probably do myself or do at a non-specialty shop.

Thanks!

 

I think you need to find yourself another indie shop. A new upper engine mount is about $65, PS reservoir about $50, 5 spark plugs about $40, fuel filter $30, etc.

Whats the hourly rate $150/hr. Get the car and run away from this guy

 

Yeah, poking around online and calling a couple other shops has already dropped the price on most of those significantly. Outside of the timing belt, i feel pretty comfortable doing most myself. I've never replaced an engine mount, but it doesn't look too complicated.

 

Hello, Food for thought
Cracked Mount: My rubber insert was $16 at a Volvo dealership. What's cracked in yours?
P/S reservoir: So totally a junkyard part.
Coolant Flush: $79.99 at a gas station near you.
Fuel filter: The E-Z disconnects make this a must DIY.
Front brakes and flush: $690; your guy ain't bashful, that's for sure.
Spark Plugs: C'mon, they're cheap online. Remember to use a little Anti-Seize on 'em.
Timing Belt: The only fair price if the water pump is included. Don't assume the rollers are.
If you're near No. New Jersey, I'll do it for you. You'd have money for food left over. Kira

 

Thanks! Yes, it is just the rubber insert of the mount that's cracked.

I'm going to buy it today. Getting it at the "fair" KBB value, which I believe is a good deal for both parties.

I'm sure I'll be back here soon. Thanks again to all that provided input. It was more valuable than anything else I've looked at or been told!

Matt