Hey guys im thinking about buying a 2004 v70r on craigslist. 2004 Volvo V70R M66 (6 speed manual) 170k
It has 170k and im wondering if its a good idea. Hes asking 5k, but a good running one on kbb is worth 4000, so i would have to negotiate with the problems its has. Right now i think it needs new struts and an oil leak from the angle gear. Ill have more info tomorrow when i look at it, but what other things should i look for? Ive had an 02 xc70 at 225k and had two timing belts done and needed a new angle gear and struts were the big things. Ill do all the work myself, but what should i look out for or common problems? Thanks a lot for the help. I really want one and its a 6 speed manual which makes it that much better

 

170K miles is not unreasonably high but as noted you should expect a regular diet of maintenance. Personally I don't find doing struts all that bad - in fact I see it as an opportunity to upgrade the ride and performance. As you noted, timing belts can be $$$ even if you do the work yourself so its best to check the maintenance history. based on age, the car should be on its 3rd timing belt/idlers (10 year/100K mile rule of thumb). The leaking angle gear is more of a concern to me. Is it simply a worn seal or a worn shaft that will eventually lead to a replacement? Finally I wouldn't trust KBB to set your price. The real price is based on the market. Can you find a similar V70R MT on Autotrader etc? If you offer $4000 does the seller take it or wait for somebody else to offer $4500 or $5000? You can always make a low ball offer and wait, providing you are ok walking away or being outbid.

 

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately it was sold a couple days before I was going up on the weekend to pay 4000. I did go up to see it the weekend before and now I really want one. Thanks for the advice that's what I wanted to here. I'm gonna save some money up over the winter and try to find another 6 speed in this condition in the spring.