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Hi Bricksters,
Just looked at a 2000 S70 with 89K. Only distressing item of concern was that the head gasket was replaced about one year and 10K ago by a used car outfit. Car seems to run fine now, about a year later, coolant looks green (only) and needle goes to 9:00 and stays put. Along with the head gasket, the timing belt, tensioner and water pump were also replaced.
Should I pass on this one. Price is pretty good, but I hate being a gambler?
Your thoughts?
Thanks,
Marty Wolfson
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When I buy a used brick, I have my dealer run it through their certified car check. It is way too expensive to repair a Volvo that has problems.
I get a nice two page report - I think that they can tell if an ant farted in the trunk.
I pay 1 hour's labor - add an hour if you want a compression check. Probably a good idea in your case.
I f the car looks good during the test, I usually tell them to put new plugs in and save the old ones. I use them as spares, besides I like to look at them.
An interesting story -
I was buying a used car off this dealer and before our final negotiations, I paid for a certified check.
The next day the salesman called me and offered to pay for half the cost because the service department would not let him look at the results!
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 485,000 miles put on 9 bricks
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Just because replacing the head gasket is a nasty job does not mean the engine is a total loss. Pretty early though, most of these happen after 100K. I bet the previous owner used the cheapest gasoline he could find. You will also find that the PCV system is probably in need of cleaning - depending on what the mechanic did when he replaced the gasket.
If the price is 'good' and the car has the features you want, the electrics all work, it has passed inspection, then you should be good to go. Do not let the number of miles inflate the price! A car seldom 'driven' is worse than a car with a bunch of well maintained miles. The timing belt/tensioner/pump is a plus, you should be good for another 90K miles.
Yes, check the electronic throttle module at the throttle body. It should have a yellow sticker, white is bad. When the ETM fails, yours can be repaired by www.xemodex.com for around $500, stay away from the dealer for that one.
Klaus
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My advice is free, so you got what you paid for...
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Hi Klaus,
Thanks for your help with this. My primary concern is with the headgasket replacement done 10K ago.
With my meager knowledge, I tend to err on the safe side, but it seems you don't necessarily feel I should pass this one up on account of the headgasket replacement. As I said, the engine seems to run properly a year later. All the electrics seem to work, and up until 70k, dealer stamps were in the service booklet.
Thanks again,
Marty
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If it is a local dealer, the current owner can get a printout of all service done on the car. If you wind up buying it, I suggest you do that to show your mechanic. The printout does not show any prices or names, just dates and what was done.
Klaus
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My advice is 2 cents, so you got what you paid for...
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Hi Klaus,
Yup, thanks again for the info. Current owner lives here near Albany, NY. Prior owner lived in Ma before they dumped the car to a used car dealer near Albany who took Humpty Dumpty (prob for a song and dance) and repaired it. As I recall all the dealer stamps were regularly entered into the service booklet including 70K.
I notice your advise is now 2 cents; used to be free. It is still a bargain at any price.
Thanks again,
Marty
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If the price is good enough I'd consider it. Overall the 2000's are pretty good cars, but they do have a few potential problem areas.
First and foremost, make sure the engine is okay.
Is the tranny an auto or a manual? If it is auto I believe they come with a 4sp OD and 5sp OD. As I recall, the 5sp is to be avoided (Klaus or someone else will certainly jump in on this). If it is a manual, then all is well..:) The other possible expensive repair is the electronic throttle. Maybe you can check repairs records for this? If it was done recently that should buy you some time. Don't know the name, but there is an aftermarket source for having these repaired more reasonably.
You might think about having a Volvo specialist check the car out if you are not sure what to look for.
The later 850's and 1998 C/S/V70's are the simplest and probably the most reliable cars built on the P80 chassis.
Good Luck!
Jim
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Thanks Jim,
No the throttle body is original just waiting to fail. Did not look to see whether it was a white or yellow label.
Auto tranny 4 speed.
Inspection by my cranky, eccentric mechanic is next.
Marty
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Why is that any mechanic worth his salt is cranky??
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