Am looking at a 2003 XC70 to purchase, looks good, but the SRS light is always on. Owner says no known accidents. Dealer says possible bad impact sensor, possible other things, including something with the sunroof(!!!) could cause it. According to dealer, everything, except software update, is about $500.

If everything else checks out, is the SRS light an expensive problem, or could it point at something serious being wrong?

Here is the link to the car: http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/5627427007.html

With the car, as advertised, and assuming a clean CarFAX, does it look good to any of you? Of course I'd offer less than the asking price.

Thanks
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1955 Human, Scott; 1991 745 Turbo, Thunderbolt; 1994 940, Straxx

Why not have a dealer check the car out? Mine will do a certified car check for one hour's labor. Another hour for a compression check.

The test may reveal the SRS problem - OR other issues. It also might give you some advantage if the car needed a repair soon after purchase.

This is cheap insurance (compared to Volvo repairs) and can tell you a lot about the car for bargaining power.

You might obtain or pay for a loaner as an incentive for the seller.

As Klaus advises, check the tranny for "flare shift". I speak from personal experience with our `03 XC70.
Rich

Dealer is correct, unless the code is read you will not know what is wrong. Did the owner disconnect the seat with the battery connected? Is it the seatbelt switch?

I would pay close attention to the AC, one of the temp dials is at max cold... Move both dials to 74-76F and see how the AC reacts from side to side.

When was the timing belt done????? Should have been at 105K.

What about the tranny? Does it flare shift from 2-3? If it does, may need a new one.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new