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i was driving through a town i regularly visit, and saw a '99 S70 sedan, automatic, non-turbo, Blue with +/- 80,000 miles for $6,200.00. here's what i noticed:
the paint is in excellent shape...no scratches, dings, etc.
interior is nice: no rips, tan patterned fabric seats with faux leather accents, trunk is clean, interior is clean, etc. steel wheels (good for winter) and hubbies. overall the car's in real nice shape.
here's the question: what do i look at to make sure i am buying a "proper" car? it seems really cheap for what it is. where do i look for potential problems?
i am currently driving a 94 940 non turbo....love it silly. aside fromthe RWD/FWD conflict and newer technology, and there any quirks with this thing? the fact that it is GM influenced (please correct me if i am wrong) kind of scares me a little.
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Buy a '98...I love my '99 but have sunk a lot of $$$$$$$ into it.
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well, i think its gone. the guy called me up to say that he was supposed to have the deal go down witht he probable future owner on tuesday, so i had to cancell my mechanic's visit
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Thank you all for you help in answering my volvo questions, now here's what i'm going to do.
the car is advertised as being covered under volvo warranty until 100K, and i'm going to have to ask for proof from the current owner.
the car is also advertised as being dealer maintained, which i'm actually not too crazy about (i just do not trust the dealers, but its better that having records from some obscure place that can be out of business tomorrow), but at least there should be records should anything become an issue. I am going to contact my mechanic (saab/volvo specialist..trust him highly) if he can take a look at it, or if i can take it to him to be inspected for problems.
if all works out ok, then i'll buy it. if there are issues, i'll try to talk the owner down accordingly, ir just forget about it.
the thought of a nice S70 is good, though. :)
R
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KBB says $6,685 as a private party value of a '99 base S70A in my zip code. The trade-in is even less, less than $5k, in fact.
Possible problems? AC ($$$$)... ABS module ($$$) ... ETM module ($$$)... etc etc
I'd get it checked out, and I'd also look for a well-documented service history.
Could be a bargain of a dream car...
Or possibly a nightmare. No way to know which without a thorough examination. And a crystal ball.
-BTC
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thanks for the input...i'm going to look up prices for these things to make sure i am prepared to replace all three at the same time if i do purchase the car, and the gods frown upon me.
i guess the a/c being shot means that it would not work.
What about the ABS module...what are symptoms of it being faulty?
and the ETM module...what are symptoms of that being faulty?
I did forget to mention that the car is covered by volvo warranty until 100,000 miles....so it said on the window sticker.
thanks for all your help.
9
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First of all, even though the owner says that the car has 100K warranty, check to make sure that they really do. It would be a shame to buy it, something go wrong and then be told, "well, we thought it did."
Volvo warranty does not typically cover the Electronic Throttle Module (ETM). It's symptoms are uneven idle...the car hunting for gears, and finally nothing, or very little power when you push the gas. In it's final stage a code will be set and a error light will light up on the dash but this could happen ubruptly and without warning. All '99-'01 will develop this problem sooner or later, usually after 40-50K miles. Ask if it has been changed in the life of it's car. The original sticker on the ETM is white. A replacement will have a yellow sticker. The replacement of it could be $1000-$1200.
In regards to the ABS, I believe that is covered under warranty (but you should check). If it is bad, the ABS light will show up on the dash...but make sure the fuse has not been removed to keep the light from coming on. A broken ABS system could be one of several things from a sensor out (minor repair) to something major and costly. I don't believe the AC is covered past 50K, even on a 100K warranty, but I may be wrong. AC problems are the same as earlier 850's...the Evaperator...when this goes the entire dash has to be torn down and taken out for replacement...also about a grand to fix. Even if the AC is blowing cold air, that doesn't mean it is functioning correctly, it is possible for it to have a slow leak from the Evap., and the owner just charged it with more gas (R-134A). Turn it on full blast, open both front door while engine is running and listen for a constant "click...click" of the compressor switching on and off...without the car moving, there will be some of this, but the intervals of the clicking shouldn't be every few seconds. If the intervals are short, then be suspicious.
Just be cautious and ask to see records and if you can, get it to a mechanic you trust and who knows Volvo's to take a look before buying.
Other issues to look for:
Oil Trap clogged....which can lead to the next issue-->
Rear Main Seal...oil leaking at the rear (cab side) of the engine (common issue, and an expensive fix)
Replaced Timing Belt? A '99 should have had replacement at 80K, if I remember right...if it breaks, you're talking a $4000 repair of the engine. Not expensive to replace..when you do this, the water pump should also be done...and belt tensioner and pullies also checked...if they are good...change at next TB change
Shot shocks/struts...bounce the car a few times to see how they respond...to change all of these is rather expensive too.
Finally, (things that are annoying but not so expensive) torn CV boots, bad bushings in the A-arms- or ball joints, burnt smelling transmission fluid (also inexpensive to flush and fill...should be done at 60K, regularly...but if not done and ignored, an expensive tranny repair or replacement), musty smell in the car...could be AC trouble (above)or needs a new cabin filter, and dirty dirty oil...could be a bad sign. Also check the coolant...the tank resevoir shold have green colored fluid that is not discolored to the point that it's dark or black...black could indicate broken seals in the engine and oil spilling over.
Good luck
--
Current owner of a '04 V70 2.5T. Previous owner of a '94 850 Turbo Wagon
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thank you very much for the great and detailed information. like any annoying novice, as i am to S70's, i STILL have more questions.
where is the location of the ETM so i can see the sticker?
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posted by
someone claiming to be Kenny B
on
Sun Mar 27 21:37 CST 2005 [ RELATED]
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With any used car good idea to take the VIN off the car and go to www.carfax.com and get a history report. Costs $25 for unlimited reports for 30 days.
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i tried going there to take it off the car after hours so as not to show too much interest, and i could not find it!
it was not in the usual location on the dash...
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If it's not on the dash in front of the driver's side up close to the windshield, you can also find it on the data plate under the hood, but for it not to be where it's suppose to be is not good at all....this would raise suspicion from me and I would be asking a lot of questions.
Carfax is decent but it won't give you everything...usually only when the car changes hands (title change), is registered for some reason or passes/failes emissions testing and when there is an accident report. Many things can still happen to a car that doesn't get reported to Carfax. Best medicine is to check things out yourself if you know what to look for or get a mechanice who is knowledgable to do it.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon
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Ask away, if I can't help you some others here can.
I just bought a S70 T5 ('98) this past weekend so I went through all of this myself before buying the car. All and all I think I got a good car with up to date service, but still, like one person mentioned, you have to keep your fingers crossed on Volvos...
BTW, I've updated my signature to include my S70, and when I go and look at it, it's present, but when I post something it's not updates...anyone know what's going on?
--
Current owner of a '04 V70 2.5T. Previous owner of a '94 850 Turbo Wagon
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