Looking to get back into the Volvo family. This board gave me an amazing amount of help with my last one.

I found a '91 V70 Wagon for sale. I checked it out and it was quite clean, on the surface, for its age. It appeared to fit my family's needs exactly. After checking it out and liking it, I took it to a dealer (Seattle Volvo) and paid them to check it out.

It turns out that the repair parts came to about the same price as the original asking price.

I turned it down. I forgot to mention that it was a family member selling it for the owner (details of which I have full faith.


I've read quite a bit about the pitfalls from this year, but I think I can get some concessions. I'd like some opinions.

From memory, the car needed tie-rods, one strut had issues, one CV joint cover was split and leaking oil, break-pedal sensor was dead (cruise control would be dead), oil appeared to be leaking from the tranny where the drive shaft comes out (my translation), and timing belt and other 90k-services that were due.

Oh, and it's throwing the code for the catalytic converter.

They wanted $4500 and the repairs (mostly parts, but some labor) were over $4k.

I asked if they'd take $1500 for it. I haven't had a reply yet and I didn't give a solid offer.

All of this transpired before I checked this site for reviews. Now I'm a'scared.

What would you do?

I can do a lot of the stuff on it, but my time is precious due to other commitments. I'm good with spending the $3k over the purchase price if it'll take care of the majority of the problems.

I should hear tomorrow whether they'll take $1500 and then I need to make my decision. Before I get there I'd like to hear some opinions.

So, thoughts?