|
Kdar- If I were you I would try to make my purchase decision based on the overall condition of the car and the price you're paying(not if fluids need to be changed). If your mechanic says the car is fit, get it. The reasons being, I bought my 97 854 T5 last March w/80K mls. My T-Belt was done at 75K mls. I didn't want the seller to do anything for me and I beat him down from his $17K asking price to $14K incl taxes. Aft. you get the car, do the maintan. yourself, so you know from this point on what's going into your car. Most sellers are going to spend the least amount(and use cheapest parts) to make you "happy". With the money hopefully saved, changed your plugs, cap & rotors, (brakes & rotors too in my case), oil & filter(use Mobil 1 synt), flush radiator, flush tranny, tires( if needed; I did) alignment, etc. Then if you get bitten by the performance bug, you might want to upgrade the exhaust, ecu, suspension, air filter, etc.
in my case, i went aft. market/performance in most parts I replaced. In general, I use OEM parts for electrical components for the obvious reaons. IMO, this car is a bit above average to main.( I had an Acura Legend b/4 and maint. was low). If you have a very good mechanic who knows Volvos, get the parts and have him do the labor. At the dealer, everything seems to be about an hour to two to fix, which is total BS. Twice, I watched my car from the time it went in to the time I got it back. technicians take yor car, get the parts, put it on the roof/hood/seat, go to another car, talk with buddies, back to your car. Take 15 mins to replace your parts, talk some more with manager/other tech. Brings you the bill and say 1.5hrs shop time.
I tell my service manager up front, bill me by actual time spent on my car and he bends the rules since I'm a pain in his ass. Moral of story: I happen to have a service dept the works till 12am, so I Always stay at the shop with my car and usually see who's working on my car.
Hope this is helpful and good luck!!
|
