Good evening all,

I am posting about a 1986 760 turbo. I initially saw the Volvo on a used Volvo lot back in January. It had about 255,000 miles, a good turbo, and some interior defects, for $1800. I was looking at getting it then to take away some of the miles I drive on my '99 Mazda Miata. I currently drive 20,000 miles a year on it and thats too much for it. Anyway, I missed out on the chance to get it then, but I found it again yesterday for $800 or best offer.

It has 260,000 miles on it, so it wasn't driven much in the time period, but the guy did not do much good for it. Their mechanic says it has an exhaust leak and the right side is damaged. It drives as is, but it is unsightly. The right rear quarter panel is the most damaged, but it did not damage the trunk lid, or the bumper too much, so perhaps it can be replaced easily. What do you think? Or could there be hidden damage?

As far as the leak, I took a look under the hood and noticed that the tin tube above the oil filter (can't recall its proper name) was sheered in two. There was no way air would be flowing between the joints. Do you think this could have caused the poor acceleration and persistent coughing from the motor? I am wondering whether this was the problem and not an exhaust leak.

Other than this, it seemed to be as good as it was when I saw it in January. Its not pretty, and it never will be a good looking Volvo again, but does anyone think that an offer of a few hundred dollars and some time on my part might make this a Volvo worth saving? Its certainly good for parts if it isn't worth saving. Its in Arroyo Grande, CA.

Thanks for your input!

Andy