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Trying one more time. Was: First time buyer needs help. ...[740-760/88] posted by Michael Robb on
Thursday, 13 August 1998, at 6:41 p.m.
I posted a message a week ago asking for help with purchasing a 1993 245. Well, although the dealer had a decent price on the car, $8,900 with 82,000 miles, he was, shall we say, SLIMEY. But that is another story.
Since we had the car over a weekend both my wife and I really like the idea of a owning a Volvo station wagan.
We have found a 1988 760 Turbo wagon that is loaded. Has 90,000 miles. The dealer, this time a Volvo dealer, is asking $8,500. Retail is $10k and trade in is $6,500k according to Kelly Blue Book. So it sounds like the 760 is in the right neighborhood. My problem is the car is about 2 1/2 hours away. I would like to go down see the car and close the deal the same day.
My problem is. ...
Because of all the help from the list I am now an expert on 240s but know very little on the 760 model series.
The earliest photo and specs of a 760 that I've found is 1990. Was there much change in body style or equipment between those two years? What things do you need to worry about in a 760 turbo?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Michael
If anyone is interested in the 245 let me know and I'll send you the number of the dealer. (Not responsible for any slime getting on you or your clothing.)
Re: Trying one more time. Was: First time buyer needs help. ...[740-760/88] posted by John on
Thursday, 13 August 1998, at 7:32 p.m.
Michael
You can find alot of info looking thru the archives here on 700 series. I have a 1987 740 turbo wagon with 175,000 kilometres on it, still going strong. Check the service records carefully, find out when the timing belt was last replaced as these have to be done every 80,000 kilometres, also oil changes should be regular to keep turbo in good health. (I change oil and filter every 5000 kilometres just to be safe)
Some of the early 700 series had alot of wiring loom problems as insulation broke down, very expensive to fix. I think by 1988 this problem may have been fixed.
In Australia the wagon version holds its value better than sedan, don't know if this applies to your market. Also wagon does not have the complication of self leveling suspension that the sedan has.
Good luck with your purchase, let us know how you get on.
JohnR
Re: Trying one more time. Was: First time buyer needs help. ...[740-760/88] posted by Stephen Ringlee on
Thursday, 13 August 1998, at 7:52 p.m.
For details on the changes made during the various model years, look at the www.swedishbricks.com site and locate the 700/900 FAQ list. For maintenance information and problem-prone areas on high-mileage 7xx cars, look at the 7xx/9xx Maintenance FAQ (same site). 1988 and later model years have not experienced the wiring breakdowns of earlier cars. The 760 engine needs more TLC than the basic B230F, especially in timing belt and regular oil changes. Try to negotiate a short warranty (say, 30 days) on engine and powertrain from the dealer. A 2-1/2 drive is worth it if you find a decent machine; just don't let him know you came that far or your negotiating leverage will decline.
Re: Trying one more time. Was: First time buyer needs help. ...[740-760/88] posted by Brad on
Friday, 14 August 1998, at 8:11 a.m.
Not sure what part of the country you are in, but even if the car is in excellent condition the dealer is asking $1,000 to $1,500 too much for the car. Overall, 760's are pretty reliable (wiring harness problems aside), just check the service records. I love my '87 Turbo (with the exception of the climate system, which has horrible controls, I think the next year they changed them). Good luck.
Re: Trying one more time. Was: First time buyer needs help. ...[740-760/88] posted by Eric D. on
Saturday, 15 August 1998, at 7:19 a.m.
Michael,
1988 was the year the 760 received a new, smoother front end (flush headlamps, integrated fogs, new air dam, etc), as well as a new and improved 3-dial climate control system. The Multilink independent rear suspension was introduced on the sedans but not on the wagons (which retained the live axle).
All 760s were equipped with the Nivomat self-leveling rear shocks, which are effective and fairly long lasting, but are very expensive to replace when they fail. 760 wagons and pre-1988 sedans with the rear live axle can have standard shocks substituted for the Nivomats as long as the replacement also includes standard springs.
Appearance and equipment-wise the 760s didn't change much from 1988 to 1990. The 1990 760 Turbo had a slightly more powerful version of the B230FT engine (162 vs. 160 hp and higher torque), otherwise it's essentially the same car.
The 760 has every luxury bell and whistle on it, so be sure to test everything. Depending on condition the power seats can be a real nuisance, especially when the switches begin to fail.
Otherwise, the 760 Turbos are very comfortable, quiet, and surprisingly quick cars. And as long as the previous owner changed the oil regularly and had maintenance performed at the proper intervals, it should be a trouble-free car.
Good luck!
Regards,
Eric D.
Re: Trying one more time. Was: First time buyer needs help. ...[740-760/88] posted by Dan NeMoyer on
Monday, 17 August 1998, at 7:42 a.m.
I recently purchased a my first Volvo, a 1987 760 Turbo Wagon. My car had about 180,000 miles on it when I purchased it. However, the car came with a thick folder of dealer service records and visual inspection shows the car was well taken care of.
As other postings have noted, one of my power seat switches is not working properly, the climate control is mediocre [it was changed for 88], and one of my Nivomat shocks is stating to show signs of fatigue. I feel these are all pretty minor problems, some of which I am already adressing.
On the plus side, even with all that milage, my car is tight and rattle free. It does'nt burn or leak any oil. When I change the oil it still looks very clean. Parts availability and valuable assistance are right here at your keyboard.
Finally, I suspect the dealer has a LOT of wiggle room on the price of that car.
Re: Trying one more time. Was: First time buyer needs help. ...[740-760/88] posted by Michael Mahler on
Monday, 17 August 1998, at 10:21 a.m.
FWIW, I got an '89 740 IC Turbo Wagon w/124k for $4k. Great condition too.
8500 for an '88 760- it would have to be one heck of a gem.