I have finally decided to get a Volvo instead of a Saab!

I am not in a rush to buy but have recently found two cars in my price range.

1) 95 Turbo wagon, salvage title due to engine problem, replaced engine has 80,000 miles. New belts, battery and tune up--mechanically great. Small dent on side. Near future may need new brakes (forgot if just pads or also rotors). Ripped passenger seat, crack in dash (hot climate here), steering wheel cover missing (the center piece). Asking $3200.

2) 94 T-5 one owner 169000. Good condition. Asking $3500

Any tips on which to buy?

Thanks. Any advice appreciated.

Saskia

I would almost always go with the car that has more complete records. 169K is not a lot for an 850, and if it's been well maintained that's good for a lot more longevity. The 95 sounds like it has too many question marks, while the 94 is more of a known quantity.

Has the 94 had synthetic lubricants since new? That can make a big difference in the lifespan of the turbo.

Saskia--you don't say how many miles on that one with the replaced engine at 80K. They replaced the engine with 80K on the car, or the replaced engine now has 80K on it? How many miles total on the car, replaced engine by the side? Turbo also replaced? More importantly, you don't just wind up with a salvage title because someone toasted the engine. Somebody hit it in the front, and when they did who knows what happened to the transmission. Was it replaced along with the engine? Was it a factory replacement or out of a wrecking yard? My vote based on the info you provided is definitely for the one with 169K. At 169K pretty much anything and everything that can go wrong has. The engine will give you 250K++ if you treat it right--synthetic engine and transmission oil, Volvo coolant so you don't have water pump problems too soon, lightfoot the throttle, etc. Dick

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to ask the guy a few more questions about the salvage (before I drive out to look). Also, he said he's dropping the price to $2500. He said the transmission is perfect, but I'll ask if it was replaced. I'm guessing it was a wrecking yard engine put in, but I'll ask about that, too. He said it had 30k on the used engine when it was put in, and now currently has 80k on it. I don't know how many miles total the car has (w/out the used engine) but I'll ask that too!

I'm definitely wary about it. I know I might luck out, but it seems unlikely.

Thanks.

The 94 may need new shocks and apparently the odometer recently stopped at 169000. But the guy has all the repair records.

How do people buy a used car....so many factors!!!

Suspension parts replacment is normal maintenance on these cars. May I suggest the Bilstein Touring struts and shocks from www.shox.com While you're at it, I would replace the strut/shock mounts and spring seats for the fronts. Also, I would consider beefier anti-sway end links such as the heavy duty ones that IPD sells. The broken odometer is fairly typical for 850/70 series cars and is easily cured with a gear replacment you can also buy from IPD. Last of all, I would also do a Transmission flush if the car is over 60K miles (I'm sure it is for a '94).

How do you shop for a used car?
1. Complete or fairly complete service records with consistent oil changes at minimum as well as timimg belt at 70K (50k for '93 models) intervals and functional A/C (a bad Evaporator means taking the dash out for replacement...about a $1000 job at an indy shop).
2. Carfax showing no accidents or bad title.
3. Complete look-over by a good independent mechanic who you trust.
4. Expectation of about $100 a month (better put some $$ back) on the average for repairs and maintenance for the life of these cars. Some things don't cost that much but some things do...but owning a 850/70 series Volvo is well worth it for the comfort, styling and FUN!
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon