I have a friend considering purchasing a 2003 XC. It has 125,949 miles on it. The dealer wants $12,995. According to Carfax, this vehicle is a lease return and has more miles on it than a typical XC of its age. Looks like the price is below KBB. She's attracted to it because of the car's safety features.

1. Is this a good asking price?

2. What maintenance questions should be asked about the car (serpentine
belt,timing belt, etc?)

3. Would you recommend this car to this person with no experience with Volvo?
Neither husband or wife know anything about working on cars (being a '98
V70 GLT owner myself, I personally say No to this one).

Thanks in advance

By the way, don't go by KBB prices. They are meaningless. Nobody pays the prices that are in the KBB. Dealers will always point at KBB and tell you that you are getting a good deal. Bollix!

Ta-ta, j.

I would not give more than $10000 for a car with such a high mileage. However, if she really wants to buy this car, she needs to see the entire maitenance history. I love XCs, but they can be high-maintenance cars. Does she really need an XC? There are a lot of V70s that are as safe as XCs, and they are cheaper and easier to maintain. The car should have had at least three flushes of tranny fluid, two flushes of Bevel gear oil, and all other usual maintenance stuff done. If this has not been done, I would definitely walk away.

Ta-ta, j.

KBB dealer price in the twin cities is around $18K.

If they are not mechanical, they must have a good maint insurance policy.
Ask them if there are maint records available. 126K indicates a lot of highway driving, which does not hurt the engine. If it has a trailer hitch, look for another car.

Is there an independent garage in your area that will inspect it, and know what to look for?

Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

More miles than average, indicates this car was "driven". Which most likely means highway miles, which is good.

The T-belt/tensioner should have been replaced at 105K miles. If it has been replaced and it comes with a 30 day drivetrain warranty, then I would say the price is right for a great wagon.
--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 -John, Tampa Bay