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Hey, everyone!
Considering the purchase of a 2nd Volvo, a '97 850 GLT. Evidence of a head gasket replacement . . . car rides real real smooth . . . a few of the usual squeaks and rattles . . . We were lucky with our first, a sedan, but this one, a red wagon, has been offered by the seller in a range of prices in our area (Philly). Everything from $4,700 (at first) and now it's down to $3,400. Mileage is 137,000+.
What do I need to watch out for? What's a good price for this model year and mileage?
Thanks!
Volneo78
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Sounds like a good price. I just got a 98 T5 wagon for $2,900, but that has 185,000 miles on it. Even if you have to spend $1,000 on it in the next year (and hopefully you won't), you'll have a very nice car for less than $4k.
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Current owner is dumping before replacing the timing belt/rensioner? And it will need new shocks/struts plus a few bushings and tie rod end links to quiet the creaks.
Have a mechanic check it out, one that you trust. Even a dealer will list things that you never thought of :) Then you will be ready to negotiate a realistic price.
Look closely for body repairs.
Klaus
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1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi
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Hi, thanks for the super-fast response!
Evidently the timing belt was changed at around 129,000 miles. I've test-driven the car (I realize that doesn't tell me much), and it was an unbelievably smooth ride. The seller is offering a 3-month warranty (whatever that means). Oh, and the price is down to $3,000. That seems like a good price for a vehicle that, "legend" has it, will last me, rust-free, until 200,000K plus.
Is there something an amateur can look for? The A/C is working, the acceleration is surprisingly good (it's a GLT, not a Turbo or "R"), and all the buttons give a response (radio, sunroof, etc.).
Again, thanks for any thoughts.
Volneo78
(Alan)
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If it's a 97 GLT it's very likely a Turbo (I have one)
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1966 122S Wagon- so far, 1800ES Rear Axle and Front Discs, Overload Springs, Wilwood Double Res MC, upcoming-rebuilt engine, DCOE's or Mikunis, electric fan
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Yes, I understand that the 97 GLT's were the first year with the light pressure turbo engine.
Almost bought one - they are very quick!
Jim
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93 850GLT 89k - my new daily driver (former little old ladies car :) 90 244DL 278k - in need of mechanical rehab, so she's taking a well-deserved siesta.....
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Just check the color of the tranny fluid, red is fresh, light reddish brown is normal, black is walk away.
There are only 2 reasons to remove the head: Valve problems and overheating. It would be nice to know what the cause was. If it was a valve problem, were new parts used? Blah, blah.
If you buy it, then you will have to check the flame trap, etc for excessive crank pressure.
Volvos no longer rust.
Klaus
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1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi
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Klaus - There is a third reason to remove a head. Our '95 850 base had a head gasket failure at 97,000 miles, parts of the head gasket corroded away.
My wife noticed that the car had a rough idle after a 20 mile highway trip. Since she was going shopping near our dealer, she took it right in. They told her that she should not drive the car unless she had to - she left it right there.
Trouble shooting and subsequent disassembly revealed a corroded gasket and a clean cylinder - no sign of coolant in the oil.
When we purchased the car at 49,000 miles, we got a 4 year, 48,000 mile insurance policy. (often called an extended warranty, but only the manufacturer can offer a true warranty) The company paid of $1363 of a $2034 job. (I had maintenance and new ignition parts added as well)
Considering that the warranty company had already paid for an evaporator, a steering rack, and a couple of other items, I think that it was a good investment.
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 415,000 miles put on 9 bricks
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