Hi all,
In May, I have posted a similar questions. Since then, I have passed on that particular '97 855. It was so helpful to hear from you folks posted on my thread.

I found another '97 855. This one is a loaded base model. 90K on the clock. It originally was a company car thus the low mileage. It is in great shape. As far as I can tell, everything is in perfect working order and there is nothing in need of fixing immediately. Asking price is $5500...

Questions...How much is this really worth? How much would be an acceptable price for something like this? And is there anything I should be considering and asking the seller while I proceed this? I have asked all the usual questions (that I can think of...) The vehicle lacks maintenance record before '08. What kind of maintenance do I need in the near future on this car assuming that everything is up to date?

Thank you all!!

Toshi

Although I am new to the 850 type Volvo, I have been buying and selling used vehicles for quite a few years. KlausC brings up some very important points about maintenance on that car that you are considering for $5500. Unless you are very handy with your tools, you can easily spend another $1000 in repair and maintenance costs to make up for what may have been overlooked by the previous owner. There are many good deals available if you want to spend the time to find them. Two cases in point are the 1995 Isuzu Rodeo that I found last parked in the woods because of a broken timing belt. $300 dollars bought that car and $136.00 + 30 hours labor repaired it for my 16 year old daughter.



Another one is this 1993 850GLT with 134400 on the odometer that I just found for $450.00. It will cost around $500.00 in parts to bring it back up to shape, but most of the enjoyment is in the rebuilding.



My advice (which is worth what you pay for it!) would be to keep looking.

Regards,

A 850 is a very odd car to be a "company car". Unless,of course, the company is Volvo. Are you sure they're not handing you a line?? Check that the odometer is really working during the test drive. At 90K miles the timing belt 70K mile replacement could have been skipped. Check for the replacement sticker. It needs to be done ASAP which is a 4-5 hundred dollar job. You should be able to use this needed service to further get the price down on this already overpriced car. Check for burned tranny fluid. "Company" cars tend to get both driving abuse and short changed in the maintenance department. Take care and look closely.

I agree that it is an odd choice for a "company car." I did find out that the "company" was an architect firm, so that kind of explain the choice. I will run the Carfax report tonight. Also, I will make sure that the T-belt had been replaced once. Can you think of any other things that I should pay extra attention to? ...After all, I am a 240 guy. Thank you!!
Toshi

For that price all the fluids should be clean :) As mentioned, check the tranny fluid. Should be reddish pink with no burnt smell.

If Volvo did the timing belt there will be a sticker stating the date and mileage near the location of the timing belt. Some independant mechanics will also attach a sticker.

Oil leaks! There should be none. Especially at such low mileage. Look carefully underneath the engine.

Check AC. If not working it could be an expensive fix.

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95 855 GLT Sportwagon, 93 854 GLT (for sale), 90 244 DL 300k :)

I used KBB.com for the Twin Cities and pricced your car at $4-4500 private party sale. Dealer is $5500 and trade in is at $3000.

Without service records, it is worth less than 5500. There should be a Tbelt replacement sticker in the engine bay.

Without records and low miles, I would suspect the PCV system needs to be cleaned up. The shocks and struts, engine mounts, are getting old and tired.

To some people, odometer readings mean a lot. But I would rather have the identical car with double the mileage and comprehensive maint records, with a much lower price tag. Highway miles help an engine, local miles hurt it.

It's your money. Have the dealer throw in a 100K warranty? That will also include AC?

Klaus
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Why are Volvos so endearing? Its just a car.

Thank you for your reply Klaus. It is a gamble at some point. The hardest part is not to get too excited but be calm and make a sound judgement. Certainly, BB and folks like you help me just to do that. I suppose I need to come up with how much I am willing to spend for it and negotiate... Thank you!