|
|
|
Good evening,
I had posted on the 200 forum about a 267K mi 245 DL Wagon that needs some attention. Most recommendations there were to fix it myself and keep motoring. While I agree, I will need some time to repair and am considering purchasing a second while I still tinker with the first as a project car. That being said, one option I am exploring is the above mentioned 2000 V70 SE Wagon. It was off-lease with 70K miles and looks to be in mint condition inside and out. Asking price is $14,500. From reviewing some of the threads in this forum, I am well aware that there appears to be a considerable maintenance liability. Considering the positive qualities as well as those liabilities, is this a decent deal? I am in Massachusetts and have not seen much that has seemed as reasonable, but have only been looking for a couple of weeks.
I know most of this board is dedicated to repair/maintenance tips but this is my first look at a newer car after spending considerable time with high-mileage predecessors and would really appreciate the input. Also would appreciate any tips on what to look for specifically....
This v70 is the 5-spd FWD auto & has the winter package, moon roof, leather, rosewood dash/shifter appointments, roof rack, etc.
If I need to be slapped for considering this, please don't hesitate to say so (although if you know me, please also refrain from actually doing so).
Thanks,
Mark.
|
|
-
|
|
|
I have my cars put through Volvo's certification checklist. It costs about $150 for the test including a compression check.
I think that a copy of the checklist is available on Lovering Volvo's site.
I apologize for the following, but I can't seem to send you an email!
I live in Chelmsford, Mass.
If you are stuck, I have two high milage (230k) 740s for sale, an '88 745 Gle ($1500) and a '90 744 Turbo ($2500), both well below book. I was actually going to drive these two for the next year, but a deal that I could not refuse came along! I just did a battery, starter, and pads AND rotors all around on the Turbo. (I am almost selling the parts and tires, and giving the car away) Both cars are rot free.
The Turbo can be seen in the picture gallery (actually the wagon is in the picture also, a poor picture) Search for 740s and go to the fifth page 1/2 way down. You don't have to wait for the pics to load, Just scroll down to "Evander in his winter foilage"
Both are dealer maintained and passed emissions testing in November. I have all records.
If you are stuck, you could drive one of these for a few months then dump it for what you paid. I want them to go to a good home.
Good luck with a new model, we love ours.
--
3 8s & 2 7s 740,000 miles total
|
|
-
|
|
|
Good afternoon, James,
Thanks for the offer...while I am tempted to take another look at a well-maintained high-miler like the one I have been driving, I am leaning towards the newer model as I also feel that the deal is a good one and the car is well kept. Thanks for the note on the Certification Checklist. I am considering having it done and figure paying the $100-$150 is worth it when spending the coin it takes for a newer model. You would agree this is worth it, it seems.
You said you love yours. Are you indicating you have a newer model and enjoy it? Would appreciate any specific thoughts on it vs. your older beauties.
Will check out your vehicles as soon as I have a chance but work is nuts right now....
Thanks again,
Mark.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be 2000 v70
on
Wed Apr 2 02:07 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
|
I have the same car. I purchased it used with 12000 miles and it now has 29000 miles.
I am a bit picky and have found the car to be reliable. I do have the advantage of still being under warrantee. There have been only a few, minor warrantee items.
I am not a big fan of the five speed automatic and I have a small hesitation between 2 and 3rd gears that the dealer is unable to get rid of.
Do check the value using Edmunds or KBB. I would try to get the maintenance history, if possible.
|
|
-
|
|
|
Thanks for the input. I appreciate the specific reference to the potential lag in the auto trans. I have checked the sources on rates and feel based on those that I am in a decent ball-park, but as this is the first time on the newer end was not sure how much to rely on those sources, especially considering current economic conditions. Unfortunately I was not able to get the maint records but will be having my mechanic make his best assessment of its care before I go forward.
When you say you are picky, are you implying that you are picky and the Volvo still satisfies, or that you are picky and that this Volvo is not up to snuff (on the whole - noting your particular conerns already stated).
Thanks,
Mark.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Wayne
on
Wed Apr 2 01:50 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
|
Edmunds, NADA, and Kelley are good sources to get a range of values. One good thing about getting a 2000 is that last model year Volvos tend to be more reliable and the 2000 has the 5 speed automatic so should provide a little better acceleration. My '99 has needed swaybar endlinks, front rotors, and the master window switch with only the second not being covered by the warranty. Good luck.
|
|
-
|
|
|
Thanks Wayne...
Consumer Reports seems to indicate that similar last model year trend and it was one of the things that had me intered in the 2000. All sources you sited have the retail quite a distance above this asking, but I wasn't sure about those values in light of the current economy and buying scarcity - what is the effect of that?
Thanks for the input.
Regards,
Mark.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Wayne
on
Wed Apr 2 06:12 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
|
I just ran a pricing report on edmunds for this car and I get around $14 for a trade-in, or wholesale value. That should be your starting point and then deduct from there if there is any work needed (brakes, tires, etc.) or if it is in less than clean condition. A combination of the current economy and Volvo corporate's propensity to subsidize lease deals leading to an ample supply of three to four year old Volvos makes for a good buying opportunity, IMHO.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be cuttyhunk30
on
Wed Apr 2 03:28 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
|
i have a '87 745 w/235k on it and i recently purchase a v70 t5 M. i looked for 3 mos. before i bought this and i only really looked up to 8k.this was the first one i drove that felt right. it is my understanding that the automatic cars are plagued with idiosyncrasies. i lucked out finding this rare wagon and didn't realize 'til after the purchased it how rare the 5spd stick is . i LOVE driving this car and feel that i've eliminated some woes by not going automatic. good luck with your search .remember what my dad told me "you can always buy,but you can't always sell" heed this sage advice ,my massachusetts brother ,and enjoy the hunt as much as the capture !!!
|
|
-
|
|
|
I am right behind you on wanting to go standard over auto but this will be primarily for a wife-mobile with the kids and there is some feeling that the auto is the better route since high performance driving is taking a proverbial back seat to safety, capacity and hopefully general quality/durability. I also appreciate that last bit of sage advice...noone wants to get left holding the lemon bag.
Out of curiosity, are you anywhere near either the Waltham or Framo-Natick area? I would enjoy taking a look at it if you wouldn't mind showing it off a bit and having a further discussion whether I opt in or no on this one in particular.
Mark.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be cuttyhunk30
on
Fri Apr 4 05:55 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
|
hi sorry it toook so long to get backatcha. i am in the south shore area scituate ,marshfield. i bought my car in lincoln where i took it to f&m motors for inspection. still really love it just put on some serious tires lots o' fun
|
|
-
|
|
|
Thanks for keeping with me...no matter on the delay. I have yet to make my final commitment. The Cuttyhunk made me think you'd be down there, but heck, I am nowhere NEAR Metolius. Anyway...
One question I was wondering about. The car has 71K on it and I know the first major maintenance is due at 60K. Can you tell me what that is and what it generally costs? Is it mainly T-belt? What happens if T-belt goes on these models without being replaced in time? The brakes have been done all around and tires are near new.
Thanks for any input.
Mark.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Hiram Abif
on
Wed Apr 2 13:07 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
|
I like yourself am looking for a V70 wagon in the South shore area (middleboro) but I'm waiting for a awd wagon with auto trannny since my wife can't drive my Passat VR6 5spd Yes she keeps using the line that I've tweeked the car to the point that she spinns the wheel at every standing stop start.
My only fear is that the car will be boring or I will have problems with the awd system, some of the stories have actually made me think twice about looking for a A6, but my father inlaw is true volvo nut and has only owned volvos since he graduated from RIC in 76 and never has had a bad problem with them.
One suggestion he had was to take it to a dealer and let them quote all the work that might need to be done before you buy it ie pull codes ect
Keep me in the loop
David
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be cuttyhunk30
on
Fri Apr 4 05:58 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
|
do your homework on the awd
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be Wayne
on
Thu Apr 3 05:36 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
|
Skip the AWD, IMHO. FWD has less weight (better performance), less complicated (there are enough things that break on these cars), better mileage, and are cheaper to buy. Get a set of dedicated snows (used sets are really cheap) for winter driving and you're all set!
|
|
-
|
|
|
Thank you both....I called my Volvo Mechanic who helped me (unfortunately unsuccessfully) salvage a '71 P1800 Coupe (just too much cancer). I mentioned I was looking at a '98 - '00 range V70 (didn't want to tell him the specs so he could give an honest opinion) and he said that both the 2000 and the FWD were good choices. He echoed the 'skip the AWD' advice as well, for what it's worth. I think I will get the cert done after test-driving the car this afternoon and go from there...
Thanks to you both for the input. I'll let you know what I find when these two steps are done.
Mark.
|
|
|
|
|
