All,

I occasional check in on the forum and post things where I can. Recently, I gave up my extremely reliable and faithful 1995 850 wagon (5 speed manual) with 150,000 miles on it. It still runs like a top and the only part that failed in 150,000 miles was the radiator. Brakes, filters etc. were replaced but this is pretty normal wear and tear.

So, I decided to start looking for a 2001 Volvo V70 T5 (Manual Tranny was a must) I found one on eBay with 30,000 miles on it, plus it was a Southern car. I made the very fair transaction on eBay. I decided to have the car shipped to me in New Hampshire. Powell was great and set up everything.

However, when I met the driver to pick up my car it was puking brake fluid. I told the driver to stop and secure the car. I immediately called Powell Volvo and they told me to get it to the local Volvo Dealer and they would fix everything. So, the truck driver followed me to Wentworth Volvo in Exeter, NH. I had my wife meet me there with a digital camera so I could document all of the damage, (broken brake lines etc.) After dropping off my car the driver drove around the dealer ship. I drove around the building 15 minutes later after fully checking out the T5. I got out of my old 850 and politely asked the driver what the problem was. In broken english he said "I can't make the turn" meaning he couldn't turn on to the main road. I thought to myself oh boy, and this guy is a professional truck driver? I then offered to stand by the brand new S80 AWD with my flashlight. It was 9:00 P.M. on a Friday night. As the driver started to back up I began to wave my arms frantically and flash my halogen flashlight at the driver. Despite my pleas, the driver kept on going and took out a brand new S80 AWD. He peeled the door back like a tin can. He got out of his truck and said "Oh shit, don't tell my insurance company, very bad" I said "sure buddy, no problem" What was I going to say? I was in the back of a dealership at 9:00 o clock at night with some Iranian terrorist who couldn't drive. In the mean time I was frantically taking pictures of the whole thing.

Next he drove forward and tried a different approach. This time he managed to hit the Volvo dealership itself. He pushed the building in several feet and only stopped when he hit a main structural beam. He also hit the main water line (which broke) and set off the alarm. He got out of his truck and took one look at the damage and said "Oh shit, I am outa here" So, he drove off with his car carrier, cars and all, going the wrong way down a one way street.

The police, fire department, water department all showed up and of course they were just amazed at all the damage. So, they asked me if I knew who did it. I had pictures of the whole thing. They ended up getting the driver and putting him in jail immediately on 50,000 bail. He had tons of driving violations and who knows what else. He must have done at least $50,000 worth of damage at Wentworth.

My almost new T5 had over 2,300 dollars of damage. It needed a new clutch, brake lines, suspension arms etc etc. etc. Powell Volvo of Scottsdale took care of everything, I mean everything. Sure they have insurance but they were first rate. In particular, Alan Crowe the sales manager was first rate.


The car seems to be 100% and it is "Right on" even at 120 mph. I didn't want to take it any faster for fear of being thrown in jail.

So, I know all Volvo dealers arn't equal but Powell treated me like a King!

Regards,

Nate
2001 V70 T5 Manual Tranny
1999 S70 Manual TRanny.