posted by
someone claiming to be guy from Atlanta
on
Sat Oct 30 17:32 CST 2010 [ RELATED]
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Hi guys.
New to Volvos, but not to Swedish steel. (Long time SAAB owner)
Here's my question:
I have the chance to buy a 1992 740 NA wagon with "only" 233,000 miles on the car. Odometer works, so miles are correct. Car is rough, but not shot. All electronics seem to work (windows, locks, mirrors).
1. Engine fires, CEL is on, but idles at 800 rpm. Hit the go pedal, though, and it bogs down. Any ideas?
2. Transmission goes into gear fine, but you have to bring the selector to the 2 instead of the D for it to go into gear. Possible linkage fix?
3. Timing belt cover is off (not great, I know) but the belt itself looks good ie. no cracks or glazing. No details on when it was last changed.
4. New battery, tires, plugs, wires, cap and rotor. All genuine parts.
5. No AC. Compressor is shot.
Is it worth it for $500? I know these cars have a bulletproof bottom end. How about the trannies. Heck, my Saab went 460K before I sent it off after a new purchase. Would you go for it?
If I end up getting this vehicle, plan on reading a lot from me. I love these Swedes.
I need to make a decision quickly, so any comments will be appreciated.
Chuck
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posted by
someone claiming to be guy from Atlanta
on
Sun Oct 31 07:04 CST 2010 [ RELATED]
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Thanks guys. I have decided to pass on this "golden opportunity". Surely there is something bettr down the road.
Interestingly enough, I posted this question on another Volvo board and have yet to get a response. I appreciate the prompt replies and honest opinions. I'll be back with another potential purchase and questions about it.
Chuck
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I missed that you posted yesterday, chiming in as I recently bought a 92 745T with 195k, that had been sitting for 5 years and was unregistered so no test drive.
Upsides,
Excellent grey leather interior, motor runs very well, passed smog with pretty good numbers. Trans shifts very well.
Downsides,
needed brake pads and front rotors, got great used parts for less than $20 on sale day.
No air. I may upgrade it to R134.
Needs front strut inserts.
Central locking not working.
Small rust hole in roof where the 'factory' rack was.
So it's a good looking car that will be nice overall when I'm done, and I paid $475. Along with goatman I'd not have paid over $100 for the one you looked at.
Re: quick replies, this is one of the best Volvo boards, with some of the most thoroughly detailed posts on the topics of keeping our cars running well.
The FAQ here, although linked to or copied on other boards, has the latest updates. Not all versions are the same, one board is running version 5 from 10 years ago.
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posted by
someone claiming to be fixit2002
on
Sun Oct 31 05:05 CST 2010 [ RELATED]
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Running rough could be a dirty throttle body (probably) or a bad head gasket. As others have said the tranny issue could be questionable. It is deffinitly is a "project". At least do a compression check. Find out what the car's worth as junk and offer $25 more.
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In regard to the transmission behaviour, take a look at this thread on the 900 section: "AW71 Headaches".
--
Bob: son's 81-GL, dtr's '94-940, my 83-DL, 89-745(V8) and 98-S90. Also 77-MGB and some old motorcycles.
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Hi,
IMO there really is a lot wrong with this car, a lot of stuff that could easily accelerate to BIG stuff, not worth it and you have to remember there is always another deal down the road (so to speak)
Good luck
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That seems a bit too much $$. What do you mean by "rough"? Rust, dents, torn interior, evidence the car was owned by hippies and/or students, oxidized paint...?
Find out what codes have set the CEL. That may tell you a little or a lot about what's wrong.
1) See http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/EnginePerformanceSymptoms.htm
2) Sure, the tranny issue might just be the combination of a bad tranny mount and missing shifter bushings. But then again, it might not.
3) who cares. you're buying a car with unknown history, replace the t-belt and tensioner as part of your initial maintenance. The belt and tensioner are $35 or so from FCP Groton. Change ALL fluids, clean all grounds, etc.
4) good.
5) You live an Atlanta and are contemplating a vehicle without functioning A/C? Seriously? I can think of few things more unpleasant that sitting for an hour in that hellish traffic on a 105 degree day. Especially if the car has leather seats. Or is black.
You're buying a beater project. Be aware that there are likely more problems which will reveal themselves as you fix the known ones. If you can afford the time and $ for parts, great. If you want an instant daily-driver, IMO you should keep looking.
John
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Hello,
I would not buy this vehicle for more then $100.
Goatman
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posted by
someone claiming to be guy from Atlanta
on
Sat Oct 30 18:09 CST 2010 [ RELATED]
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Is the mileage too high? CEL a turn-off? No AC a downer? Why $100?
Too many unknowns?
C'mon Goatman, fill in between the lines. : ) I've read a lot of your posts, and you seem to know whereof you speak.
I'm looking for a project and I do virtually all my own work. Not scared of much in the way of mechanics. Could this be a worthwhile project?
Thanks in advance.
Chuck
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Hello,
You could find something way neater then a busted 700 NA for $500.
Here locally, a straight bodied 1995 Turbo 940 sold for $250. I would have bought it only as an investment, but sold before I called. It needed a head gasket.
Wait for the best opportunity. you will be happy you did.
Goatman
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