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should I buy this car?? 700 1989

posted by  noahsanchez on  Tue Oct 5 13:14 CST 2004
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Here's the quick story:

It's a 740 GL that looks like it's changed hands maybe 2 or 3 times. It's got 180K miles on it. It's going for $1,399 but i think i can get it for closer to 1100-1200. The owner said it has no problems and has driven it across Texas and back just recently with no problems.

When he purchased the car 6 months ago, as a maintenance routine (according to him) he put on a new fuel filter, plugs, cap, rotor, and new front tires (moved the used ones to the rear). He also converted A/C to new R-134A and said it runs like a champ.

He says he avgs 23mpg on every tank.

He says he's selling it because doesn't need to be paying for 2 vehicles on his insurance premium.

He states there are no problems with this vehicle what so ever, and he hasn't had any since he got the vehicle 6 months ago.

Question: What should I expect from this vehicle from just the info you all have seen ASSUMING it checks out okay when i see it in person. I'm looking for a car to do city/highway driving for the next 4 years or so. I don't want any big issues coming up, so I'm going volvo for it's durability but this 180k engine has me wondering. I'll probably put on it around 60k highway/city in the next 4 years.

I read the FAQ on things to look for when i go to see it, but is there anything I'm missing here? Do you all think this would be a great buy for my purposes?

EDITED: I've also done a carfax report, and nothing looks out of the ordinary. so far it's clear.







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    should I buy this car?? 700 1989

    posted by  vincentfc on  Thu Oct 7 08:44 CST 2004
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    last visit: Fri Jul 20 10:32 CST 2012
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    180k .... It's just getting broke in... If 'normal' maintnenace is done... not a problem...

    I'd flush the transmission... Cheap insurance... I took mine to the local Havoline oil change center... They charged me like $70 for a complete change... I stood there and could not believe that the fluid was that dirty... 35 quarts later (read off of the meter on the flush machine) it was cherry red...and what a huge difference in driving!!!

    If you end up changing the water pump...(it has a weep port on the bottom left when facing the engine) ...ya might wanna consider repalcing the fan clutch too... Easy to overlook but if you're doing a lot of stop and go driving as you mentioned...(like in Metro NYC) these babies can get a little warm...

    And since you have the front of the engine tore off change the timing belt... Volvo recommends 50,000 miles. Additionally, you might consider replacing the tensioner too... I have not heard of one going bad...but not a good thing to happen...

    I purchased my '88 760 Turbo from the factory when I was stationed in Germany... ...261,000 and still gets 25 mpg city/hwy... I'm just chasing oil seeps around the oil filter housing now...








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    should I buy this car?? 700 1989

    posted by  Adirondacker on  Wed Oct 6 05:35 CST 2004
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    Sounds like a clone to my car I bought a year ago, I love it, biggest issues are misc electrical stuff. The engin is a runner, I put 35k on mine last year and get 25 mpg, I did change the o2, amm, and tuneup. Check or do the belt, the belt tensioner may need it also, parts like water pump, and even breaks are not much more than US cars. Nice to work on too. Youll pay more in sales tax on a new car.

    eric
    --
    89, Gold 745 GL Wagon, 210k known miles. Just a beginner








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    should I buy this car?? 700 1989

    posted by  Jay Shields on  Tue Oct 5 23:53 CST 2004
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    last visit: Thu Mar 5 11:56 CST 2009
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    The miles are not critical, most older Volvos have lots of miles on them by now.
    If it starts, stops, brakes and drives reasonably well, and doesn't look too bad, the price seems reasonable. 740's typically drive well (better than the 240 in my view), parts are not outrageous and the engines seem bullet proof unless abused. Biggest concern to me would be the tranny, make sure it shifts properly......find out when the timing belt was changed, also (it will leave you stranded if it breaks, but will not damage engine internals like many cars.)
    MPG seem right which suggests engine is performing correctly...

    Jay
    88 740 GLE 186k
    84 245 GLTi 228k








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    should I buy this car?? 700 1989

    posted by  Kane on  Tue Oct 5 13:47 CST 2004
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    If maintenance has been kept up, I wouldn't worry about the 180k. Personally, I'd worry more about lower mileage cars - some folks go on the notion that if they don't drive around much, they don't need to maintain it much either.

    I'd especially look for sludge buildup under the oil cap (bad!), clean fluids (especially brake), and suspension condition. If the rest of the car checks out otherwise, it may just serve your needs fine. At that price, it's only like a few months of car payments - you'd come out ahead even if you only own it for a year. Check what the going KBB price is for your area too.

    -- Kane
    --
    Blossom II -'91 745Ti/M46
    Bubbles -'74 144GL/BW35
    Buttercup -'86 245GL/AW70
    The Wayback Machine -'64 P220/M40
    A Parabox -'90 745GL/AW70







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