What used Volvo to buy?

[scottmandue]

Searching CL I get a whole page of Volvo's in my price range ($3000).
Everything from 1990 to 2000.
Any models/years that are problem children? Any model/years that are golden?
Just looking for a good DD commuter that is comfortable, get good mileage, and is super reliable.

[scottmandue]

What think ye of these?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/5150053921.html#

or 2000?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/5121792652.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/5153840381.html

Kinda funny that the 1990's and the 2000's are also going for $3000, what is up with that?

[Scott Douglas]

What kind of mileage do you expect to get from a car used for commuting?

How much money are you willing to spend after the purchase to bring the car up to DD reliability?

[scottmandue]

These are 4 cylinders cars so I'm hoping to get 25-30 mpg.
I understand these are 15-25 year old cars and will need some TLC however I also have heard "these cars are tanks" and "they run forever" so I am hoping not to have to dump a couple thousand into it. All I need is mechanically solid/reliable not so concerned with ascetic's, I drive a total of 40 miles a day in and out L.A., don't need anything fancy.

Also very interested is why the 2000's are selling for the same price as the 1990's... are the 1990 that good or are the 2000 that bad?

[CJFusco]

If you're looking at 1990s cars, I would go for the 850; it's generally considered the last of the old-school Volvos. IIRC, it was right after Ford bought the brand, but they continued doing things the old way for the 850 model. In other words, they drive like they are carved from a solid block of granite and the drivetrains go forever. I have one with 255K miles on it, and it drives like a car with 60K, with not a single creak or squeak to be heard from the interior. I wish I could say the same about my 45K mile Porsche.

[Scott Douglas]

I think your mileage expectations are very overly optimistic, based on the fact that these cars are built like tanks and weigh like tanks too. They 'might' be able to avg 30 out on the open road, no stop and go, cruise control on, but in commuter traffic I think you'll be sorely disappointed.
I never found my mom's '83 DL that much fun to drive fwiw.
For a DD that is just regular maintenance only, give me a Honda Accord any day of the week.
My old 2002 V-6 went 9 years and 153k miles with not much more than gas, oil and tires, with a few brake pads tossed in for good measure, and that was doing the 405 from N OC to LAX every day.

[nota]

yes the fwd's are junk compared to the rwd b230 cars 240-740-940

the old red block b230 was developed over many years
from a push rod 1.5 to the turbos
and the basic car body and drive train goes back to the 60's
like the 911 they had a long time to get it right
non-interference so break a cam belt spend 13.00 to fix unlike a 944 Porsche
about the only weak point is the odometer gears that break so most show lower then real miles
and are super eazy to add a turbo and lots of aftermarket goodies also to make them corner and stop too [they did race these cars]

the fwd's are much newer and at the beginning of their development in 90 to 2000
and are much more complex too el-trick are a pain as are the trans and fwd BS bits
called white blocks [alloy] they come in 4-5-6 and all suck compared to the red block rwd cars

240 93 are the future money cars last year of the model esp the wagons
with the rare sticks the ones to hunt and pay extra for now

btw they will not get 25-30 mpg in real world driving
20 is more real for their tank like body at 3000lbs

[nota]

btw volvo web sites

Turbobricks Forums - Powered by vBulletin
yes they cover non-turbo's too

and the old BRICK BOARD https://www.brickboard.com/

and NO I DO not like 850's they are the first fwd and are not old school volvo's

I have owned a 145 244 245turbo stick an amazon 745 turbo 744 940 and currently have a 93 245
I donot ever buy fwd cars

[scottmandue]

Yes, obvious choice for a beater DD is a Honda/Toyota/Nissan.
Just thinking outside the box and wondering if I could get something with a little character.

[Bowling]

Put 450K on a late 90's 850, fwd, auto, only major problem was the Head and valve train. They tend to burn holes in the valves. I believe the motor was an in line 5 cyl from yamaha, could be wrong.

[Instrument 41]

I use to be a Volvo fan. Has a few 240 wagons and 960 wagon. I also had an 850 turbo. Having a different perspective than you, I wouldn't even look at any Volvo past the 9 series. The FWD cars, 850's, V70's I'd stay away from. If you looking in that price range you best bet is a Accord or Camry. By the way I just bought my youngest son a 88 245 with a 5 speed. Little rough around the edges but we don't have sneaux down here so there is very minimal rust. Has 298K on the car and Bought it for $1000. So far put about $500 into it and it runs great. It fits his needs, a drummer, its cheap and safe.

[scottmandue]

Yeah, I know, for a DD Honda/Toyota/Nissan is my friend... matter of fact I would not be surprised if that is what I end up with.

Just musing about something not so cookie cutter.

[scottmandue]

FWD is no problem for me... I should ask how DIY friendly are these cars?

[Por_sha911]

Low volume of cars sold means parts are tougher to find and more expensive.

[rusnak]

40 miles per day?

You could get something with a LOT of character and much easier to work on, such as an old pug nose Dodge truck. Anything old school by VW such as a Thing, or even a Fiat.

[scottmandue]

Looking at 2000 and up FWD V70, turbo or not turbo? Good/bad indifferent?

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by rusnak

40 miles per day?

You could get something with a LOT of character and much easier to work on, such as an old pug nose Dodge truck. Anything old school by VW such as a Thing, or even a Fiat.

40 miles on the freeway, looking for something comfortable (good A/C and a smooth ride) I am already very well acquainted with each and every expansion joint and pot hole on the Harbor Freeway.

I also work in the hood so prefer something your friendly neighborhood gangster can't jump into.

[dennis in se pa]

I had a few 850's. Nice ride. Great quality but as expensive as Porsches to fix. Turbo = one more expensive piece. Volvos have their own special feel to them that is hard to match in a Honda, but for a DD I would go for a Honda. Just about any mechanic will work on a Honda. Some won't touch Volvos - they are different like Porsches are different.

[Scott Douglas]

This car has commuter written all over it...

1996 Honda Accord LX sedan - Original Owner, 120k miles - $2990

[LEAKYSEALS951]

1982 Volvo