[Boxybutgood]

Considering purchasing a V or S 70 or maybe an 850(T, etc). Any thoughts or warnings? I am a seasoned Land Rover tech with some limited Volvo experience. 1st car was a 145S (I loved it) and I have had a couple of other Volvos in the past.

 

[BHart]

The boxier the better. Make it a wagon - practical too.

 

[Boxybutgood]

Deffinately perfer a wagon. What about the later cars? My wife really likes the ones that look like the S60/S80.

 

[BHart]

More modern means more computer. Ford influence means standardized parts but built to a (lower) cost. Newer car means less aging and wear.

An automatic S would likely have lead an easier life than an R wagon but that's just a generalization. Why I say that is, I remember the JD Power surveys of the 80s, when full sized Chevys, Olsmobiles and Buicks were all the same vehicles (except for badging) but JD Power rated them in the opposite order for safety and reliability. I found that strange since they were mechanically identical BUT the type of person who bought a Buick was essentially a more cautious, older buyer when compared to a person buying the same, less expensive car from Chevrolet. Their reliability and safety was based on the demographic of the owner.

Anything with a service history and warranty would be best. With computerization, a Volvo dealer should be able to pull up any warranty work performed from the VIN number.

 

[Boxybutgood]

Right on.... Looking at a 2001 V70 w/ 74K miles. Nom-turbo. One owner. Sounds good, we'll see. What about a V40? Wife really likes...

 

[BHart]

A V40 is much smaller than a 70. Hard to compare the two fairly.

Small and efficient or roomy and powerful. You would get a newer model with less miles in a V40 for the same money as an older, higher mileage V70.

Personal choice (probably your wife's)

 

[sulley007]

I'd look for a maintenance record on any car you buy and have a prepurchase inspection done by a Volvo mechanic.

 

[Boxybutgood]

Thanks for the input. Pretty set on a 2001 V70 one owner, non-turbo, 74K miles. $6,500.00 seems like a good deal. Records available (very nice). Drove a 2001 XC70 w/ 95K the other day... seemed kinda beat. Big fan of the XC70, but a little cautious of turbo AWD w/o service history... Send happy thoughts!