Hi everyone! We need a second car and have virtually no money to spend on one. We are taking a look at a 2000 Volvo with 107,000 miles for a price lower than KBB. It is through a private, licensed dealer and all the background info we have found so far on the man and this car seem to check out.
I have reservations about purchasing a used car, especially one with over 100,000 miles but I think Volvo's are expected to last awhile and although I would be fine with a Toyota or Honda, I can't seem to find one in our price range that isn't a 1992.
Can anyone tell me anything about Volvo's? This one is a 2000 Volvo S70 Turbo. I hear the parts are expensive to replace. I am interested in hearing about reliability, the costs of parts, or any other feedback you can provide. Thank you!
I see on all the court programs I watch that you should alswys bring your mechanic to see the car first. He can check it out underneath and the motor, tires, etc. It's worth $50-100 for him than to get stuck with a $2000.00 transmission job. He'll also find any oil drips or hose leakage. He's well worth the investment. Volvos are nice auto and can last a very long time if they've been maintained methodically.
Hi Lindsey,
We have a 1994 Volvo S70. We have only had the usual maintenance done ( tires, brakes etc),nothing major has gone on the car as of yet. The car has 148,000 miles on it and it still runs like it did 14 yrs ago.
As someone else mentioned, it is a very safe car to be in if you have an accident. I feel safer in that car vs the SUV.
Have the car checked out by an independent mechanic, and if all is good, I say go for it.
I would buy another Volvo.
I have a friend that has had one for years. Look at carmax.com and see what they are being priced at their and go to kellybluebook.com
We have also look at ads on craigslist for car ads.
M. in Elk Grove
We have a Volvo Cross Country that we bought in May from Volvo of Lisle..I was not a fan of a "station wagon," but, LOVE our Cross Country, especially in the winter weather because it is all wheel drive. We also leased a volvo a few years back. Regardless of the car, we have always bought used from dealers because of the extended warranties. They are definitely worth the extra cost. Honestly, I would be leary about buying from a private seller because you do not know the full history of the car and also because the car has no warranty. It is true that Volvo's are costly to repair, so, if there is any way you can purchase a car from a dealer with a warranty, I would do that....
Good luck!
I have had a Volvo S80 for over 4 years. I bought it new and have had no problems. I love the car. However, from what I have heard in the waiting room at the Volvo dealership, repairs are very expensive. It is a very safe car. I was hit broadside by a minivan, and even though I had some heavy damage to my car I walked away. The minivan was a total loss, but my car was repaired. The appraiser said the Volvo holds its value. My neighbor had an older one with a problem. The quote from the dealer for repairs was in the thousands. She found another mechanic who was much more reasonable, so perhaps you could find out what mechanics in your area work with Volvo's and ask some questions.
Volvo's aren't known for their reliability. In fact, my husband and I have discussed buying a Cross Country wagon, but Consumer Reports gives it such a bad review that I just can't see us buying one.
I think they are like Honda's or Toyota's in terms of having long lives, but parts are very expensive, so upkeep is going to cost a lot of money, making it questionable if it is worth it, in my mind anyway. I've driving Honda's for 20 years. I paid 8k for my last one, and I drove it 8 years without putting much money into it --just the occasional new set of tires or break pads. It had a lot of life left in it too when we got rid of it (decided I needed a new car with airbags, etc. for baby).
I'd call up the Car Talk guys on NPR and see what they have to say. They may be able to suggest a good car for you, in your price range.
