Wagon Stoke

[twomartinis]

Wyoming requires no emissions, safety or vin checks.

then you are golden, it’s really not a lot of money

until some random piece of plastic cracks because it’s 27 years old… and I’m talking about the coolant tank, that worm-drive-brake-cable-power-window contraption, and so on.

then it’s a lot of money


Sent from some smartphone by a dumbass

[Buster Highmen]

ok, so I can turn a wrench fosho and enjoy it.
Overall, the car has had a sweet maintenance record. All the usual suspects have been addressed up to this point.
Doesn't mean it won't tank asap but I'm not getting that vibe.

Very little experience with vacuum issues so a bit in the dark. Could discuss with the local mechanic, I suppose.

And no, WY doesn't give crap about emissions. I'm gonna borrow it for a day and get under it to see about rust. Been in JH for a lifetime so likely cleanish.

Thanks mags.

Our 1999 a4 avant manual 2.8 is still rolling. Love that car. Brought both kids home from the hospital in it. It's got 210k on it and the mice have chewed the wiring harness but the v6 is a sweet, sweet motor..= So, as usual, addyron and I disagree.

[::: :::]

Hey HEY! That was my car. Well not THAT specific car, but an '08 XC70 3.2. The 3.2 is great, the AWD superb, and for $1500, it should be a great buy! Gotta lot of life left in it. I actually just saw our old one and it's nearing 250K and runs great. Just do routine oil changes and change the accessory belts ASAP (not a fun job). Good news is it has a timing chain, so no belt to worry about there! Mine had an electronic parking brake so not sure about any springs. Probably not too bad a job, though. I wouldn't sweat that. A/C did not work on mine either (which suuuuuuucked in South Texas) but since repair costs exceeded what the car was even worth, I just dealt with it. Would eventually cool down when on the highway so I lived with it. Not fun in stop and go traffic. But in your case, I'd say the price is right so go for it! Just tackle all the basic maintenance items and run 'er til she's done. The 3.2 SI6 is a fantastic engine. Not real powerful, but smooth and reliable. Spark plug/coil swaps are also about the easiest you'll ever do! Like a 10 minute job.

Glad you're keeping the C30! We still love ours. Such a fun little car.

I appreciate the comments, thx.
Yeah, I may have some details a little off: timing chain, electronic p brake…I’m not tracking it directly. He’s doing all the work.
He said the indie Volvo shop checked everything and ok’ed the prospects too. Similar comments on the straight six being a workhorse.

[supermodel159]

After a year in CO, the kid wants to switch from the C30. He found a “mom wagon” 08 xc70 w/ 3.2 straight 6 w/ 175k mi in our neighborhood for $1500. Neighbor seems more interested in seeing the car go to someone decent than capturing every dollar out of it. Finishes are in good condition, minor trim scratches. New Nokian Hakks on the car for some reason, but hey nice tires. A/C doesn’t work. Drive belt has some cracks & should likely be replaced. Parking brake spring is mangled & needs fixing.
Seemingly well cared for despite being that family’s college kid car & former mom car.
Any wisdom to share on this motor going past 200k? Any volvo systems to consider over time [ie, do things like timing belts come up every 100k mi?]
[not selling the C30…mrs ::: ::: will let her golf wagon go instead]

My wife has a '12 XC 70 (2wd). Zero issues so far, I've been waiting for it to die for the past several years, but...no dice. Regular oil changes and hitting service milestones, thing drives like it did off the lot.. If you're still considering it, just have a PPI completed at a independent Volvo shop. Some of what you listed may not be a big deal...however the potential is there for a hefty repair bill based on actual status of required repairs. Sometimes (a lot of time) the cheapest cars turn out to be the most expensive.

[::: :::]

the seller has been pretty open on the current issues. They’ve got all their service records & all at a single local shop.
Good to hear another vote for it being a solid prospect over time

[MontuckyFried]

I appreciate the comments, thx.
Yeah, I may have some details a little off: timing chain, electronic p brake…I’m not tracking it directly. He’s doing all the work.
He said the indie Volvo shop checked everything and ok’ed the prospects too. Similar comments on the straight six being a workhorse.

Oh, that's good. NOT being a VAG or BMW product and all (hehe), you should, at least theoretically, never have to replace the timing chain. I do believe issues on that are quite rare so it is not a routine maintenance item to worry about. As far as the electronic parking brakes, I have removed mine before to reset and it was actually a ridiculously easy job. Replacement on those would be a piece of cake. Not sure about parts costs tho. Could maybe score from a junk yard. These are also generally reliable too. Think they're off of the Euro Ford Mondeo or something. Lots of Fomoco parts sharing with this platform.

the seller has been pretty open on the current issues. They’ve got all their service records & all at a single local shop.
Good to hear another vote for it being a solid prospect over time

Definitely a solid prospect! Wife and I were heavily considering another one to replace our '08 but ended up deciding against it since we were just ready for something different in the end. Bomber cars tho. If you and your son are willing to wrench yourselves, you'll save a fortune and the car will love you long time. Maybe also consider just going ahead and swapping all the fluids while you run through it all. Trans, rear transaxle, angle gear, coolant, etc. That's how you get these cars to run forever with minimal problems. Look up the "Volvosweden" channel on YouTube where this Russian guy (who I think is in Canada) has one and shows how to do pretty much all the maintenance on them to very high standards, complete with part #s and everything. Like the jobs will be done way better than the dealer or an indie would ever do. If you need any further help, hit me up and I can hook you with the official Vida info since I basically have a dealer Volvo diagnostic laptop. It kicks ass. I bought that from this dude in CO. Diaglaptops. They're cheap and super worth it for our aging Volvos.

Sent from my Pixel 8 using TGR Forums mobile app

[Foggy_Goggles]

I'm assuming you've got this covered, but does he have an independent euro specific mechanic in Golden? I don't keep up with what the Mines Kids are into besides carrying rocks up Lookout Mountain, but around here the up valley kids are into their older-ish euro whips.

Problem is, they just pile up at the shop because nobody wants to work on them when they are broken. At $1500, me thinks you are buying a maintenance payment.

[Mustonen]

^^^ this. I think I whined somewhere about this, but I lost my mechanic for a few months and wasn’t feeling great about my car choices. Had a simple job (front strut replacement) thoroughly buggered by a shop who was clearly miffed at the outset that they had to wrench on an Audi. Tracked my guy down to his new shop and smooth sailing since.

[fatnslow]

the seller has been pretty open on the current issues. They’ve got all their service records & all at a single local shop.
Good to hear another vote for it being a solid prospect over time

I have good Indy in Multnomah Village if your interested. He's honest and fair, never tries to take the dealer approach.

[liv2ski]

^^^ this. I think I whined somewhere about this, but I lost my mechanic for a few months and wasn’t feeling great about my car choices. Had a simple job (front strut replacement) thoroughly buggered by a shop who was clearly miffed at the outset that they had to wrench on an Audi. Tracked my guy down to his new shop and smooth sailing since.

This is my concern. My guy retired and sold his shop. I have 0 confidence in the new guys to do anything out of the ordinary on my V70R. I may have reached the end.

[MontuckyFried]

This is my concern. My guy retired and sold his shop. I have 0 confidence in the new guys to do anything out of the ordinary on my V70R. I may have reached the end.

That's where it REALLY pays to DIY or at least attempt to best you can! I know the V70R isn't the easiest platform to wrench on, but there are worse things. And the online community's pretty strong if you get yourself in trouble like I did a time or two. Haha.

[::: :::]

I'm assuming you've got this covered, but does he have an independent euro specific mechanic in Golden? I don't keep up with what the Mines Kids are into besides carrying rocks up Lookout Mountain, but around here the up valley kids are into their older-ish euro whips.

Problem is, they just pile up at the shop because nobody wants to work on them when they are broken. At $1500, me thinks you are buying a maintenance payment.

That’s a good question for him to follow up on — good thinking!

[::: :::]

I have good Indy in Multnomah Village if your interested. He's honest and fair, never tries to take the dealer approach.

MVP? That’s who did the independent review.
The V shop is where this car has been serviced by the current owner

That’s basically where we are — at least 3 volvo-specific shops w/in 4mi

[::: :::]

Oh, that's good. NOT being a VAG or BMW product and all (hehe), you should, at least theoretically, never have to replace the timing chain. I do believe issues on that are quite rare so it is not a routine maintenance item to worry about. As far as the electronic parking brakes, I have removed mine before to reset and it was actually a ridiculously easy job. Replacement on those would be a piece of cake. Not sure about parts costs tho. Could maybe score from a junk yard. These are also generally reliable too. Think they're off of the Euro Ford Mondeo or something. Lots of Fomoco parts sharing with this platform. Definitely a solid prospect! Wife and I were heavily considering another one to replace our '08 but ended up deciding against it since we were just ready for something different in the end. Bomber cars tho. If you and your son are willing to wrench yourselves, you'll save a fortune and the car will love you long time. Maybe also consider just going ahead and swapping all the fluids while you run through it all. Trans, rear transaxle, angle gear, coolant, etc. That's how you get these cars to run forever with minimal problems. Look up the "Volvosweden" channel on YouTube where this Russian guy (who I think is in Canada) has one and shows how to do pretty much all the maintenance on them to very high standards, complete with part #s and everything. Like the jobs will be done way better than the dealer or an indie would ever do. If you need any further help, hit me up and I can hook you with the official Vida info since I basically have a dealer Volvo diagnostic laptop. It kicks ass. I bought that from this dude in CO. Diaglaptops. They're cheap and super worth it for our aging Volvos.

Sent from my Pixel 8 using TGR Forums mobile app

He is interested in doing some of the work. I’m not a wrench but our retiree neighbor is. And he likes to assist E on these sorts of things.

I’ll let him know on the volvosweden YT’er

[Aldo]

Our 1999 a4 avant manual 2.8 is still rolling. Love that car. Brought both kids home from the hospital in it. It's got 210k on it and the mice have chewed the wiring harness but the v6 is a sweet, sweet motor..= So, as usual, addyron and I disagree.

I’d also say for 500 definitely a great valley car. Have owned a few of exact avant you mention, happy to help however I can. You can put a lot of miles on that one. Cover the basics and it’ll treat you really well. You won’t find a more solid ride. You put 4 dedicated snows on that one it’s going where ever you point it. That’s best of breed right there at the time. Did you buy it?

[Aldo]

Ok, need some Audi advice...

Main concern is that it has a vacuum issue. Tech raised fault codes for secondary air on both tanks. It goes into more detail...

mags?

Secondary air faults aren’t gonna leave you anywhere - not a huge concern - especially if there’s no emissions issue there’s others things to watch out for.

[fatnslow]

I use a place called SVS , much more relaxed/casual/economical than the other two.

[Buster Highmen]

I’d also say for 500 definitely a great valley car. Have owned a few of exact avant you mention, happy to help however I can. You can put a lot of miles on that one. Cover the basics and it’ll treat you really well. You won’t find a more solid ride. You put 4 dedicated snows on that one it’s going where ever you point it. That’s best of breed right there at the time. Did you buy it?

It's the last car I bought new. Kept it up too. The wiring harness is a tough one.

[Djongo Unchained]

Grrrrr.

I went over yesterday to arrange a longer test drive and to talk more at length about the '97 A6 Avant.
An hour before I'm supposed to go over this morning, he texts me and says he's gonna sit on it and it's worth more to him now than when we first talked.


MOTHERFUCKER.

This is a guy I've known for over 30 years and was close ski buds with once. He's had a coupla instances where he really coulda helped me and didn't lift a finger. Last time I ghosted him for about 5 years. In plain sight.
This is the last straw. He can suck it.

I'm telling myself I'm somehow slipping away from a major mistake re: the wagon but I'da bought it next week if nothing was glaring at me after a good test drive.

I'm thinking a Sunday wakeybakey is in order now.

[fatnslow]

Grrrrr.

I went over yesterday to arrange a longer test drive and to talk more at length about the '97 A6 Avant.
An hour before I'm supposed to go over this morning, he texts me and says he's gonna sit on it and it's worth more to him now than when we first talked.


MOTHERFUCKER.

This is a guy I've known for over 30 years and was close ski buds with once. He's had a coupla instances where he really coulda helped me and didn't lift a finger. Last time I ghosted him for about 5 years. In plain sight.
This is the last straw. He can suck it.

I'm telling myself I'm somehow slipping away from a major mistake re: the wagon but I'da bought it next week if nothing was glaring at me after a good test drive.

I'm thinking a Sunday wakeybakey is in order now.

Good news/bad news.
Good reminder of your relationship with someone and didn't start a potential car ownership nightmare black hole.
As they say, "you don't own it till the check's been cashed" and sounds like your bud and you have a bit of history that might have repeated.

Don't waste too much energy on it.

[Djongo Unchained]

Good news/bad news.
Good reminder of your relationship with someone and didn't start a potential car ownership nightmare black hole.
As they say, "you don't own it till the check's been cashed" and sounds like your bud and you have a bit of history that might have repeated.

Don't waste too much energy on it.

Excellent answer, thanks.

For the price, I'da gone into it with no more expectations from him. What pisses me off is him letting me get so close to committing on the ride he had expressed almost zero interest in keeping. Now he thinks it's worth more and should sit on it.

Yer right, forget it and dog him out next time I see the chance. Fucking schoolers.

[::: :::]

I use a place called SVS , much more relaxed/casual/economical than the other two.

Thx for the rec

[fatnslow]

Thx for the rec

Saab/Volvo/Subaru.
Be aware he's Ukrainian and does a lot of mechanical work for rebuilders so he's always busy and not afraid to use "used " parts etc with your approval . A bit different experience than the other two V shops but he's very competent.

[Aldo]

Grrrrr.

I went over yesterday to arrange a longer test drive and to talk more at length about the '97 A6 Avant.
An hour before I'm supposed to go over this morning, he texts me and says he's gonna sit on it and it's worth more to him now than when we first talked.


MOTHERFUCKER.

This is a guy I've known for over 30 years and was close ski buds with once. He's had a coupla instances where he really coulda helped me and didn't lift a finger. Last time I ghosted him for about 5 years. In plain sight.
This is the last straw. He can suck it.

I'm telling myself I'm somehow slipping away from a major mistake re: the wagon but I'da bought it next week if nothing was glaring at me after a good test drive.

I'm thinking a Sunday wakeybakey is in order now.

May the head gasket blow soon on him.
Plenty of fish in the sea. Next!

[MontuckyFried]

An hour before I'm supposed to go over this morning, he texts me and says he's gonna sit on it and it's worth more to him now than when we first talked.

Bastard! I freaking HATE flakey ass people like that. Mofo was literally about to give it away for free to a charity, but NOW that you show some interest, dude thinks he's sitting on a gold mine all of a sudden? Screw that guy, and screw all people like him. They are the WORST! 10x as bad that he'd do that to a friend. I've had sellers pull that stunt on me too. Car sits forever and they just want to dump it but the second I'm ready to come over with cash, they say exactly what that guy said to you. It's that specific language that sets me off... "It's worth more to me now than when we first talked." Sure, asshole. It's "worth more" to YOU maybe, but apparently the rest of the world didn't think so or you wouldn't have had it sitting for 6 months with no bites. Oh, but the second somebody shows some interest, they wanna back out of the deal and up the price? WTF?! In my experience, we'd communicate about the car, they'd tell me how great it was, I'd finally get over for a test drive, we'd come to an agreement and when I'd try to get a hold of them to finalize everything and close the deal, they'd ghost me for days, and finally I'd get a text with exactly what that guy told you.

Odds are this fool is going to not be able to sell the car for the price he thinks he's going to get, and that'll be hilarious to watch.