Paging Resident Volvo Experts

"Branden J -Reading the Manual" (intakelake)
04/05/2015 at 13:44 • Filed to: None

I could use a little advise and guidance here.

So this week I'm going to go look at this car, a 2005 Volvo S60, I would put the link to the add but the seller has since removed it as he is not intensely motivated to sell this car.

The car itself looks to be in great shape but it's got almost 200000 miles on it and that is what is worrying me and my financial advisor (See: father). So I guess what I'm trying to ask here is if this high of miles is a major issue, and also what are some things I should check out that may cause issues in the future. Thank you! And here's what the original ad said for reference:

Please read entire ad before contacting me. I'm not writing this for my benefit, I'm writing it for yours. This Volvo came from Virginia and is solid as a rock. It was my daily driver all year last year. I stored it over the winter. It has never seen PA salt. It's in ever better condition underneath than it is on top. There is NO RUST WHATSOEVER.

I average 32mpg without the roof rack in and 28+ with the roof rack. It's great on gas!

The car runs like a top. It has new brakes all the way around in the past year, new front balls joints, and a fresh oil change. The interior is very clean.

Timing belt was changed at 188,000 so it's good for another 120,000 miles. And this car will do it. It's solid as a rock. It currently has about 196,000 on it and going up since I'll be driving it again.

Will come with a fresh inspection.

Here are the specifics:

2.4 liter 5 cylinder

Front wheel drive

5 speed manual transmission

Dual Zone Climate Control

Cruise Control

AM/FM/CD with steering wheel mounted radio controls

Power windows

Power locks

Remote keyless entry with (1) key

Outside temperature display

Full driver information center display with current mpg's, average mpg's, miles to empty, average speed, etc..

Heated mirrors

ABS and Stability Control

Front and side airbags

I would prefer to sell it but will consider trades of equal condition only. If your vehicle is a lot nicer, I may be willing to add cash to the deal. NO RUSTY VEHICLES. NONE. I can't stand rust. It makes me anxious. Please do NOT contact me and expect me to trade for junk. No dirt bikes, Jeep Cherokees, Cavaliers, etc.. I'll entertain trades for certain sports cars, or possibly another sedan. I prefer a manual transmission but will consider an automatic.

It's spring and I'm in the mood for something new. Clear title in hand.

DISCUSSION (18)

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Branden J -Reading the Manual
04/05/2015 at 13:52

I would not buy that.

Ike > Branden J -Reading the Manual
04/05/2015 at 13:54

my knowlege of these is the that the pcv system is the Achilles heel, it should be replaced about every 100k-120k to stop a whole host of problems, if he hasn't repaced it, I would walk away, ( I have a 05 v70r With 187k miles I bought last fall, walked awa from a few with out pcv ever being replaced) the engine is pretty solid to my knowlege other then that ( I know more about the turbo charged blocks though. Having lived in va I can tell you I would double check him on the rust claim, it's high moisture and there have been really salty winters.

That's about the extent of my knowlege on these

TopSirloin > Branden J -Reading the Manual
04/05/2015 at 13:55

Price?

Branden J -Reading the Manual > TopSirloin
04/05/2015 at 13:56

$3200

jkm7680 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
04/05/2015 at 14:00

I honestly wouldn't unless it's 100% perfect.

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
04/05/2015 at 14:02

Thank you

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Ike
04/05/2015 at 14:03

Thank you, I'll be sure to ask about that

TopSirloin > Branden J -Reading the Manual
04/05/2015 at 14:04

I'm not a Volvo expert, so I may not have the credentials you were seeking. In my opinion, that's a shitload of miles, and while the timing belt change recently is huge, I'm not inclined to believe modern cars do "1 88,000 so it's good for another 120,000 miles." It's just asking for trouble in my opinion. If your budget is $3200, I'd think you could find something thats a little more fun and less mileage.

Branden J -Reading the Manual > TopSirloin
04/05/2015 at 14:07

Thank you, yeah, the mileage is making me very leary at this point, but it's close so I figured it's at least worth a check

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Branden J -Reading the Manual
04/05/2015 at 14:07

http://www.kbb.com/volvo/s60/2005…

Even KBB says private party value at that mileage is maybe 2100 bucks. Also the seller claims much better fuel economy that given by EPA estimates. Furthermore, this is the wrong side of 200k miles for this era of Volvo.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > TopSirloin
04/05/2015 at 14:08

http://www.kbb.com/volvo/s60/2005…

KBB says it's worth $2k

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
04/05/2015 at 14:11

Thank you, I really appreciate the advise

TopSirloin > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
04/05/2015 at 14:11

Even lower in my area. "Very Good" condition lands between $1,100 and $1,900.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > TopSirloin
04/05/2015 at 14:15

I mean I've overpaid for a car or two in my day, but they were ones I was already familar with and just had to have. And frankly there isn't much risk of loss in my price range. Over 3k on a luxury sedan (so says google) that you are unfamiliar with, with ridiculous miles, is dangerous. Especially when it's got a 50-200% markup.

TopSirloin > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
04/05/2015 at 14:23

Preach. $3200 should get you something cheap to own, cheap to repair, cheap to refill and mildy fun, depending. This would be my choice.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4964345415…

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > TopSirloin
04/05/2015 at 14:28

That's too level-headed to post on here! Like that time I said I liked the accord coupe.

I would personally buy an '85 Celiac GT and spend the rest of the money on beer

TopSirloin > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
04/05/2015 at 14:33

LOL

boxrocket > Branden J -Reading the Manual
04/05/2015 at 20:09

Kinja'd!!!

Buy mine instead.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4958612739…