Buying 850 T5R

2156 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by TG850T5R, Apr 8, 2009

volvo_guy

Discussion Starter · Mar 10, 2009

I had the experience to test a yellow T5R sedan that is for sale. It rides pretty nice, but I think it may need new struts and timing belt may need to be done. How much will that run? The AC works but has not been replaced. New rear rotors, new pads all around, rear CD changer, new radiator, and new tires.It has around 143,000 miles and I think i am going to jump at the offer to buy it. I am going to have an indy volvo shop look it over. It looks clean and there are tons of records for it. Whats the good and the bad about vehicle ownership of the vehicle? I have done some research on it, but not sure on eveything.

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Taleof2Bricks2

· #2 · Mar 10, 2009

Re: Buying 850 T5R (volvo_guy)

Quote, originally posted by volvo_guy »

...Whats the good and the bad about vehicle ownership...

The good: You can visit a forum for Volvo enthusiasts, call yourself: "Volvo-this-or-that", "racer-this-or-that", and have a car that is 'different' & pretty quick, even stock.

The bad: You will need a 'money tree' to support your high mileage Volvo, whether you have 'a ton of records' or not.

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ChuckB

· #3 · Mar 10, 2009

Re: Buying 850 T5R (Taleof2Bricks2)

Quote, originally posted by Taleof2Bricks2 »

The bad: You will need a 'money tree' to support your high mileage Volvo, whether you have 'a ton of records' or not.

I agree 100%. As the original owner of an 855R that I still have, I too have a huge folder of receipts since new plus a lot of work I've done myself. If the A/C evaporator hasn't been replaced, absolutely assume you'll be doing it very soon (major labor, and a huge pia to DIY). Mine has 148k miles on it now. Also, I had to replace the A/C compressor at about 142k miles. However, it is much more reliable than more modern Volvos (we've been through both a 2004 and 2005 V70R, and that experience convinced me to never buy a Volvo again).

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volvo_guy

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 11, 2009

Re: Buying 850 T5R (ChuckB)

Well, I guess the money tree is true. I just got back from the indy mechanic and he said that there are few things that need to be replaced.
Strut bushings, ignition switch, right engine mount, front engine seals and timing belt, and a CMP Seal. It kind of hard to read his writing for the last one. He also mentioned there is lots of blow by which indicates a worn engine. New aftermarket pads and new tires are cheap. He wants $8500 for it, but we negotiated it down to $5500. I am not made of money and I certainly don't want to dump a lot of money into a car. If anyone is interested in a T5R, the link is below for the posting online. I think I might pass on this.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/....html

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ChuckB

· #5 · Mar 11, 2009

Re: Buying 850 T5R (volvo_guy)

$8500 is an outrageous price for that car with that mileage in that condition. At that price, you'd have to have a low mileage (50k) garage queen. If the current owner fixed all the stuff the PPI found, $5500 is still too much imo at that mileage with known issues coming shortly (i.e. evaporator) and potential problems with the motor -- a rebuild will run you $$$. You made the right choice...walk, run from this car.

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JRL

· #6 · Mar 11, 2009

Re: Buying 850 T5R (volvo_guy)

That T5-R is a $3500 car..... no more

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ChuckB

· #7 · Mar 11, 2009

Re: Buying 850 T5R (JRL)

Quote, originally posted by JRL »

That T5-R is a $3500 car..... no more

If the engine is potential trouble with a failing leak down test or poor compression results, I wouldn't pay 1/2 of 3500 for that thing. Something about owning one of these for 13+ years I guess...

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TG850T5R

· #8 · Mar 31, 2009

Re: Buying 850 T5R (ChuckB)

Just saw this thread. You should of jumped on VS and asked about this car..... It is my old car (the one in my sig w/ the higher mileage). When I sold it in 2005 that car was in absolute perfect condition..... But it never was in the same league as my other one. It is funny how the yellow folder I had for the car is still in the trunk

Here are some pics of it from its past......

PS: Timing belt, RMS was done right at 90K. Its transmission failed at 90K miles was replaced at the dealer. All records of the car should of been there from day 1.

I believe I sold it for $8500.00 in 2005 3 days after listing it.

with it's sister.....

at a volvo meet

my fav pic of the two......

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misa

· #9 · Apr 4, 2009

Hi!
About that blow by which is(according to your mechanic)indicator of worn engine....It could just be clogged pcv system.When pcv is clogged positive pressure is comming out from oil dipstick.It looks like engine is worn,but doesn't mean that it is!!!It's very common on 850.

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volvo_guy

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 4, 2009

Re: Buying 850 T5R (TG850T5R)

Yes, all the records were there. I decided to pass on it though. It has been maintained very well on the interior and exterior, but mechanically it seriously needs some work. I didn't and still don't have the extra money to get into better condition. My mechanic had a laundry list of items that need to be replaced. The guy who owns, did most of the maintainence himself, and cut corners by using cheaper parts. Just more things to replace when they go bad.

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TG850T5R

· #11 · Apr 8, 2009

Re: Buying 850 T5R (volvo_guy)

Quote, originally posted by volvo_guy »

Yes, all the records were there. I decided to pass on it though. It has been maintained very well on the interior and exterior, but mechanically it seriously needs some work. I didn't and still don't have the extra money to get into better condition. My mechanic had a laundry list of items that need to be replaced. The guy who owns, did most of the maintainence himself, and cut corners by using cheaper parts. Just more things to replace when they go bad.

I am very suprised to hear this. The car did not need anything at 110K miles and now it needs all of this work .

On a different note, I just closed a deal on a one owner very clean 854 T-5R (Yellow) w/ 59K original miles. I am flying over to CA to pick it up and bring her home to be my next garage queen.

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