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Good Idea to buy this or similary Volvo for our situation

1.5K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  LDL20  
#1 ·
I was in the market for an Elantra, Civic, Corolla, etc but given that the price on Volvo like this one and even BMWs and some Lexus are the same or less, I started looking at other options. The car will be driven by my wife and a few teenagers. I am hesitant because of the potential cost of repairs, but the premium factor does matter some and with the upper trims of the foreign cars listed, they are often more $ by thousands. Used car pricing is nuts but we can't wait another 6 or more months for it to cool off and drop. We were trying to stay around 10k.

I have read that parts can be expensive and even hard to get for Volvos? This one is the end of the generation so that should be helpful overall but styling is older but ok.

Here is one of the cars I was considering. Clean car fax and good service records with only 52k. It still appears to be listed a little high.
2009 Volvo S60 SE
52k miles
$9995


Thoughts?

Thank you
 
#2 ·
Looks really clean, and I love a P2 with Talos wheels. $10k is a lot, but if this is relatively sorted as it seems to be then it should be a reliable car for a long time to come. That being said though, it doesnt have a backup camera or rear parking sensors... How responsible are your teens [emoji23]

Parts for P2 are pretty reasonable, with options for buying lifetime warranty parts from places like FCP Euro. It all just depends on what you want, if you want to save some money on down the road you can pick up your own Vida setup and do your own maintenance, but as long as you keep up with the big maintenance items (PCV, timing belt, etc.) it'll be great.

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#6 ·
Thank you. What is Vida setup?
I am actually very mechanically capable and have done most maintenance and repairs on cars over the years, just short of full-on engine removal/rebuild. That being said, doesn't mean that I want to do that all of the time now.
What do you think is a fair price? This is at a local small used car dealership. Usually, there are no dealer fees at these small dealers.
 
#3 ·
It looks really nice. You'll probably have to factor in the cost of a timing belt change as this one's due just based on time. Ask around at shops near you but it typically runs $800 or so. Make sure they change the tensioner and pulley's. This car has an interference engine so if the belt breaks then you're in trouble.
 
#4 ·
Looks awesome and such low mileage! Definitely a good (and safe) choice for a couple of teens. A bit on the higher end without being flashy, and don't be afraid of the repair bills. A bit more pricey than I'd expect but I'm sure that can be negotiated. These are the big three tried & true sources for parts (plus another for OEM / hard to find).

Genuine and OEM Replacement Car Parts Online | BMW Volvo Audi VW Mercedes Porsche Saab | FCP Euro

The Volvo Parts, Accessories and Performance Specialists Since 1963 (ipdusa.com)

VOLVO PARTS - Page 1 - ViVA Performance

Volvo Parts - OEM Volvo Parts from Volvo Parts Webstore
 
#5 ·
If car mtce expenses are a potential budget buster, then I'd suggest buying a Toyota or Honda, instead. If you wish to go "upscale", consider buying a used Lexus ES (bought my 2007 new and, after 14 years, I've only had to replace the front rotors and CV boots, plus do normal maintenance). Yes, Volvo have a more "premium" feel, but it could (and very well may) come at a higher cost to maintain. Suggest you buy something safe, for your wife and children, that you can afford to maintain. The real expense isn't the purchase price of the car, but rather the cost to maintain it, particularly for a used car. A 2009 Honda Accord is comparable to a 2009 Volvo S60 regarding size, and both were Top IIHS Safety Picks in that year, as an example. I sold my 1999 Honda Accord EX a few years back, after owning it for 18 years and 245K miles, and the new owner is still using it. Whatever you decide to buy, have a good mechanic check it out first. Particularly with all of the flooding, you need to guard against buying a flood-damaged car.
 
#7 ·
@maggs Very valid points. I will update the stereo system to include a backup camera and parking sensors can be added as well. I have been looking at Lexus ES as well. Stating the obvious, they hold their value better because they effectively a fancy Camry.

I just looked at KBB and without knowing the degree that KBB knows current used pricing, it puts this car at 6 to $8k. So $8k might be appropriate if it checks out to be in great condition but I am seeing cars priced in the Tampa area inflated by 30-40% compared to what they were a few years ago. I bought a 2013 Elantra Limited with 80k miles in 2018 for $9500 out the door, today that car would be closer to 13k out the door.
 
#10 ·
I own a 2005 S60 2.5T. It had 102K miles when I bought it, in 2017. This car had been in an accident, repaired, and the title is marked "salvage." Price was around 3.5K dollars.
Since then, I have had the radiator replaced, a new timing belt, a new serpentine belt, had the alternator overhauled, had the A/C compressor overhauled, serviced the engine crankcase ventilation system, and replaced the serpentine belt tension pulley. Also, several new light bulbs. Total cost for repairs, parts & labor, is between 2K and 3K. I have done some of the work myself. The car now has 129K, and it has been reliable. The car you are considering is much newer, and it apparently has never been in a significant accident. It also has less mileage on the odo than my Volvo. I would do a test drive, and inspect for flood damage, if I was looking at this car. If the engine and transmission are good, the car may be worth the asking price, in my opinion.
 
#11 ·
1. Vehicle, per carfax has been dealer maintained EXCEPT the last service done by Toytoa dealer.

2. Volvo genuine parts aren't cheap. Depending on if you do mechanical repairs or pay a shop, labor is expensive. Especially if done by Volvo Dealer.

3. Have car pre purchase inpsected by dealer or 3rd party if you decide to buy, reach a price, but before siging paperwork. Few hundred bucks of prevention could save you 1000s.

Flood, mechanical issues, etc

Volvos are great cars. In a normal market car is overpriced. This market, all cars are overpriced.
 
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#13 ·
Hi there...sorry to burst your bubble on this particular car, but it gone; sold a few days ago!

I'm looking for the same exact thing...a safe car that I can use for a year to replace my wife's soon-to-end lease that can then be handed down to my new-driver son.

This S60 looked very nice, and probably the lowest mileage one for sale.