any advice on buying a 99 V70R AWD???

[don kalmar union]

I would say that the AWD cars are best avoided at all costs because of the fragility of their transmissions. Particularly so if you are purchasing with a limited budget and want no surprises in running costs.

I would take the earlier advice given and buy a T5 or R front wheel drive version, maybe even a 2.5T as they are all pretty much bullet proof in all respects provided that have been sensibly maintained.

Regards, Don.

[Will]

Thanks for all the replys

Here's the link to the car i saw advertised.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V...1128219/advert

I did not get to see it this weekend.
I'll try to go this week, even tho I'm a little wary after getting the advice.

My next car has to be automatic 1st and foremost.
I get the impression that Volvo drivers do not recommend older high powered autos???

[Will]

thanks, I was writing the reply as the previous advice to steer clear of AWD was posted

[Baffler]

This garage have this sitting on the forecourt for the last twelve months. I know this because I was considering buying it last Christmas. I can't remember whether it's auto or manual. The info on the ad is incorrect. From what I remember it is an R and from what I could see there was a new turbo fitted. Give them a ring, it could be an auto, and you could get it for much less than the asking price. Tell them they were only asking for 6k at the start of the year

[Will]

cheers, i rang this morning and am waiting for the sales man to reply

[AWDCONVERT]

Have run a AWD 1998 v70 Auto. with LPG conversion Mainly used for towing of a large box car trailer for the last 2 years or so. now has done 135,000 miles approx 80,000 on LPG. Just had to replace auto box (second hand 62000miles) Standard box of same year fits. Now fitted additional gearbox oil cooler. Find it excellent for long fast towing but fuel consumption high 15mpg on LPG approx 20mpg on petrol. Other problems fwd constant velocity joint on prop shaft to rear diff. approx £1000 from volvo. No kits or exchanges available. Cleaned up and lightly ground out the scores and repacked it fitting a new gaiter (fwd one fits). Good car but not to be maintained by volvo too expensive.
Would prefer a manual one but the LPG conversion swung me. Even with gearbox has been a cheap car. paid £4000 for it 2 years ago. Mine is not a R but has the 195 Bhp engine. Expected valve trouble with the LPG but so far nothing. Uses no oil between changes. oil is clear when it is drained. This is a very hard worked car and stands up to it well. Got this car to replace an 03 V70 which was a disaster, got rid of it as soon as I could, having had 240,740 and other V70 before. Now have a v50 for my better half as she finds the V70 to big.

[Baffler]

Originally Posted by Will

cheers, i rang this morning and am waiting for the sales man to reply

Any joy? Bear in mind that they are Hyundai dealers and probably don't know what a V70R really is. They probably plucked that price from a book on their desk so don't be afraid to haggle as I'm sure they'll want to shift it.

If you do consider buying be sure to factor in the replacement of all brakes and all fluids as it's stationary for some time. I think around the 4k mark would be more realistic.

Ring again and advise the receptionist you want to buy a fleet of Santa Fe's......they won't be long getting back to you

[ahal]

Hi Will,

That car should be hovering around 3k, when all the horse - trading and other b.s. is factored in. I work in the trade ( not Volvo ) and there's damn all happening, as you probably know, and while these cars had a market during the 'boom' or whatever it was called, they don't now. Nothing has a market at the moment.

Wave cash in front of noses and you will get away with a lot of cruelty. If, like me, you are useless at it, recruit someone who has the killer instinct. It's even worth paying them a commission! As the trade is cash - strapped in terms of 'fluid assets', and has so much money tied up in equity ( cars ) that have to be paid for, the sooner these cars get off the forecourt the better. That doesn't mean they won't chance their arm.

Also, while I don't consider '99 to be old, many people who have a hangup about number plate year would. My friend just bought a 2000 Land Rover Freelander for 3,000 Euro, with 80k. miles. It was originally advertised for 4,700.

Damn, I'm helping myself out of a job here ...

Best of luck.

Anthony.

[Will]

I should have given a little background.......
I've a 01 307 Hdi at the min which i'm trying to trade/swop.
I'm hoping the garages would think it a much easier car for them to shift on than a 2.3 Turbo Petrol car.
If I had cash they'd probably take my arm off for it!!!
I'm waiting on both dealers to come back. the sales man is on holiday for the blue one in dublin.

I'll put in a call again today.

[ahal]

Hi Will,

You're right there, the Pug. is a lot more saleable. It's a bit of a long shot at the moment though, but who knows. I'm thinking 'HDI' ... presumably that's the diesel one. Dunno if you're a Carlow town / country man, but down my way ( rural ) these are very popular, along with the older 306 ( and Golf TDi's! ).

I'd say you could do worse than stick an ad. in the Farmer's Journal. I know one guy who couldn't get rid of a Frontera but had no problems selling through that - I'm not saying you drive a tractor ( yet :-p ) but I'm thinking target audience. I still think coverting the car into cash - without giving it away - has it's merits. I guess first you need to see what the baseline price is on the one you're buying.

Regards,

Anthony