Which first time Volvo classic?

sthodgson · May 14th, 2018, 09:42

Hello,

We have two 'modern' Volvos at present - an 04 XC90 and a 56 v50, and I've run others in the past. Despite their shortcomings, I always find the blend of solid build, comfort, style, and relaxed driving experience draws me back. I'm always toying with the idea of running a classic, and after a surprise meeting of the 300 club at Brooklands on Sunday (had an interesting chat with Tim), the urge to run a classic has returned. He mentioned they were very economical to keep running.

Looking for advice on an low cost Volvo classic. I would love something exotic, but I really don't want to spend much money on it - just the basics and I'll do the servicing myself. The 300 series looks ideal (hatchback 1.7 or 2.0), but prices still seem to be quite high from what I can see. The 200 series look good (estate), but the prices seem higher. Are these the best models to look at?

Any ideas welcome!

Many thanks,
Sam

biggbn · May 14th, 2018, 10:06

Can I put in a shout for 700/900/s/v90. Undervalued, last 'real'volvo...ducks and runs...well made, reliable, practical, but moving up in value. Another shout is a nice 850, pain free ownership, wonderful engines, 'modern' car handling, stylish...and cheap...no, make that CHEAP. If you are interested in a 300 series i recently had dealings with a fella on this forum who was selling his mums 1.4 three door 340, one owner and low miles with fsh, we were unable to agree on a price but the car sounded stunning, am happy to pass on details.

DSK · May 14th, 2018, 13:03

I would also say the 740/760/940/960 should not be over looked. Very robust and useable Volvo's!.

Used to have a Volvo 740 2.3 Turbo estate many years ago and it was awesome and would still show modern cars a thing or two about robust build and comfort.

Whilst not as old, perhaps a Volvo 850 T-5 would suit. Cheaper to get hold of, parts are readily available, reasonably easy for competent DIY'ers and one in good order again becomes a lovely car you can even drive daily should you wish.

zapcity1 · May 14th, 2018, 14:34

You can pick up 3 and 4 series for buttons at the moment. Never likely to be to be major classics, but great value. Something like this on Autotrader at the moment for £1k: -
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...e=VOLVO&page=1

The saloon versions of the 7,8,9 series are still reasonable too.

14K mile 850 saloon on for £2.5K: -
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...=ip83re&page=1

Nice looking 9 on Autotrader for £1400: -
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...at_cars&page=1

Get 'em while they are cheap!!

biggbn · May 14th, 2018, 16:12

Shame about the colour and spec of that 850, that said, if it was a manual I would be tempted if it was a grand cheaper. Not well presented in ads. You can still find low mileage 300 series, I would have paid a grand for the one I mentioned but the owner had sentimental attachment to it and we could not deal. I agree 400 series saloons are really cheap now, I can't see them appreciating as they are 'just an old car'.

ITSv40 · May 14th, 2018, 17:06

Having had Volvo's continuously for the past 45 years and two 360GLT's back in the day, I would not touch them. Although they were very reliable mechanically the bodywork and trim was not up to Volvo standards - they were rebadged Daf after all.

The 200 series and earlier are all comparatively expensive now, so one would have to look at the 850/700/900 series. C70 coupes and convertibles are very cheap at the moment and must appreciate in the future even if only for the fact they were quirky models as far as the Volvo line up is concerned. They were also hand built in their own factory and are superbly built.

sthodgson · May 14th, 2018, 20:02

Thanks for the ideas, People.

I think there's lots of choice out there. Can't see many c70s below £1000 though.

Would be interested in the contact for that 1.4 340. Not the engine I was after but I'm sure it's has its appeal.

Cheers,
Sam

biggbn · May 16th, 2018, 12:40

Pm original poster in this thread mate.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=279539

sthodgson · May 20th, 2018, 09:56

Thanks. It does seem to be quite a premium buy, maybe a little over budget for a 1.4.

Sam

biggbn · May 20th, 2018, 10:51

I would have paid a grand for the wee car, if it is as described.

May 14th, 2018, 09:42	#1
sthodgson Junior Member Last Online: Mar 26th, 2024 20:23 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sutton	Which first time Volvo classic? Hello, We have two 'modern' Volvos at present - an 04 XC90 and a 56 v50, and I've run others in the past. Despite their shortcomings, I always find the blend of solid build, comfort, style, and relaxed driving experience draws me back. I'm always toying with the idea of running a classic, and after a surprise meeting of the 300 club at Brooklands on Sunday (had an interesting chat with Tim), the urge to run a classic has returned. He mentioned they were very economical to keep running. Looking for advice on an low cost Volvo classic. I would love something exotic, but I really don't want to spend much money on it - just the basics and I'll do the servicing myself. The 300 series looks ideal (hatchback 1.7 or 2.0), but prices still seem to be quite high from what I can see. The 200 series look good (estate), but the prices seem higher. Are these the best models to look at? Any ideas welcome! Many thanks, Sam

May 14th, 2018, 13:03	#3
DSK C70 T5 Last Online: Mar 23rd, 2022 21:00 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Midlands	I would also say the 740/760/940/960 should not be over looked. Very robust and useable Volvo's!. Used to have a Volvo 740 2.3 Turbo estate many years ago and it was awesome and would still show modern cars a thing or two about robust build and comfort. Whilst not as old, perhaps a Volvo 850 T-5 would suit. Cheaper to get hold of, parts are readily available, reasonably easy for competent DIY'ers and one in good order again becomes a lovely car you can even drive daily should you wish. __________________ 2000 C70 T5 GT Coupe 1998 S70R / 1995 Toyota Supra Twin Turbo 2007 Mercedes CLS 320 CDI / 2011 Mercedes S350 Bluetec 2007 Suzuki GSXR-1000

May 14th, 2018, 14:34	#4
zapcity1 Senior Member Last Online: Mar 12th, 2024 23:09 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Ipswich	You can pick up 3 and 4 series for buttons at the moment. Never likely to be to be major classics, but great value. Something like this on Autotrader at the moment for £1k: - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...e=VOLVO&page=1 The saloon versions of the 7,8,9 series are still reasonable too. 14K mile 850 saloon on for £2.5K: - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...=ip83re&page=1 Nice looking 9 on Autotrader for £1400: - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...at_cars&page=1 Get 'em while they are cheap!! __________________ Now: - MY12 XC60 SE Lux Premium D3 Geartonic AWD, MY09 XC70 D5 SE Lux Geartronic AWD, MY08 C70 SE Lux D5 Geartronic & 1994 480GT Previously: - MY08 V50 2.0D SE Lux, MY08 S40 1.8 SE, MY10 C70 SE Lux 2.0D Powershift, & ’99 V40 2.0T SE Lux

May 14th, 2018, 17:06	#6
ITSv40 VOC Member Last Online: Today 13:24 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northampton	Having had Volvo's continuously for the past 45 years and two 360GLT's back in the day, I would not touch them. Although they were very reliable mechanically the bodywork and trim was not up to Volvo standards - they were rebadged Daf after all. The 200 series and earlier are all comparatively expensive now, so one would have to look at the 850/700/900 series. C70 coupes and convertibles are very cheap at the moment and must appreciate in the future even if only for the fact they were quirky models as far as the Volvo line up is concerned. They were also hand built in their own factory and are superbly built. __________________ 2001 V40 2.0lt Sport lux - Daily Driver. 174k miles. 2003 C70 2.4 GT Convertible - Garage Queen. 65k miles. http://www.neptuno6benagil.com

May 14th, 2018, 10:06	#2
biggbn I've Been Banned Last Online: Nov 7th, 2020 20:13 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: dundee View Photos By: biggbn	Can I put in a shout for 700/900/s/v90. Undervalued, last 'real'volvo...ducks and runs...well made, reliable, practical, but moving up in value. Another shout is a nice 850, pain free ownership, wonderful engines, 'modern' car handling, stylish...and cheap...no, make that CHEAP. If you are interested in a 300 series i recently had dealings with a fella on this forum who was selling his mums 1.4 three door 340, one owner and low miles with fsh, we were unable to agree on a price but the car sounded stunning, am happy to pass on details.

May 14th, 2018, 16:12	#5
biggbn I've Been Banned Last Online: Nov 7th, 2020 20:13 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: dundee View Photos By: biggbn	Shame about the colour and spec of that 850, that said, if it was a manual I would be tempted if it was a grand cheaper. Not well presented in ads. You can still find low mileage 300 series, I would have paid a grand for the one I mentioned but the owner had sentimental attachment to it and we could not deal. I agree 400 series saloons are really cheap now, I can't see them appreciating as they are 'just an old car'.

May 14th, 2018, 20:02	#7
sthodgson Junior Member Last Online: Mar 26th, 2024 20:23 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sutton	Thanks for the ideas, People. I think there's lots of choice out there. Can't see many c70s below £1000 though. Would be interested in the contact for that 1.4 340. Not the engine I was after but I'm sure it's has its appeal. Cheers, Sam

May 16th, 2018, 12:40	#8
biggbn I've Been Banned Last Online: Nov 7th, 2020 20:13 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: dundee View Photos By: biggbn	Pm original poster in this thread mate. https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=279539

May 20th, 2018, 09:56	#9
sthodgson Junior Member Last Online: Mar 26th, 2024 20:23 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sutton	Thanks. It does seem to be quite a premium buy, maybe a little over budget for a 1.4. Sam

May 20th, 2018, 10:51	#10
biggbn I've Been Banned Last Online: Nov 7th, 2020 20:13 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: dundee View Photos By: biggbn	I would have paid a grand for the wee car, if it is as described.

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