My 'Bargain Basement' V70

[john.wigley]

When my 745 failed it's MOT 18 months ago on terminal corrosion, we had owned it for 18 of it's 27 years. We then looked for a nice 965 / V90 to replace it but could not find one suitable. This is why we started looking at V70s, as we already owed two FWD Saabs and would have preferred a RWD Volvo.

A year ago, we found an early 2000 'Classic' at a Dealer in Rotherham, up at £695. It fitted our requirements, and looked to be a good 'stop-gap' car. As it only had 5 months MOT left, I told him that I was prepared to pay the screen price if he would put a year's MOT on it. He declined, but immediately offered it to me at the 'trade' price of £550. We shook on that and I drove it 70 odd miles home without incident.

Fast forward to December and I submitted it for it's first MOT in my ownership. All that it required was hand-brake adjustment and a little welding on the exhaust support bracket to secure a pass. That MOT cost me £50, so I was well pleased that my purchase had been vindicated.

Fast forward again to last week and it went in for the replacement headlamp (an advisory on the MOT) that I had previously purchased from 'Minty' of these very forums - highly recommended, to be fitted. I also asked them to do an oil service and general check-over / report on the car at the same time.

They advised that the brake fluid is due for replacement and the A/C, whilst working, requires re-gassing. It is also missing both it's N/S headlamp wiper and w/washer bottle cap (of all things), which I know about and am currently trying to source. The only other issue reported was that the EML came on intermittently - again I was aware, but it doesn't adversely affect the running - which they have identified as a border-line O2 sensor. All-in-all, not a bad result, I thought.

My point is that it is still entirely possible to buy a good, solid, reliable, comfortable car for a pittance, even from a Dealer. It seems to me that while 7 and 9 series cars have all now either died or achieved 'collectible' status (with concomitant prices), the V70 is presently where our 745 was when we bought it. This one is definitely a 'keeper' which we intend to improve (replacement seats and trim - that sort of thing) over time. A show car it is not, but as a working daily driver that lives outside, it is close to ideal.

Regards, John.