New Member Area/Introduction

Feature my ride Mark forum as read and return

The common question. I'm buying a used Volvo model xxxx. What should I look for?

The short answer is a:

Full Service History (FSH)

Volvo's need servicing just like anyother car. If you are buying a used Volvo and the seller says: "it's a wonderful car. It just goes and goes. I've not had to spend a cent on it in the last two to three years!" Beware!

The car may be coming up for some very expensive repairs which the seller does not want to pay for or does not have the money to pay for the repairs.

Suppose the car you are buying is less than $4,000.00 and several years old. You might be stretching things if the car has had several different owners by demanding all the Receipts and paper work which may have been lost over the years. Let's face it, if the radiator was replaced 280,000k's ago-it might need replacing again. And all the original paper work and receipts now don't lessen the burden of replacing it again. That is simply an example only.

Having a pre-purchase examination by your local Automobile Association or similar organisation has it's advantages. They are inspecting cars all the time and have the equipment to do the job properly, e.g. lifts, inspection pits etc.

Once the inspection is finished-take the report to your local Volvo agent and have the agent cost up the report for repairs/replacements/updates etc. At the same time, ask the Volvo agent to look for common problems which the Agent would know about and the inspection service may have missed in their report.

HOW MUCH TO PAY?

Take the sellers asking price

minus the Volvo agent's quote

minus another $1,000.00 buffer for things the inspection missed (you could increase that $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 if none or few of the Volvo periodic services have been done)

Whatever is left over-that is the price you offer the seller.

WHAT EXACTLY AM I PAYING FOR WHEN I BUY A USED CAR?

You are paying the seller the perceived value of the life left in the car.

(If you are buying a classic car-none of the above rules apply.) Pricing/costing enthusiasts/collectors values is beyond this article.

These remarks apply regardless of whether or not the particular Volvo you are thinking about buying is:

Turbo or non-Turbo
Petrol or Diesel
Manual (Stick-Shift) or Auto (Gearless)
Front Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Sedan, Coupe, Station Wagon, Convertible, SUV.

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Questions like:

"I'm thinking about buying a 1993 Volvo 850 Turbo, what should I look for?

You cannot be expected to know how to diagnose normal wear and tear of the transmission, turbo and suspension etc etc. You cannot be expected to recognise a faultless and fully serviceable car either.

What should I look for? The Volvo agent. Why? Normally, the agent has a reputation too good to loose. It is rare that they would miss something and not remedy the situation if you were to suffer lose because of their negligence. (I realise that there are exceptions to all these remarks. Please don't fill the forum with one off examples of disasters.) Mistakes do happen. Ask any doctor if you don't believe me!! I doubt that any agent would deliberately mislead you.

Check the dash board for bits of tape overing warning lights. Taping over warning lights with expensive repairs required is becoming common.

These remarks are for guidance only.

Cheers

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Do not post here for questions and technical matters. There are other sections in this forum for that. When you do, use the "Topic Title" wisely. eg. Please Help!!! (BAD); Displayed Bulb Position Failure (GOOD - title is more descriptive not general). Also search before posting. Chances are that you are not the first to ask.
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Post here only for the introduction of yourself and your car. You may want to mention
- model, year, color, price you paid.
- where you are, your commute, purpose of the car.
- what made you decide Volvo over another make.
- what made you select that particular model.
- what you use to drive or any other cars you own.
- any project (if any) you might have for further improvements, etc.

Hello all. I'm a soon-to-be first time Volvo owner having just purchased an MY2020 S60 T8. I will be taking delivery of the car in two days. It is an ex Volvo Australia executive car with 5,000km and is 7 months old. In preparation for my new driving experience I plan to join my local lawn bowling club and also will be purchasing a white bowler's hat to adorn the rear parcel shelf. Thanks for having me and looking forward to participating in whatever activities aside from bowls that Aussie Volvo drivers may partake. I am quite accustomed to attending car shows and track days in various Ford models I have, or have previously had, in my modest car collection. And a pic for attention ...

[attachment=18857:IMG_3615.JPG]

We acquired our 1990 760 Turbo Wagon 2.3 ltr in trade under insurance for the same as blue book on my wife’s 240 sedan when she totaled it, or $ 7100, in yr 2000. She drove it a few years, then I took it over and love the car. At 430,000 miles last November, cylinder one only at 10 lbs compression (others at 150 lbs), so needs a rebuild, but for now, seeking used b230ft to replace. Thanks for having me.

Hi, I'm Freddie Watts from Wombourne United Kingdom

Hi Folks,

Just joined as i am purchasing a 2005 S40 and know I already have questions as the Volvos I drove and functioned as a back yard mechanic for were from the 1970's and 1980s such as 122, 240, 264. It's been a long time. Too late now to switch to a different one now, but I smelled coolant a couple times yet no wet floor so I put it down to the way Volvo's smell since gauge didn't go up. First the Time for Regular Service warning came on and then the Check Engine light came on the next day. I checked the coolant even though the low coolant light wasn't on and gauge was a little bit over halfway. Next tried to read OBDII codes but got a link error each time. Then tried the press and hold the read button and pushed rear fog light button twice to find the hidden menu but the only things shown were the Time for Regular Service note and one that the trunk was open. (the dealer is waiting for the part for that to come in. Nothing else was read and I am not sure why. The scanner I used was a cheap Autel one on hand but it was able to read other models of cars. Does anyone know if there are specific fuses or relays that could be involved with a link error like that? I also noticed that the coolant cap was not turned all the way to the clicking point and did notice a small amount of fluid under the expansion tank. The coolant was about 1 1/2 to two inched low and is orange. I am guessing perhaps Dexcool since I thought Volvo fluid was blue? The oil was also a half quart or less low. I am planning to try a different scanner tomorrow, but wonder if what I have described is enough for the check engine to come on and, if anyone has any suggestions about the hidden menu not doing what I have seen described elsewhere?

I was looking at getting some BONOSS wheel spacers, maybe 10 to 15mm but when I've looked, I'm surprised at how expensive they can be. I don't want to pay too much but can anyone please direct me to their recommendations?

Cheers

Hello, i bought a P1800S for restoration. It's a nice car with the original dutch registration. But a previous owner tried to restore the car
They used a lot of iron to cover all the rust. We have to start all over again. I have some pictures on a blog My blog . It's all in dutch but i hope the pictures give an idea of the state of the car.

Kind regards, Rolf

Hello, i bought a P1800S for restoration. It's a nice car with the original dutch registration. But a previous owner tried to restore the car
They used a lot of iron to cover all the rust. We have to start all over again. I have some pictures on a blog https://rludeke.wixsite.com/p1800s/blog . It's all in dutch but i hope the pictures give an idea of the state of the car.

Kind regards, Rolf

Do as hard as I've tried I cannot find any information whatsoever either posted online, forums, paper book, mechanic manuals anything about the Volvo V60 2015 4 cylinder.

Evening all. Thanks for the add. I look after two of our daughters' Volvos, mainly a 2011 V50 1.6 DRIVe D4164T at the moment. I've swung spanners and electronics most of my life and use Vida Dice as my first line of defence. Cheers.

Hi I am a newbie here. I hope I can read more topics here about different Volvo models, thank you.

Hello all, just joined the forum.
I've had my new Volvo XC60 Polestar just over 5 weeks now.
Sadly the car is back at the dealers with an unknown problem and Volvo customer service have been of no help but that's a story for another time

My previous Volvo's are R Design XC60 (previous shape) and R-Design XC90-probably the best car I have ever owned.

Hello All,

I recently bought my XC40 T4. (2020)
has anyone replaced their center speaker?
How did you remove the cover to gain access to it?

Hello everyone. Newly joined today from the UK with a left hand drive 2012 XC60 T6. Going to use the lockdown time to change all the fluids!
Simon.

Hi,

First Volvo was my uncle's: 240 DL, sedan 1990. Fell in love with it despite it's appearance and it was my first electrical locks, doors etc.

Donated it when I was stationed in the mid west for the same year, model and 5 month younger than my uncles w/ 92,000 miles 3 years ago. Still love it.

2000 V70XC AWD
Red, NOT Silver
Woodinville Wa
Howdy from

Hi everybody,
I am new to this forum, although I have in the past read a few threads which all seemed very specific and accurate.
I have been the owner of my 1961 Volvo 544 for the 7 years.
As a young boy I used to watch organised street races in different towns where bales of hay were thrown in every street corner and Ford Cortina, Ford Escort, Mini Cooper, Honda S800, Volvo 544 and a few other models, fiercely competed with one another. For some reason the Volvo 544 was always my favourite maybe due to its odd shape compared to the other models. So when I saw the abandoned 544 in the island of Lanzarote in a yard amongst some boats I knew I had to have it. The owner at the time had abandoned the car a few years prior due to a broken key in the ignition. He did try to start it by hot wiring it, but as most of you know if the key isn’t turned in the barrel there isn’t any power to the coil, must admit that I didn’t know that either at the time. After some research and being able to take the rest of the broken key from the barrel, I got a new one cut. A quick turn of the engine proved all good as I had spark. An extensive engine service was performed and the time came to see the good old B18 roar back to life. Sure enough, only after a couple of turns she purred to a former glory. After a few months of TLC I got the girl back on the road to give me 3 years total trouble free with loads of fun behind the wheel. As I live in southern Spain and the summers can be hot, the car started to overheat due to a water pump failure. That’s when it all started, the engine was a B18A and it could do with a few steroids, the rust factor, especially around the trunk area was quite bad, so one thing led to another and the girl was in a thousand pieces. Not a nut and bolt was left in the car. This wasn’t my first restoration; but defiantly turned out to be the longest one with the most attention to every detail. No part was put back in the car without first being restored, renewed or modified, with the most modified parts being the engine and front train.
After 4 years into this project and due to Covid 19 lockdown the car is almost ready to roll again, which quite frankly I can’t wait to be behind the wheel again.
I attached a few pics.

Have a good day.

I am considering buying a 740 and thought this would be the place to find info and help if i do get one.Currently own a Defender 90

i have found my volvo 940 se turbo was giving off white smoke . so after checking it, what i found was the oil feed banjo bolt was the trouble i found not able to tighten it so i changed the banjo bolt at a cost of £14.25 on ebay it is fitted with a restrictor to stop oil leaks and the smoking so try tighten that bolt first if your car is given off white smoke when driving. you may also find that if your turbo has not been removed for about 4 years it should be taken off and cleaned as may be soot on your impeller ,that would affect how it runs. and check for worn bearings if worn fit a turbo repair kit get it from a turbo repair place.

Just joined this very informative site. I purchased my first Volvo (240DL wagon) new in 1988. Only had it several years. Recently, out of nostalgia, saw a 1988 listed on Facebook Marketplace, and purchased it (White on Blue). Took it to the mechanic who worked on my 1988 32 years ago (he has an independent shop now) and put over 4k into mechanical refresh, and removed and painted trim, etc. Had hood and roof painted. Looks like new (BTW, I am selling it). Currently in the market for a C70 hardtop convertible. Live in Chesapeake, VA.

a number of things need to be done, first put fuel system cleaner in your fuel tank. top up with about half a tank of fuel and run the engine, if you get white smoke run the engine till it is better, next clean the idle control valve with calb cleaner, next clean the cold start injector will have a build up of carbon, after that is all done clean the oxygen sensor will be black from soot and new air filter and clean the butterfly on your throttle of carbon build up, if your car has a turbo then you must clean your MAS AIR flow sensor first,then clean the air box, then change the air filter ,then clean each of the hoses, then clean the inter cooler, then clean hoses going to your throttle then clean the butterfly in your throttle,then clean idle control valve, then clean your spark plugs, then clean the o2 sensor, then put fuel system cleaner in the fuel tank, then change the fuel filter ,do all of this one at a time, not at the same time

My new XC60 recharge is great but I found a bug on my second day. I don't know where to report..
In simple terms:
With all reset I start my car.
I select profile 1, all ok
I select profile 2, all ok
I select profile 3, the choice blocks. I can restart my car, use another key, no change it stays on profile 3.

I tried to use the menu to do factory reset. No change
I ended up resetting the car computer with a combination of key I found on the net.=> All ok, I can select the profile again.
=> If I do the same it blocks again on profile 3...

Many thanks for any help or for passing the but to the right address..

Hello,

Just want to say hi, actually just joined.
Own a 2007 XC90 2.5T, had it for two years now.

Zaldy

Hey, all! Glad to found this community. I'll be checking this 2011 XC60 as the next project. Here to gain some good knowledge. I'll be reading around.

Hello, I am new here and I am glad to meet you in the forum here
virtual phone system service

code 013 and 219 after clearing
no crank, battery charged
does this has starter connections issues like s60, 70 80?
how do i get to starter?

I received an email that I had a personal message on here.
It is a solicitation from a sex site.
I don't find a way to report it.

Hi Everybody

This is my first forum message, be gentle with me. I will be picking up my first Volvo on Friday and after reading the messages here am realy looking forward to it. If anyone is interested I shall let you know how I get on with my new vehicle

I have never posted anything to any kind of forum, but I need to reach out to the Volvo community to warn them about dealing with this dealership. Here is my story:
I live on Long Island and had leased 3 Volvos prior to my purchase of a used CPO 2019 S90 on May 27, 2020 from Prestige Volvo in East Hanover, NJ. The car is beautiful and has every option one could want in a vehicle. My trouble was in its handling on the highway. I brought the car to a dealer on Long Island and they pointed out that three tires were the same and one tire was a different brand tire. I had the dealer replace this tire and had an alignment performed at a cost of over $500.
I contacted Prestige and sent them a copy of the invoice for the repairs. Prestige acknowledged some responsibility for this around the end of July. My reimbursement could be expected late August. As of September 29th I have yet to receive a check from Prestige.
A word to the wise would be to avoid this dealership at all costs.
Thanks for letting me tell my story.

Hello to all, newbie here, glad t be a part of this community...

Hi Everyone

This is Sinan from Istanbul, Turkey

I bought a 2007 V50 1.6d

We are a truck service and i am at the center of a industrial zone full of passenger car services. I have lots of friends working on Volvo cars. So if you have any weird dtc i would be glad to help.

Greetings

Sinan

Hi everyone! I am the proud first owner of a 500,000km 1991 Volvo 940 GLE that has travelled the world and I unfortunately don't live next to it anymore, it resides at my country house. I therefore have questions but am only able to see my car a couple times every year, so can't provide pictures of my problems, just descriptions.
Anyways, hope to learn a lot here!

Greetings from Mexico City, I am a proud owner of a S60 2.5T and I am very happy to learn from all of you!

Hi, thank you for having me.
I am living in aguadilla, PR and own a 2006 Volvo S80.
Looking forward to learning from you all.

Hi, just joined the forum-I acquired a 1972 1800E about a month ago. I've had several other Volvos:1968 1800S, 1973 1800ES, 2011 C30, 2014 XC60 and a 2017 S90. Not all at once, I'm a serial offender. Anyway, went out to California and bought this beauty and had it shipped back to Raleigh. Pic attached.
[attachment=18539:IMG_0039.JPG]
Just want to introduce myself to the group.
Thanks

Hi to everyone,
could you please help me with RSE (Rear Seat Etertaiment)?
Namely, it worked well till yesterday than both monitors shut down. now they are not working at all.
I checked fuses but with no success.

thank in advance

BR!

Hi Team,

Have real issues with my new to me 2006 XC90 D5 with a parasitic draw. I thought I'd join the site and say "high" and hopefully get an answer to my wows.

See you around!

Hello - Brand new here!
I just bought a 2013 C70 T5 with 11,000 miles. I notice that (with the brake pedal depressed as usual) my car starts to creep forward at stoplights after 6-10 seconds with my foot still on the brake. What is this ??? Help please. Thank you !

Just bought an '02 Volvo V40 Wagon with 123k miles on it! Glad to see there is a large community for the V40 model. I am a bit green when it comes to car repair, but I hope to be able to find what I am looking for with some research when needed. If not, I am glad to know that there will be a community of people that can help. Have a great day everyone! (I will have to post pictures after I pick the car up.)

My gf's LS400 has over a quarter million miles on it, and is beginning to become unreliable, inefficient, and costly to maintain.

While visiting Arizona, I purchased a 2005 S4 I 4-door sedan with 88k miles on the odometer, a complete record of meticulous mechanical service and factory recommended maintenance by Volvo Am I in Phoenix for $3k USD.

Vehicle has some minor cosmetic flaws, but has performed very well on the long 350-ish mile drive to Southern California.

The only other Volvo product I've worked on was a Penta diesel engine in a sailboat I once owned, so advice & suggestions from members of forums like this one seems like valuable information. I'll appreciate your insights.

I'm not meaning to sound like a troll but after what I went through to get logged in I'm in a SUPER bad mood. The activation security code that has like 6 hidden letters/numbers only took about 100+ tries to get in. I know I entered at least 10+ of them 100% correct, probably about 30-40%, so IDK what is going on.

Then when I get on, I get a PM from some person (lady) offering a BJ and to meet!!?!

I'm here looking for anyone else interested in old 144S's and maybe sell off the shelves of parts I've collected over the years.

un saludo a todos desde España

Hi everybody,

I'm Danny and nice to join in here with my 2015 XC60 T6. Cheers !

Hi everybody, so I'm new to the Volvo world and loving this car!! It's a 96' 850 Turbo. Just wanted to say hi

Hi, thanks for the approval in the forum. we are passionate about the vehicle and new technology in the industry.
You can check more about us at
LocoNav

Hello to all, I am new here.