Overhaulin'

I want to buy car i need some advice please?

I am trying to buy a used 2000 volvo S40 the car has leather seat and soonroff and it has 135,000 miles the car is really beautiful from the inside and outside. My question is before i buy the car how much it will cost to do maintenance on the car and tune up. What do you think about the car?

Public Comments

1. Well, Volvo's were the number 1 safest car in the world to drive. 135,000 miles on the car is OK, but its all pending. For one its foreign car so that means any parts that are needed have to be ordered from outside the country making it more expensive. So overall the car will not be cheep to upkeep unless you already know whats wrong with it and fix it now instead of waiting for it to break down. And don't forget about having to bring it to a specialty mechanic.
2. Well, to be honest I think you've pretty much decided that you want to buy the car. This being said, and attaching the caveat that I've not seen the car, here's what I would do: 1) Ask the seller the appropriate questions. For a starting list check out: http://www.theymightberacing.com/Restoration/Questionnaire.aspx 2) Evaluate your own situation. What can you afford as a monthly car payment & insurance. That will define two things for you: whether you can afford a car, and what your monthly car budget would be. (if you are paying cash, and buying the car outright this would be your maintenance costs estimate) 3) Determine if you can work on a car (skills and willingness) and whether the car is something you can learn to work on. Generally speaking the older the car the easier it is to work on. Now, as to the Volvo itself. Volvo is considered an upmarket car. That means the parts and service will be generally more expensive than say, a corolla. At 135,000 miles the car is either due, or overdue for some serious maintenance. Ensure that it's been done and plan to pay for the maintenance that hasn't been performed yet. Buy what works, you can afford, and makes you happy. And if you don't know a heck of a lot about cars you should *definitely* have a local mechanic or dealership look over the car before you buy it. They'll charge you money, but it's money well spent. If the seller refuses to let you to do this, then walk away from the purchase because they are likely hiding something.
3. Volvo is a good car. Part and maintenance is cost and so is any other expensive foreign car By a use car, don't let the beauty of the new wax distracting you. Best is you should know the owner of the car so that way you know the car have been well care or not. IF you buy for the dealer than request for car fax. by law they should providing you one. test drive it and listen to noise or feel any vibration or hesitation.
4. a rule of thumb anytime you buy a used car you can figure on putting another $500 to $700 in it to get it in tip top shape.
5. I guess you should also check insurance quotes for the S40 before buying one, for example here: http://carinsurance.enacre.net As I know it is expensive to insure.