Worth the risk?
Posted by JackTChanceGL@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 40 comments

Considering buying this. Unless the engine is seized this seems like an awesome deal considering how clean and complete the car looks. As far as I recall these are very reliable but I'm new to working on cars. Should I pull the trigger?
Comprehensive_Dog731@reddit
There may be a lot of mouse friends living in there lol. But honestly it's a super fun car.
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
I'll train them to do repairs.
Comprehensive_Dog731@reddit
Even if they are not willing to work.... This car with that price is worth fixing some stuff. I believe it's a 5 cylinder turbo and with AWD, it's so fun. My buddy had one and we learned how to push the envelope with that car lol. Do it! And if you don't, tell us so we can!
Remarkable_Act8264@reddit
Front wheel drive
Comprehensive_Dog731@reddit
They made both models but what makes you think it's fwd out of curiosity?
Remarkable_Act8264@reddit
Transverse engine?
Comprehensive_Dog731@reddit
Where is OP showing that, in confused?
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
It even has the rear facing fold out seats in the trunk.
bmx13@reddit
Unfortunately they're probably impregnated with the smell of mouse afterbirth. Seriously do not discount obvious signs of mice in the car, that smell does not go away unless you gut it to the metal and replace everything. That said, if it isn't rusted to death, that thing gutted with race buckets would be a hoot.
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
I'd probably want to upgrade the seats anyway, they were one only thing that looked rough in the pics. Just well used.
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
It's hard to say no to
sdam87@reddit
Hop on some Volvo subs and fb pages, they’ll guide you child lol.
Educational_Clue2001@reddit
If you want it what are u actually risking besides 550 bucks
SubstantialCourage77@reddit
Are you from or ever been to Falmouth? its a beautiful area and I'm not hating but there's a significant amount of poverty there so I'd assume there is a more than likely chance that it was highly neglected before it got parked and some "hidden" issues. Plus id bet it's sunken in because of how wet the field is. If so, it's likely quite rusty underneath. It definitely is a good price but I would be hesitant.
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
The body and interior look well cared for for the most part but that's always a risk with fb.
2Stroke728@reddit
Well cared for? The seats are roached, switches hanging out of the dash, rear interior panels pulled down, door cards seperating. Engine shows a lot of corrosion, but strut towers appear clean.
Really a roll of the dice. For $550 you could probably sell a half dozen parts, scrap the rest, and come out ahead. But a resurrection will be a large undertaking.
FabOctopus@reddit
V70s are when Volvo starts getting unreliable FYI they’re still 200k cars but not 500k+ and easy to fix like the old ones. Not too bad tho, good luck!
No-Status-9441@reddit
If it is buried up to the sills as it appears, there is a very good chance the floors are rotted out.
Rozakiin@reddit
They were galvanised from factory so possibly still ok
TomSelleckPI@reddit
And the interior is now a Field Mouse Fuck Dungeon/ Birthing Center/ Mouse Costco
Hoover29@reddit
Field mouse fuck dungeon might be the funniest thing I’ve heard this month. Thanks Magnum, have a good weekend.
TomSelleckPI@reddit
🥂
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
Kinky.... might buy it just for that.
NeedMoneyForTires@reddit
Rotten floor pans?
You mean custom floor boards!
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
He said it's been there for a year but i don't know how long it's been sunken in. That's one of the things I would check if I went out there for sure.
KizashiKaze@reddit
I'd check it out for sure. If manual, floorboard isn't rotted out, water isn't sitting inside, I'd offer $450, and dig it out myself.
modeleccentric@reddit
No.
PharmoCratic@reddit
Get an older Volvo—1983 to 1993. They are much more repairable. Old “red blocks” run forever.
mkjiisus@reddit
That looks like a no brainer to me. I paid $575 for an 850 sedan that had a broken timing belt (not an easy or cheap fix) to rebuild my wagon after a wreck. These cars are awesome, and even if it ends up being a dud you could easily make your money back selling the more desirable parts (taillights alone will bring in a few hundred if they're in good shape)
The torn apart 850 is still sitting in the yard if you need anything off of it shoot me a dm.
HeadOfMax@reddit
If I were close I'd look.
HeirElfEsquire@reddit
And it's a Volvo
andiamo12@reddit
Whose job is it to dig out car? Buyer or seller?
DatBoiTotoDile007@reddit
I'll say take the gamble, not the same car at all but I do live in the rust belt too, I picked up a car that was sitting in some dudes front yard for 15ish years sunk in the ground just about like that and the frame only had some light surface rust. Quarters were decently rusty but frame was solid. Wiring was also intact. Obviously be prepared for the worst rust wise but sometimes you do get lucky. Either way, it's a cool car. I'd take a chance on it personally. Best of luck!
DeepNorthIdiot@reddit
As a guy who's bought not just one but two cars that were left sitting in a field, I have some advice: be prepared for it to be completely rotted out underneath.
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
That's definitely my #1 thing to look at.
FranklinNitty@reddit
How long has it been in that field up to the lugs in mud?
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
He said it's been parked for a year.
FranklinNitty@reddit
So possibly two winters the drivetrain and frame soaking? Idk man, it would be quite a gamble, but that price though. Theyve got the title in hand with no lein?
JackTChanceGL@reddit (OP)
That's what he said.
Kazurion@reddit
For that money, why not? I'm sure you turn can a profit just by parting the car alone.