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FrozenGate by Avery

Possible First Car






LeHap said:
Hey GSS.

I live up North in the Central Valley by Sacramento, so no snow here. The car checked out good the only problems which should be fixed soon as told by the mechanic was as follows:

1) Rear brake pads are @ 2mm
2) Rear tire threads are starting to wear down. Thread is at 3/43(is that it?)
3) Transmission fluid is dark
4) Need a new spare tire
5) Parking brake dosent hold

I was told by the mechanic brakes should be taken care of first, then the tires. I still haven't bought the car but the seller is willing to take $4,500 for it instead of the original price of $4,800.

:anyone:

-Alex
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Hi Lehap, thats a big plus that your in a warm climate, you wont believe the rust issues that plowing causes so if any car your going to buy from your area thats a plus. You got alot of good advice from members Encap had some very important facts. I dont remb your first point but is the seller buying a new car? He might get a better trade in value than you offer, if not start lower than book. It looks like your leaning away from buying it. One issue that makes me nerves is the dark tranny fluid. It could be burnt which is a big issue and if its just because it was never changed like Encap said you have to change the fluid and filter every 30k thats not good. Tires on SUVs are more exp than passenger tire obviously cause they are bigger, but shop aroud for a sale, a way to check how bad is to look at the tires and you will see little bridges in between the treads and if its flush its time for new ones.. Dont have a dealer do brakes way to much markup, its not a hard job, do you have friends or a school near by that will work on it for experience. A spare tire you can pick up at a junk yard pretty cheap. I realize everyone has covered what I have said. Actually how many miles on this car? and what Encap said I believe this car has a timeing belt that needs to be changed at least by 80k I think you have a gut feeling of not buying it, you saved hard, take your time I know its easy to say than do:undecided::thinking: I think the tire depth check is 5/32in There is grease monkey checkn that you use a penny something in the way of the rim to wear the tip off Lincohns head is
 
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GSS said:
Hi Lehap, thats a big plus that your in a warm climate, you wont believe the rust issues that plowing causes so if any car your going to buy from your area thats a plus. You got alot of good advice from members Encap had some very important facts. I dont remb your first point but is the seller buying a new car? He might get a better trade in value than you offer, if not start lower than book. It looks like your leaning away from buying it. One issue that makes me nerves is the dark tranny fluid. It could be burnt which is a big issue and if its just because it was never changed like Encap said you have to change the fluid and filter every 30k thats not good. Tires on SUVs are more exp than passenger tire obviously cause they are bigger, but shop aroud for a sale, a way to check how bad is to look at the tires and you will see little bridges in between the treads and if its flush its time for new ones.. Dont have a dealer do brakes way to much markup, its not a hard job, do you have friends or a school near by that will work on it for experience. A spare tire you can pick up at a junk yard pretty cheap. I realize everyone has covered what I have said. Actually how many miles on this car? and what Encap said I believe this car has a timeing belt that needs to be changed at least by 80k I think you have a gut feeling of not buying it, you saved hard, take your time I know its easy to say than do:undecided::thinking: I think the tire depth check is 5/32in There is grease monkey checkn that you use a penny something in the way of the rim to wear the tip off Lincohns head is
Click to expand...

Hey GSS, thanks!

Yeah, I don't think I'll be getting the SUV that would be a foolish mistake considering there is easily another $500+ of work that needs to be done!

Did you check out the Volvo? It's a little older, but has less miles & no mechanical problems & it's $1,000 cheaper so it would be a dumb move to get the SUV lol. Plus the MPG is oh so much better on the Volvo :)

I'll call the dealership today & see about getting a test drive(hopefully my mom gets back from work in time with the truck :eek:).

Plus, it dosen't look half bad. Im really tempted to spend the rest of my money on a 510 PGL but I think it might be a good idea to spend the money on making the car look like I want it :D

Sounds good to everyone? Smart decision?

-Alex
 
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I just did, and I like it! 120k is not bad for todays motors, oil advancement and metals are on another new level. That motor is still a puppy. Everyone knows Volvo,s are very safe well built cars. Just expect a bit higher part prices, but that comes with quality. Im sure you have done your homework on it, plus it is from a dealer? You have a very plus from me on this:wave::cool:
 
GSS said:
I just did, and I like it! 120k is not bad for todays motors, oil advancement and metals are on another new level. That motor is still a puppy. Everyone knows Volvo,s are very safe well built cars. Just expect a bit higher part prices, but that comes with quality. Im sure you have done your homework on it, plus it is from a dealer? You have a very plus from me on this:wave::cool:
Click to expand...

Not really a dealer. It's an auto shop/used car seller. What's nice is they mention testing all cars before even selling them so I won't need to pay for a mechanic to check it out :)

Anyone have any advice what I should te the SUV owner if she asks where we could meet up? After finding this I'm not at all interesting in the SUV honestly.

Help :anyone:

-Alex
 
LeHap said:
Not really a dealer. It's an auto shop/used car seller. What's nice is they mention testing all cars before even selling them so I won't need to pay for a mechanic to check it out :)

Anyone have any advice what I should te the SUV owner if she asks where we could meet up? After finding this I'm not at all interesting in the SUV honestly.

Help :anyone:

-Alex
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Your obviously a good man that you dont want to hurt her feelings, just look at all the posts that responded to you. I dont know as far as you got with her as to coming close to buying it. Just tell her straight out its not the car for you now with school coming. If she has tried to push the car on you than mabey something is wrong. Did you give her a verble yes? It happens if you did but deals fall through all the time. CA seams like SUV teritory so she will sell it. She might even try to lower the price and thats a bad sign there. You will be ok. At least your Volvo is from a some type of dealer:)Its easy to say but dont have any guilt Peter
 
Never buy a new spare tire... just find a tire shop nearby and you''ll be able to get something used cheap. The spare is not meant to be driven on, only for an emergency, and with tires, there is unfortunately fairly little wiggle room, if you have to replace one, you almost always have to replace at least two.

Tell the woman, thank you, but I'm no longer interested. Odds are it won't be the first time. If the price drops somewhat to say $3500, you may want to consider it, below that I'd be concerned something is seriously wrong and she's trying to dump the car before the problem comes up. Personally I'd pass on it altogether due the low MPGs.

Speaking from watching a friend of mine, the volvo name is no guarantee of quality, and repairs on them are costly. That it comes from a dealer means fairly little, I'd still try to get someone familiar with cars to take a look at it. Only alternative to this is if they offer somekind of warranty. If they do, make sure you read the very fine print, because unless the warranty very specifically, and explicitly says something is covered, it's definitely not.

Wait a big before spending on anything else after you buy any car, odds are you'll need to put in some repairs. Personally I've never purchased a used car that didn't need at least 1k in repairs within the first 6 months. (Despite being perfectly safe to drive at the time of purchase.)
 
As others said just say that you are no longer interested , At the end of the day its your money you're not obliged to buy the car so you shoudnt feel bad if you decide no : )
 
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Thanks guys, I'll say exactly that!

I called the dealership & I got a test drive time today! Should be fun! :D

-Alex
 
InfinitusEquitas said:
Only alternative to this is if they offer somekind of warranty. If they do, make sure you read the very fine print, because unless the warranty very specifically, and explicitly says something is covered, it's definitely not.
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That goes for insurance too.


Alan
 
Ok, test drive done!

They did push me a little to get the car & I guess I fell for it a little. We're supposed to meet tomorrow to sign papers :(

Overall the car is pretty nice! Of course some things are a little broken but not a huge deal. Sunroof works, heated seats, lights etc...

The guy also told me all the parts they fixed are under warranty. He had a CarFax report & it checked out ok(though it did have 5 previous owners). The inside is all leather & felt good.

With all taxes the total price is $4,100 give or take a few.

I was also told to put the slightly more expensive 91 Unleaded gas since this particular car's engine needs it.

Anyone think this is a good deal? I think the car is pretty neat! I'll have to work to fix some things but it's pretty good :)

Edit: They also said if it needs fixing I can bring it back there & get 30%+ discount on parts etc.... It's a small family owned business. Anyone want to see engine pic?

-Alex
 
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InfinitusEquitas said:
FIVE OWNERS!? F*cking run. Seriously that's not normal, and a huge red flag.
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Lololol! Each of them had it for 3 years though, don't know if that makes a difference? If not, then I'll keep looking :)

Edit: It was sold at an auction quite a few times.

-Alex
 
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How old is this car? 15+ years? If that's the case, those small repairs you're thinking of are going to cost you and arm and a leg because the parts have long since been discontinued. Most auto makers only keep making parts in small quantities for ~6 years from the time the last of the car model rolls of the assembly line. Past that point you're gonna have a hard time scrounging for parts for even seeming minor issues. I can see 2-3 owners if it's a ~10 year old car, but five... something is off.

If I were you, I'd look for an older toyota corolla, honda civic, or nissan.
 
LeHap said:
Ok, test drive done!

They did push me a little to get the car & I guess I fell for it a little. We're supposed to meet tomorrow to sign papers :(

Overall the car is pretty nice! Of course some things are a little broken but not a huge deal. Sunroof works, heated seats, lights etc...
The guy also told me all the parts they fixed are under warranty. He had a CarFax report & it checked out ok(though it did have 5 previous owners). The inside is all leather & felt good.
With all taxes the total price is $4,100 give or take a few.
I was also told to put the slightly more expensive 91 Unleaded gas since this particular car's engine needs it.
Anyone think this is a good deal? I think the car is pretty neat! I'll have to work to fix some things but it's pretty good :)
Edit: They also said if it needs fixing I can bring it back there & get 30%+ discount on parts etc.... It's a small family owned business. Anyone want to see engine pic?
Click to expand...

$3000 to $4000 seems to be the right retail from a Dealer price range for a a 2000 S40 so $3500?? Maybe offer them $3200 see if they give a little off. I don't understand the $4100 figure--sales tax is 7.5 % so on $3500 is 262.50 So $3762--Why $4100. $400 to get you plates and registration?? From what you say all the Dealer prep work and fixes have already been done.

This one has the nice and expensive options of the day --leather, sunroof, heated seats , premium sound, etc and it is a small family business/shop , local and capable of servicing it--claim to be Volvo experts. If it appears to be a really nice shape---could very well be a nice car.

You didn't mention if they were going to give you a warranty-- but I think they have to give you a 30 day or 1000 mile warranty under the CA "buy here pay here law". You have to be the judge. From the pictures-- looks pretty nice.

I think the 120,000 mile old Volvo is a better choice than the 162,000 mile old Ascender.

The 5 owners in 15 years is not so bad ona 15 year old car, especially if the car was auctioned a few times.

You need to find out the cost of insurance to know the total cost involved --ready to roll.

Maybe have a 3rd party look it over if you have doubts.

It doesn't cost anything to look--so look around for what else might be possible with the $s you have available
 
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