I think I need to do up a formula for buying shit blind off the internet.
So.... if the value is half or less than market value.
And if you have the time to do things.
And are comfortable doing things...
By all means..... It is worth it. And can save yourself some money in the long run. If you get lucky....
Next time though, if I am ever going to buy a car interstate..... I am flying up to check it out first. I'm making the time to get it fixed though (helps now I have a nice shed to work on things in the evening - beats a damp driveway).
It has had a full service and a few engine issues fixed. Actually had 2 coolant leaks from old hoses, all vacuum lines replaced (2 crumbled in my hands when I took them off :-/ ) and from what I can see, hasn't had a hard life at all. Serviced with full synthetic oil and now runs beautifully. PCV and the rest all changed for new and pulls strong with no issues what so ever.
As for the rest of the car, more and more problems are rearing their heads. Whilst the above there is no engine leaks, thats not to say everything is fixed. Looking like I am needing engine mounts all around. There is also a front fender issue where it doesn't appear to be attached all that well. Body wise, I can see no sign of accident damage, just a case of 16 year old car parts wearing down. And front strut supports are on the way out too. So that'll need replacing along with quite possibly the lower suspension arm bushes too. Need to free up a weekend or two down the track
Actually fixed the fuel gauge tonight. Was a case of a ripped, yes ripped wire near the fuel tank. No idea how it ended up like that, but it did. Also, looks like the previous owner liked Red Rooster and all you can eat steak or something. Since I found some goodies under the rear seat while doing all this. And I think there was a BBQ chip too. No idea, I wasn't going to try it.
ABS/TRACS light still does flick on at times. Looks like I'll be needing an OBDII reader to get to the bottom of it, since it is looking more and more like a sensor now, not the module. I must say though, the TRACS system is pretty ace when it is working properly. With it on, all you hear is a slight squeal under full power. Pretty much max power to the wheels without them spinning freely. With it off on the other hand....
Not your stereotypical Volvo driver....
Fri Sep 14, 2012 3:21 pm 
