Volvo: puchase used volvo, minor dings, taillight lenses

Question

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Followup To

Question -
Hi Ray!I currently own an'81 240 that has been fairly reliable.Right now looking at an '87 740 wagon,not running,owner says "fuel system problem"?,asking price $1000,needs tires and battery at least,other minor dings and blemishes ext.and int.Is the 740 as reliable as the 240?Is the asking price reasonable?Thanks.

Answer -
Gerald,
The 740 is fairly reliable as much as the 240. Look at the engine wire harness and make sure that it is good and not frayed. Harness replacement is pricey. A thousand bucks for a non running car is up there. I think that I would talk him down a few hundred, your repairs could be plenty... The battery and tires are what, about $400 to $500?          Hello again,Ray!Thanks for your response.I did look at the harness-the wrapping is boken below and going thru the intake manifold.I don't know how critical that is.The owner said the reason the car's not running-there was a "bad fuel smell" coming from the exhaust that she couldn't stand,so she had a non-Volvo mechanic replace several fuel line components,but the car kept running worse and it finally stopped altogether.It's been sitting for about a year and a half.The interior is plenty rough -no radio, worn upholstery, no headliner.Some rust on tailgate ,both rear taillight lenses have cracks.She says the original owner was very good at upkeep,but she got it from his son.I forgot to look at the mileage.So-with enough money I could get this up to snuff,but how much is too much to spend?I would like to have a wagon.I know these people slightly ,cordially.Any suggestions on how to tactfully offer less than asking price?

Answer
Gerald,
I would explain that you have no idea how much you will spend on getting this car running and that you are willing to offer them a few hundred dollars. If you have the harness alone replace that could easily set you back a thousand dollars with no guarantee it will even run. I would steer clear of this one, sounds like a money pit.