Hey Scotty and all who view this post. I am looking to purchase a 2001 Volvo C70 convertible with the 2.3 I5. This will be for my first car and I was wondering what your opinions are. I enjoy doing maintenance on vehicles so small problems with the car aren’t a problem. I’m buying this to learn how to work on cars. What are your opinions? Also, is there anything I should look out for?
thanks!!
I don't think so... You'd be buying an OLD luxury car and spending a bunch of money fixing it and when those things break just the parts alone can cost a bunch. I would buy something newer and I really don't think having your first car also be the car you want to work on because what are you going to drive when your taking your project car apart to fix it or learn how to repair or modify things..? Usually guys have a daily driver and then they get an old honda or whatever they can find for cheap and gut the thing and turn it into something nice but that takes 3 things you probably don't have a ton of right now if your buying your first car and that's: Good amount of tools and money for parts, Lots of time for repairs and tinkering and Some expertise in whatever car makes and model you want to work on... Because it can vary wildly between different makes and models for repairs and upgrades so your best to stick with one get to know it and then if you want to learn more about other brands or cars then feel free. FIRST Get a cheaper somewhat reliable car. And then once your have some time and money to spend on a project car then look for one and it would hurt to have a few mates who are into wrenching on cars too because big jobs usually require at least 2 people and a few more to run for parts or food or whatever can't hurt.
You don't want a finicky 21 yr old Volvo as your first car. Volvo's are very complicated cars. Parts are hard to find and if you do find them, they're very expensive.
NO.
nope.
The first generation is based on the Volvo 850 - no one knows how to fix one.
The second generation is based on Ford's C-car platform - these are still somewhat relevant.
On a 2nd gen C70, T5 with a 6 speed automatic or a manual and you're off to the races
Make sure it's under 100k miles, that you can get parts, and that everything works.
only 89,074 of these were made - how ever still remain is a mystery (but I'd assume under 5k-10k worldwide) So if something in that roof system is broken, or if you need a body panel or some obsolete part - GOOD LUCK.
If you're looking for a sporty Volvo just get a C30 T5 with a manual (also available in Europe with the Mazda Miata 2.0L engine, but AVOID the dual clutch automatic, even I can't figure it out.)
P1/P2/P3 Volvos are good first cars - for those that can afford them.
