Buying an Old Abandoned Diesel Volvo XC60

LKris P on 24/01/2022 - 18:13
Last edited 24/01/2022 - 19:27 by 1 other user

Dear OzBargainers.

I know someone who has a an old (approximately 10 years old) diesel car (expired rego) sitting around not being used since 2+ years. They are willing to let it go for a price which from some research is half the price of similar (make, model, year, odo/kms) cars online. The car needs rego, a new battery, tires, and a thorough servicing but even if I factor in these costs, it still would be approximately 30% cheaper than comparable sales.

My plan is to get a battery and a temporary rego (I think it is called UVP or Short-term unregistered permit) so that I can drive it to my trusted workshop. If the mechanic does not find any other faults and if I like the repair estimate, buy it off the seller, if not, just return it. At worst I'll end up losing whatever the UVP cost was and the battery (may resell the battery to recoup some loss).

I've never done this nor have owned a diesel car before and hence this post. Is it worth it?

TIA.

Edit: Volvo XC60, a little over 100K kms, asking $10K (firm).

Poll Options expired

  • 11
    Yes, if mechanic approves.
  • 55
    No, stay away.
Automotive Car SUV Volvo

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 24/01/2022 - 18:17
    +7

    Only normally profitable if you can identify issues and correct them yourself using the cheapest parts possible.

    Given your minimal knowledge I would suggest to give it a miss.

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 18:20

      Thanks mate.
      No, I won't be able to fix anything.

  • Hybroid on 24/01/2022 - 18:17
    +1

    You have not provided enough information for an informed response. Most likely no it won't be worth it unless capable doing repairs yourself.

    Also, you can get inspection mechanics (like NRMA) to go to the vehicle location rather that faffing with transporting it yourself.

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 18:24

      Thanks Hybroid. I can edit my OP to include any additional information you say I may have missed.
      The reason I would like to take it to my mechanic is because they have a good facility. I am not sure how good an inspection a mobile mechanic (like NRMA) can do.

  • brendanm on 24/01/2022 - 18:22
    +1

    What is the vehicle? What is the price?

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 18:53

      Volvo XC60, a little over 100K kms, asking $10K (firm). Updated the OP.

      • Hybroid on 24/01/2022 - 19:18
        +5

        Definitely not worth your time, effort or risk. Nothing special about the car, not a massive saving nor has high resale value, parts won't be cheap, any major faults not picked up will cost you dearly and you self-proclaim to be a novice in these things and relying on pricey per hour mechanics. This isn't a car for you.

      • brendanm on 24/01/2022 - 20:36
        +1

        Seems ok for $10k. Has it been garaged, or sitting outside? 2 years isn't terrible for it to sit for.

  • Drakesy on 24/01/2022 - 18:22
    +2

    10 years isn't actually that old.

    If it has full service history then it shouldn't be too bad.
    Missing critical info though
    Make,
    Model
    Mileage

    Only problem is if it hasn't been run in a while the rubber seals and some gaskets can degrade/crack and then you're left with a metal brick that chews through oil.
    I've seen cars run after 2 years of sitting and they're going strong today.
    I've also seen cars fall apart. It really is a roll of the dice and the make and model.

    If you have some time on your hands and happy to do a bit of wrenching then go for it, else if you're not mechanically minded i'd stay away.

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 18:28

      It does have service history until about 2 years ago.
      I am a novice in these matters, always relied on workshops to do simplest of repairs/ maintenance.

      Thanks.

      • pharkurnell on 24/01/2022 - 18:59
        +1

        I am a novice in these matters

        Then steer clear of the money pit….

      • Drakesy on 24/01/2022 - 19:43
        +3

        If it's an XC60 <250,000k's on it and it's $3-4k then i'd roll the dice on it tbh.

        • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 19:47

          Just over 100 kays. $10K firm.

          • Drakesy on 24/01/2022 - 19:49
            +3

            @Kris P: Yeahnah wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

            Fully working, road registered examples i've seen for as low as $8000, admittedly the diesel is rarer and around $3000 more.
            Include another min $1500 for a full service and tyres and it's not that great a deal.

            • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 19:52

              @Drakesy: I agree. Prices have gone up lately though.

              • threepaws on 25/01/2022 - 09:31

                @Kris P: Yeah that's the covid tax. When things go back down, you'll be stuck with a larger loss.

                Had someone trying to fling a Subaru Liberty 12 years old with 290k on the clock for 13k. hahahah

  • Brick Tamland on 24/01/2022 - 18:41
    +4

    Seems like a good plan to get the mechanic to check it out. Could be a good buy if its cheap enough to get it up to reasonable running condition

  • Hithere on 24/01/2022 - 18:54
    +2

    If you could fix it yourself or have mechanically minded mates I'd say go for it.

    Once a mechanic (unless a backyarder) sees this potential (to them) Goldmine in their workshop just their hourly rate will kill any theoretical savings then adding the cost of parts needed to labour costs and you'll wish you'd never started the project.

    Check out current prices on carsales and you'll see you haven't got much money to play with before this vehicle becomes a financial catastrophe.

  • pharkurnell on 24/01/2022 - 19:01
    +5

    Why has it been parked up for 2+ yrs

    if it was a runner or a cheap fix, they'd have sold it.

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 19:55
      +1

      Good point.

  • altomic on 24/01/2022 - 19:09
    +2

    Volvo XC60 can have gearbox issues. I looked at buying one a couple of years and various forums highlighted this problem (as well as the number of car ads for Volvo XC60s the same gear box issue).

    put a battery in and drive it to the mechanic. gearbox would be my concern for that model..

    • Mishgy on 25/01/2022 - 20:04

      That's a Toyota Gearbox made in Japan by their subsidiary Aisin, the issue comes is that they're "Sealed for life". If you want your gearbox to last you'll need to change the transmission fluid.

      • Euphemistic on 25/01/2022 - 21:04

        Depends on what your definition of ‘for life’ is.

        I’m gonna guess that there are thousands out there running well over 200,000km without new oil.

  • websterp on 24/01/2022 - 19:33
    +1

    I know someone who has a an old….

    Is this someone you actually know (i.e. family, friend, etc.) and could trust their word or just a random you found on FB or Gumtree via their Ad? If it is the latter then don't even bother. Could very well be a bomb with some serious issue which they are trying to offload to an unsuspecting buyer for cheap.

    If the car is only 10 yeas old with 100k why won't they spend the bare minimum needed to bring it to a running condition and sell for 50% more? Every car I had with 100k (including Diesels) on it was perfectly drivable and hardly needed anything for RWC. Something does not smell right with this one.

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 20:01

      I don't know them directly nor did I know them before yesterday. They are known to my friends employer. Knowing that I drive long-ish distances, my friend has been suggesting me to buy diesel cars and a few days ago he introduced me to this person. I did ask them why it was abandoned, to which they said they just have too many cars, they had bought this for their daughter they thought would move back with them but that never happened. They just don't want to get into repairs, etc.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2022 - 19:52
    +1

    10k is too much, like 5k is fair

    • PoKGuy on 25/01/2022 - 09:51

      I second that.

      The $5k (off the $10k asking price) is the buffer for you taking on the risk.

      Old cars, esp. European makes, are a liability in majority of cases. Unless you are an experienced mechanic and know the car well to DIY repairs.

      • tonyjzx on 25/01/2022 - 15:23

        $5k is even a bit much if you lack documentation imo.

        unloved euro cars are pretty much scrap slash basket cases unless someone really wants a risk.

        if it was an old bmw 318/325 manual then its another story

  • pegaxs on 24/01/2022 - 19:55
    +4

    LOL @ $10k for a 10yo XC60 with over 100k on the clock being and requiring unknown amount of work that has been sitting for 2 years is "30% of its usual market value"

    I also have an old bridge up here I would like to sell you.

    There is a reason it has been sitting in a paddock for over 2 years and not used.

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 20:02

      Thanks. I honestly do not know about the brand and carsales has been my only source to research prices. For instance: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.(C.Make.Volvo..Model.XC60.).Year.range(2011..2012)..FuelType.Diesel..GenericGearType.Automatic._.Odometer.range(..200000).)&sort=~Price

  • npc on 24/01/2022 - 20:13
    +1

    For $3-5k it might be worth a hassle if its body and interior are in very good condition and you can do some mechanical and diagnostic work by yourself.

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 20:27

      They are firm on 10K$. Interior is in good condition and the only diagnostic I can do is connect a generic OBD2 scanner and scan for codes.

      • npc on 24/01/2022 - 20:32
        +1

        For $15k you can buy the one that runs, is registered and with roadworthy. They want too much.

        • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 20:35
          +1

          Yes, I'm fairly convinced now that it is not worth it.

  • JDMcarfan on 24/01/2022 - 20:34
    +1

    10k is a joke tbh. if the car is not running then really kms dont matter, as ones with high kms but a good service history and gentle use (highway driving) will be infinitely better than stale car. Using the parameters you've specified (excl. km reading) the cheapest on the market is $12k. I wouldn't offer any more than 6k in that case so that you can run the gauntlet of fixing issues as they arise. My 2c, but in saying all that I'd be keen to see some pics if you have any (in this case they do tell a thousand words)

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 20:37

      Thanks mate. I don't have any pictures though.

  • Presence on 24/01/2022 - 20:35

    I swear we get a new "should I buy an old luxury European SUV" question every week. Unless you are mechanically minded and keen to DIY repairs the answer is always no.

    There's a reason a 10 year old Volvo is cheaper than a 40 year old Landcruiser.

  • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 20:36
    +1

    Thank you all for your inputs.

    I am staying away from this.

    Mods may close this thread.

  • Euphemistic on 24/01/2022 - 20:41

    Only do it if you are at least capable of diagnosing stuff and fixing minor things. Paying someone to get an unknown vehicle capable of doing lots of kms is not a smart financial decision.

    A car that has been sitting for a long time is likely to have perished rubber hoses etc that could fail one after another.

    • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 20:45

      Thanks Euphemistic. I am not really capable of doing any work on the car myself. I however can get the choice of buying it (or not) based on the mechanic's evaluation.

      • Euphemistic on 24/01/2022 - 20:49
        +1

        Still not a good idea. It’s quite possible that something major could go bang shortly after the mechanic sees it if it’s only driven for a short while since being parked up so long.

        An old unused diesel Volvo is not the right car.

        • websterp on 24/01/2022 - 21:05
          +1

          If it is a diesel and in case it hasn't done a lot of highway Km sooner or later the DPF could get clogged and that is the day you will be expected to pay more than the car is worth if you still plan to get it back on the road.

          • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 22:26

            @websterp: wow thats terrible. I did not know this (never owned a diesel before). I will read into this DPF thing (not really for this car, but for future). Thanks.

            • Euphemistic on 25/01/2022 - 05:25

              @Kris P: Do you really need a diesel? Yes, it’s the right fuel for long distance driving, but really only if you need a big car. A corolla/Camry has never had a Diesel engine because they are efficient enough with a petrol. What you’d save in fuel you’d likely make up in increased servicing costs. Diesel is great for big cars that tow. Modern petrol is fairly economical unless you are hauling heavy stuff.

          • Kris P on 24/01/2022 - 23:18

            @websterp: I am reading online that DPF cleaning can be an option?

  • Oofy Doofy on 25/01/2022 - 00:35
    +1

    No, no, no aaaaaaaand no.

    Do you enjoy a being screwed seven ways to Sunday?

    In Europe these are vehicles people keep for a few years, then sell when the warranty is almost over, or when out of warranty.

    If you want a diesel, just buy a household name Japanese vehicle with a diesel engine (ofc pay a mechanic worth their salt to give it a thorough once over).

  • batfastard on 25/01/2022 - 07:09
    +2

    Walking away is a good decision.

    For future reference, there are Mobile mechanics who would travel to site and inspect the car there. Would save you buying a battery etc.

    • threepaws on 25/01/2022 - 09:57
      +1

      NRMA does this service, or at least they used to, I think they still do.

      Cost like $300 from memory and they give the car a check and everything. Gives you a report (not the seller, just you) and peace of mind that there's nothing majorly wrong with it.

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 25/01/2022 - 09:31

    Personally, I’d probably be all over it, and I’d push him on price a bit too. But I’d be doing my own repair work. It can’t hurt to have a mechanical inspection and then make the decision.

  • ShahAU786 on 25/01/2022 - 09:51
    +1

    a big NO! I made a mistake, bought an old European car, Renault Megan, as a first car for my wife. The car was practically half the cost and was idle for 2 years or so.

    Drove fine for a month, over the weekends only, next thing I know, the transmission failed.

    Lesson learnt, not buying a car which is idle sitting for that period of time.

    Please avoid.

  • OzHunterNSW on 25/01/2022 - 12:10

    Why…. ask yourself why

  • OZBargainer in SA on 25/01/2022 - 13:32
    +1

    Unless the mechanic is going to give you a warranty against faults in the next 6 months (and they'd be crazy to), this is a huge risk.
    There's a reason why certain brands depreciate so quickly. The motor trade know from experience how much trouble a brand/model will/won't be, and price accordingly. This influences the general market's valuation, including second hand sellers.

    If you have $10k to spend and perhaps another $5k for repairs, save yourself time (and more $$) and get a Kluger or Santa Fe from that era.

  • Series4Episode10 on 25/01/2022 - 21:05
    +1

    You need to press them as to why it was left unused for 2 yrs? 2 yrs ago it's value was higher!

    Volvo vehicles are the least likely to rust, the average age of a Volvo is 27yrs, diesel motors will "usually" wear slower than petrol motors, the fuel will be still ok as diesel degrades slower than petrol, I own a 1977 Volvo bus that sat for 10yrs and it started immediately and I drove it home 127k's on that same fuel … as others have said, get an NRMA report, if the inspector has the gear to start a car that needs a battery, you will need to ask "if" they are willing to look at a car in this situation otherwise get a new battery, will put you back about $150 and if you find the car to be not what you want, you may be able to sell it somewhere,I have a Lithium jumper pack that cost me $99 about 2yrs ago that I use often on my property, perhaps get one of those, you will have it for other flat battery moments, Sad that you don't have a friend that is savvy, a car like that would need little done to it and most mechanics will do more than it may need, the oil and filters would cost little and if there's no other mechanical issues, which in my experience with that brand are less likely than any other brand, Toyota would be the closest.

    TBH, I'd be doing what I could to get some help from someone who will not be out to extract max $ from you and who is either mechanical or is semi retired or a decent person … $5k estimates as some have said are ridiculous, though I have done most of my repairs since a teenager.

    Ask around if there are any semi retired mechanics who would come look and help you decide.

    I'd make an offer 2k less than their asking price, if rejected, leave your details and wait.

  • Cream on 25/01/2022 - 21:19

    I was in the same situation long ago and I had pre purchase inspection done by NRMA.
    They came to the the address the vehicle was located at did a thorough inspection and emailed me the report.
    I did not end up purchasing the vehicle.

  • Easyteas85 on 26/01/2022 - 15:00

    Take the obd2 scanner and app on your phone.
    Borrow a battery and save your money.
    Connect batt and scan car w scanner don't start it!
    Check for codes and research them online. Numerous codes may be present as it's been sitting. Wiring possibly eaten by mice. Stored inside or in a field???
    Check engine oil, transmission oil if it's an auto. Check coolant. If all levels are ok try and start it. Check for more codes. Does it run/sound ok? If yes put it in gear and roll a meter or 2 and do the same in reverse.. clunky?? If yes consider not buying. If ok and codes aren't terrible consider it needs a full service $300-$500 do it yourself it's called Youtube. New batt $300, rego $800 make an offer once you are confidant everything works and it checks out, make sure it's not stolen or a registered write off etc. Honestly it needs to be driven by somebody qualified like a mobile roadworthy person as suspension, electrics and transmission are all big costs to cover if something wrong…..

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