I'm back. Well, sort of.....

[Ian Mac]

I knew you'd be pleased, I just couldn't keep away...

I'm now back in Volvo ownership but not a 300 unfortunately. I took a chance on a 940 Estate on Ebay back in November which turned out to be 'colourfully' described (stunning timewarp condition, superb example of the original people carrier, genuine low mileage, just 112,000 miles from new, timing belt just replaced etc etc).

Driving the car home I noticed the mileage recorder wasn't working which now appears to have been the case since 2008 so that throws the genuine mileage claim out of the window. I then removed the timing cover to reveal no new timing belt. The seller claimed to have acquired the car from a Volvo main agent who had confirmed it had been serviced regularly although the service book was missing - having obtained the previous keep details he actually bought the car off some guy who lives in a council flat in Birmingham..!!

On a positive note the car is extremely clean and drives really well so maybe not a totally bad buy but I hate being lied to. The seller hasn't replied to letters requesting a partial refund so I've now referred it to the County Court. Oh well, live and learn..

This photo is one from the Ebay advert so blanking out the number plate is nothing to do with me - it actually reads K296LES.

[mat_91]

looks a sweet car id get a timing belt on it asap thou if you havent a clue when/if its been done
real shame people arent honest hen selling a car hope you get something back at least

[MCHUDD]

Hi Ian.
Welcome back. Looks a realy nice 940.
Can you report the seller?
Cheers Mark.

[Ian Mac]

Hi Mark, it is quite nice but not quite so good as the picture would have you believe - I think he probably used Photoshop or similar. I left him negative feedback on Ebay which reduced his rating from 100% to 75% as he only had 33 transactions. The last two cars he sold both got good feedback so I thought he would be fairly trustworthy but there you go...

If you know of a decent set of 15" Volvo trims I may be interested - the ones in the photo had been swopped for graphite ones by the time I collected the car and they're not in the best condition.

[macplaxton]

If you know of a decent set of 15" Volvo trims I may be interested

Welcome back Ian. Glad you have better taste in wheel trims now.

[MCHUDD]

Hi Ian.
A mate of mine is into those things. I will ask him about wheel trims.
Cheers Mark.

[Ride_on]

What year / model / engine?

I have an entire spare 940 to split between my 360 and daily 940, so if you need non-engine parts.. I have spare alloys, but probably not worth shipping from NI.

Just make sure the oil has been change regularly, they will soldier on, but eventually the oil pump will sieze/block from the crud, especially when you put fresh oil or flushing agent in. So if it hasn't been looked after watch out... I've been reminded recently how some people 'run their cars into the ground'.

[Ian Mac]

It seems to have been well looked after - the oil and coolant are clean and all service parts are genuine Volvo (oil filter, plugs etc). It also had one owner from 1996 until 2011 when it passed into the hands of the dodgy dealer I bought it from. The car is also clean and tidy with no evidence of abuse. The main problems appear to be due to lack of use and possibly standing in water - the wheels are extremely rusty, front brake backplates were heavily corroded, rear brake discs are pitted, lots of surface rust on suspension components etc. There is also some minor corrosion to the crossmember behind the front bumper, beneath the battery on one side and screen washer bottle on the other - this is nothing more than a small patching job though. And then of course is the timing belt which according to the seller had just been replaced.....

[Ian Mac]

I can't believe my old sparring partner VND hasn't called-in to welcome me with open arms....