Looking at a Volvo

Going to look at a 2001 Volvo C20 tomorrow. Looks real nice, has a bunch of miles at 180K, 5 speed, has new struts and tires. Says the clutch is fine. Do these have timing belt issues? He is asking for 2000.00. I have two concerns- he has an Illinois cell number, apparently a snowbird. Older gent. Where do I need to look for rust? Did not ask if it has a Florida title, will have to assume it does not. If he has clear title in hand, is this a problem? Any general input, opinions about this model? Volvos with a stick are darn rare. Thanks, guys.

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/3731262788.html

I don't think there's a timing belt problem. A good running car and a quick once-over for rust, you should be fine. I don't think there's much to worry about.

oops,it's a C70, not a C20.

Same deal, although I'm not the Volvo expert here.

In reply to cwh:

Looks nice you may want to check Matthew's Volvo site for problems specific to that model. Really good resource

BBC

C70 should have the Inline 5? Those need the timing belt done about every 80,000 miles. I am unsure on the inline 6

Timing belt on these is one of the easiest to replace. FCP or IPD have an excellent video on doing the job.

Black on black in Miami?

Yeah, not the best choice, but she do look purty. For 10 minutes or so.

Timing belt is an interference design so do be sure to be mindful of replacing it timely.

Verify that the AC is working. The cars of this era have the evap behind the dash which must be fully removed to replace. At shop rates, the job involves over 10 hours of labor making it a more than $1k labor bill.

This link will take you to a well documented and photographed 23 page DYI guide.
http://www.woodjoiner.com/volvo/VolvoEvapReplace.pdf

I just found out this week that the air con in my 850 works beautifully. I bought it in Novemeber, so never had a chance to test it.