(MAJOR UPDATE)A most interesting trade offer, a classic Volvo for a daily!

Trade my Camry for the volvo?

  • Total voters
    10
That might depend on which model it is, and also a better look at the condition. It doesn't seem like the value is there on many of the sales:
https://bringatrailer.com/volvo/p1800/
I still love it - just not sure it has a few thousand left after a trade... A lot of factors to consider.
 
If you plan to drive that in the winter....No. I'd keep the Camry, or sell it and buy the best car ever made... 2008 Forester XT ( a backwards Porsche Turbo with ground clearance)
 
Nicad said:
If you plan to drive that in the winter....No. I'd keep the Camry, or sell it and buy the best car ever made... 2008 Forester XT ( a backwards Porsche Turbo with ground clearance)
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Pshhh we all know the real best car that was made for northern snow; the Reliant Robin. See those angles going around a corner? It's meant to scrape along the side when you turn so no road salt messes with the underside of your car. beautiful engineering ;)
 

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Maybe If I get this Volvo I would probably daily drive my automatic Bavaria for winter *laughs nervously* or I sell/trade my Bavaria for something pretty more reliable like a 2005 Camry
 
Haseeb said:
and probably flip his volvo for a couple thousand more hmmmm
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I would be VERY cautious about that last statement. Flipping cars is one of those things that seem like a great idea when you spend too much time on the internet... but a far worse idea in reality. Look at the show Wheelers and Dealers. Most of the time they barely make a few percent above what they put in it in parts alone, not counting labor. And they are professionals, with nothing to do all day long but work on fixing the car and selling it! Do you really think you will fare better with limited (I assume) time and experience?

No, do not even think about flipping it. That is a great way to get disappointed and it will leave a bad taste in your mouth. Only do it if you really love that particular model and are willing to spend the next several years and several thousand dollars enjoying it and caring for it.

If the Volvo has zero rust (be sure to crawl underneath it with a flashlight of course, or better yet, ask a Volvo specialist to do an inspection) then definitely do an even trade. It is a great and rare classic. But then take that "extra cash" you were thinking of offering the seller and buy a used Honda Civic as your DD.
 
When it comes to "daily drivers" I have a completely different view about them. Since I buy salvage and have connections for repairs everyone in my family and most of my friends drive salvaged or branded vehicles. I see good candidates come through our place every week so finding a good daily driver is very easy compared to finding a good classic or enthusiasts car. Case in point, I just evaluated this car to help them determine an asking price. Needs a rear bumper/paint, a wheel, both curtain airbags and an airbag module reset. Very easy and cheap fix. We're asking $5900 and there's margin in that.

https://www.autogator.com/details.php?vstockno=R18129&template=builder

My point being, the Camry is just a car. The Volvo is a special car.
 
I have owned over 50 vehicles in my 58 years of driving and the newer cars win over the classics. The classics are nice and do appreciate but they are costly to maintain. I had a 69 Corvette 427 Roadster with only 27,000 miles when I purchased it. I only used it in the summer months putting on less than 2000 miles and there wasn't one summer that I spent less than $2000 on repairs. I sold the car in 1995 for $22,000 and the car now is worth about $60,000. So I would have made an extra $38,000 right? Wrong! Take in consideration that it cost you $2000 a year for the last 23 years,which really is a conservative number to keep a Corvette in good condition. Most likely a Corvette that old would have to be painted which would run between $8,000 and $10,000. Another thing to consider if you get a second car is the cost of insurance. Even if you take the car off the road on still will need to have insurance coverage on the Volvo and also on the second car. I'm not adding these numbers but for sure we are over spending. I hope I didn't take the wind from under your wings.
Good Luck
Koopman
 
I am sure the economics and math would suggest a different solution than the emotional and history-protecting aspect of the equation. Reading between the lines, I am the kind of person that throws good money after bad on older cars because I enjoy them more than any new car. I just don't see myself in that light.
 
Hey guys, do Volvo dealerships for inspections for old cars like this? Maybe a pre purchase inspection will be worth the time! Or if anyone knows a good mechanic in the DMV area I could take it to? if any forum member wants to tag along to see it, I'll bring free snacks :)
 
Haseeb said:
Hey guys, do Volvo dealerships for inspections for old cars like this? Maybe a pre purchase inspection will be worth the time! Or if anyone knows a good mechanic in the DMV area I could take it to? if any forum member wants to tag along to see it, I'll bring free snacks :)
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You are going to want to find a Volvo Specialist to do a PPI. Most of the Volvo techs will be the same age as you, but will have zero training or knowledge related to the 1800. The same thing goes with BMW techs and e3/e9’s.
 
IMHO You can't exist in NE with just the Volvo, unfortunately. I, like you caught the classic car but at a very early age. My recommendation would be to get the Volvo if you want it, BUT also get a super cheap reliable beater. OR get a more modern classic from 80s which you actually could make work in your circumstance. No matter what, I'd ditch the Camry if you are an enthusiast. Good luck.

Scott
 
I say get the P1800, but I have a soft spot for these as it was the car I used throughout my university years. I toy with finding another. They have become quite rare and desirable. Be sure to check frame for rust, can be extreme. For sure you will want a backup daily driver. Just impractical to depend on a used, 50 year old car. Please post photos and good luck! Mike
 
Haseeb said:
Hey guys, do Volvo dealerships for inspections for old cars like this? Maybe a pre purchase inspection will be worth the time! Or if anyone knows a good mechanic in the DMV area I could take it to? if any forum member wants to tag along to see it, I'll bring free snacks :)
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Get in touch with that area’s Volvo club and find a recommendation for a PPI that way. Fugidabout the dealers.
 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FRhtspzp83IPuUYtOZ3ZBWYo3jQcf48H?usp=sharing

A link to a lot of photos! This baby is not rust free, and while a decent amount of the underside is rust free, there is some forming at rockers, and, most notably on the frame(?) in the same ass location as on my Bavaria a few months ago. The link is all 64 pictures I took, the car started up smoothly but that rust...might be problematic. There seem to be a few leaks as well. The owner also told me the water pump is acting up, and he bought a new one in the trunk which I saw. This would be an even swap, my car for his, cash on top is out of question when I saw that rust. Do you guys still think its worth it? How costly to get rid of the rust (I don't need it to win shows, but I want it to look decent/not spread). seats were kinda worn. The owner was nice, but didn't seem interested in letting me get a PPI done on the car which was kinda red flag. He has done some work to get it road worthy like changing calipers, brake, etc. Said it should run and drive with no issues
 

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