I go by Z and I’ve used the same forum name through most forums and there have been a few ( Audizine, Rennlist, Nasioc, Zdriver, 986forum, etc). I thought I’d introduce myself as I’ve been reading and absorbing as much as I could over the past week. Last Sunday I woke up, went to the gym and as I was walking on the treadmill I was browsing FB marketplace and Craigslist since that has been a daily routine. I came across an add for a 2004 Volvo S60R. clicked on it, looked decent enough. I texted the guy, no response. Gave it what it seemed like forever (2 mins on a treadmill) and called the guy. Anything to get me off that machine. I did as most enthusiast do which is start asking about the services and maintenance and the vehicle history. Owner was not very chatty and kept repeating it needs nothing, everything is great. Now I know that always means it needs things…how many things does it need is the question?
I asked him to hold the car until Monday so I can come get it. I offered a deposit through PP or Venmo and he refused. Seeing that I was getting absolutely nowhere with this guy (and not wanting to walk away from this car) I told him I would be there in 3 hours if he can hold the car for me. He still refused. So I did what every sane person would do, get in the car and start driving. Like I said, anything to skip a workout. I get there and there was the car. 2004 Flash Green over Atacama S60R with a manual transmission with 97,154 miles on the odo. At a first glance I can see it has a body kit ( front winglets are missing, if you know of some please HELP), some ugly aftermarket wheels, door dings galore, dings on the roof where a tree fell on it and a small love tap on the rear bumper. Car turns over fine, no lights on the dash, small seam tear on the seats (owner had seat covers on for ages). Everything is in line with a car that’s two decades old.
We start to drive and immediately I am greeted with a very very loud wheel bearing noise, or at least I hope that’s what it is. I look over at him and repeat his words… “Needs nothing, huh?” to which he replied it’s been that way since I’ve had it. Then I politely let him know I will give it some WOT to feel the car. I was in second and as I stepped on it I could feel the front wheels lose a bit of traction. Then I take off from the light (not launching, just easing into it) and the car starts to buck and hesitate. Well be that as it may, I hand him the cash, get the title and curbed factory 17″ pegs, some random car cover and head home.
So this is where my quest begins. I am hoping the loud noise is just a wheel bearing. It gets louder and louder and louder with the speed of the car and not RPM. Would that be the case with the angle gear as well? I do not think AWD system is working as I got stuck in my driveway and the first “mod” was paying a tow company to pull the car out as it was stuck on the side of the hill.
I’ve ordered an oil change kit, new plugs, coils, fuel and air filters to get me started. I don’t think the T belt was changed either. I will update this with car pics and my findings as I have not had a chance to get under the car. I pulled the carfax yesterday and it is a 2 owner car. PO bought the car from Carmax in 2006 for $39,800 (found the sticker). Also recommendations for curb rash repair are also welcome. Happy to be here.
-Z
Here are the only two pics I have so far
