October Sky
12-04-2011, 03:47 PM
:Hello world:
I'll provide entirely too much background but the 4 bolded bullet points below basically surmise my purpose, should you not feel like reading it all.
As the title states, I'm in the market for a XC70. I'm looking for 2004 because I want to keep my payments basically non-existent (putting $Iowa down to keep payments low). I've found a good car, dealer serviced until 79,000, traded in, then a subsequent owner put on 11,000 miles and there's no maintenance records for that time, for those who are not mathematically inclined, that's 90,000 miles total. It was then traded in again for an SUV.
I've read, extensively, the issues with these cars and have test driven 3 similar models. This one seems the best of the lot, and it's priced where I want it.
I have 4 hold-ups about the car.
1. It only comes with 1 key. As I understand it, they're essentially $150 for a new key/fob when ever thing is said and done. I got a bit confused between which year was $150, so I'm basically asking if my understanding is correct. Also, my sister is leasing a S60 and had one prior to that. I'm hoping I can parlay her relationship with the dealer into a discount on the price of a new key.
2. Tow hitch. I'm a bit confused about the tow hitch availability. I know an aftermarket hitch can be installed, but are these cars set up with part of a hitch, and then the receiver is put on? I can't figure it out and my research has just lead to more confusion on my end. I'm looking for a hitch to tow a homemade duck-hunting boat, lighter than 150 pounds without the motor, not sure what motor will go on, but that would at most be another 100 pounds. Probably on a jet-ski trailer or very small boat trailer.
3. Common Issues: are there any? I found common issues for the 2001-2002, but I can't really find anything about the 2004 (except the headlight issue, but the maintenance records of this vehicle show them being replaced roughly every 2 years, so that doesn't seem to match the 6 month intervals people here are reporting).
4. Roof rack cross rails. Where's the best deal on them? I would fabricate them if need be.
I guess that's it. There was more but I figured it out on my own.
Backstory. Had a Subaru Impreza WRX but recently sold it. I did all the work on that, from complete suspension to full exhaust, brakes/pads/rotors, redid the interior (OEM skins to update worn parts), shifter, engine management, and all general maintenance etc. Basically did everything but the clutch. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and generally love to be able to work on my own car.
I don't want an SUV because of the simply deplorable gas mileage. I want the room of a wagon because I hunt ducks somewhat religiously and could really use the room for my decoys/waders/guns/etc. I pulled it off in my Impreza by using the trunk+backseat but that was pretty much a PITA and lead to an untidy car. The ride-heigh of the XC70 will also be beneficial regarding hunting. I'm used to Subaru's (IMHO superior) AWD, but plan on having snow tires, and generally can handle a car in the snow (drove a RWD with all seasons for 2 NY winters).
As for the car. It's tan or gold or a combination of both with chocolate leather interior. Coming out of Pennsylvania so has likely seen salty roads. Absolutely no dents/dings/rust to speak of. Has practically every option, including 3rd row seat, no xenon and no navigation (but I have a Garmin so that's fine).
This is my first post, but I've been reading a ton. I always over do it when it comes to researching purchases, and I am no different with this.
Should anyone be so inclined, feel free to post what you think a proper offer is on this. I won't say what I'm going with so as to not bias the pool.
Thanks again.
I'll provide entirely too much background but the 4 bolded bullet points below basically surmise my purpose, should you not feel like reading it all.
As the title states, I'm in the market for a XC70. I'm looking for 2004 because I want to keep my payments basically non-existent (putting $Iowa down to keep payments low). I've found a good car, dealer serviced until 79,000, traded in, then a subsequent owner put on 11,000 miles and there's no maintenance records for that time, for those who are not mathematically inclined, that's 90,000 miles total. It was then traded in again for an SUV.
I've read, extensively, the issues with these cars and have test driven 3 similar models. This one seems the best of the lot, and it's priced where I want it.
I have 4 hold-ups about the car.
1. It only comes with 1 key. As I understand it, they're essentially $150 for a new key/fob when ever thing is said and done. I got a bit confused between which year was $150, so I'm basically asking if my understanding is correct. Also, my sister is leasing a S60 and had one prior to that. I'm hoping I can parlay her relationship with the dealer into a discount on the price of a new key.
2. Tow hitch. I'm a bit confused about the tow hitch availability. I know an aftermarket hitch can be installed, but are these cars set up with part of a hitch, and then the receiver is put on? I can't figure it out and my research has just lead to more confusion on my end. I'm looking for a hitch to tow a homemade duck-hunting boat, lighter than 150 pounds without the motor, not sure what motor will go on, but that would at most be another 100 pounds. Probably on a jet-ski trailer or very small boat trailer.
3. Common Issues: are there any? I found common issues for the 2001-2002, but I can't really find anything about the 2004 (except the headlight issue, but the maintenance records of this vehicle show them being replaced roughly every 2 years, so that doesn't seem to match the 6 month intervals people here are reporting).
4. Roof rack cross rails. Where's the best deal on them? I would fabricate them if need be.
I guess that's it. There was more but I figured it out on my own.
Backstory. Had a Subaru Impreza WRX but recently sold it. I did all the work on that, from complete suspension to full exhaust, brakes/pads/rotors, redid the interior (OEM skins to update worn parts), shifter, engine management, and all general maintenance etc. Basically did everything but the clutch. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and generally love to be able to work on my own car.
I don't want an SUV because of the simply deplorable gas mileage. I want the room of a wagon because I hunt ducks somewhat religiously and could really use the room for my decoys/waders/guns/etc. I pulled it off in my Impreza by using the trunk+backseat but that was pretty much a PITA and lead to an untidy car. The ride-heigh of the XC70 will also be beneficial regarding hunting. I'm used to Subaru's (IMHO superior) AWD, but plan on having snow tires, and generally can handle a car in the snow (drove a RWD with all seasons for 2 NY winters).
As for the car. It's tan or gold or a combination of both with chocolate leather interior. Coming out of Pennsylvania so has likely seen salty roads. Absolutely no dents/dings/rust to speak of. Has practically every option, including 3rd row seat, no xenon and no navigation (but I have a Garmin so that's fine).
This is my first post, but I've been reading a ton. I always over do it when it comes to researching purchases, and I am no different with this.
Should anyone be so inclined, feel free to post what you think a proper offer is on this. I won't say what I'm going with so as to not bias the pool.
Thanks again.