Volvo Amazon, how much and where?

quenching

So, after all the pre '78 cars recommended in my earlier thread I think I'm after a Volvo Amazon, the 70's Mercs look nice and I might be swayed yet but for the moment lets say an Amazon is for me.

How much will a decent one cost, doesn't have to be perfect but I don't want a rust bucket. I'll need to use it as a daily driver on a 14 mile round trip into Dublin city centre. Secondly, wheres the best place to look? This one looks nice but is LHD (how much of an issue is this for driving in Dublin?), http://www.classiccarsireland.eu/autos_detail.asp?ID=338 , this one is a bit short in info but less than a quarter of the price, http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C60644 I've asked for more details.

Is the price differential to be expected or is the cheap one going to end up more expensive than the dearer one once its put right?

Is one likely to hold its value if I go to sell it in 3 years?

Anyone got one for sale?

God they're gorgeous, ah you'd see loads of classic mercs round the place, defo go for the volvo

245

I still think that you'd be better off with a 200 series. Its hard to get a good Amazon at a good price.

As far as using one as a daily driver is concerned, I've got a left hand drive Amazon and wouldn't recommend it as a daily driver - its fine for occasional use but has its limitations. Even in Dublin, you need to change lanes and pass out parked cars, delivery trucks etc and LHD is not good for this at all. Even pulling out of a parking space can catch you out. You should also bear in mind that the B18A engine is ok but not brilliant for keeping up with traffic - the B20 is a better engine with more torque. You should look for one with overdrive - the four speed will sound very busy at anything over 50 mph even though it'll happily cruise at 70 mph. The later models - 1969 on - had the B20 engine and dual circuit servo assisted brakes which are a vast improvement on the single circuit ones, safety-wise.

I've seen good ones for 2,500 euro plus here from time to time - they'd be solid but not pretty though. I've also seen some overpriced rubbish for 5k plus.

You don't know what you're getting into with a fixer-upper until you're committed and then its too late - it'll be expensive, assuming that you can find someone reliable to do the work.

Check Buy & Sell, classiccarsforsale.co.uk and the like - often sellers have high-specced ones for inflated prices so patience is the key.

Seriously, consider a 200 series if you want a daily driver Volvo...

quenching

245 wrote: »

I still think that you'd be better off with a 200 series. Its hard to get a good Amazon at a good price.

As far as using one as a daily driver is concerned, I've got a left hand drive Amazon and wouldn't recommend it as a daily driver - its fine for occasional use but has its limitations. Even in Dublin, you need to change lanes and pass out parked cars, delivery trucks etc and LHD is not good for this at all. Even pulling out of a parking space can catch you out. You should also bear in mind that the B18A engine is ok but not brilliant for keeping up with traffic - the B20 is a better engine with more torque. You should look for one with overdrive - the four speed will sound very busy at anything over 50 mph even though it'll happily cruise at 70 mph. The later models - 1969 on - had the B20 engine and dual circuit servo assisted brakes which are a vast improvement on the single circuit ones, safety-wise.

I've seen good ones for 2,500 euro plus here from time to time - they'd be solid but not pretty though. I've also seen some overpriced rubbish for 5k plus.

You don't know what you're getting into with a fixer-upper until you're committed and then its too late - it'll be expensive, assuming that you can find someone reliable to do the work.

Check Buy & Sell, classiccarsforsale.co.uk and the like - often sellers have high-specced ones for inflated prices so patience is the key.

Seriously, consider a 200 series if you want a daily driver Volvo...

Thanks for the advice 245 all very informative, helps me rule out LHD but now I have to see if any of the 200 series catch my eye. Which would you recommend?

Blue850

Theres a 1972 Volvo 144 for sale in this months Irish vintage Scene

spidersonmars

Found this one on-line. Based in Ireland. not sure if it has been sold

http://hrca.ie/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=105&Itemid=63

v240gltse

hi ,

keeping an eye out in the following forums may help in your search:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=9

http://www.rwdvolvos.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=41&sid=ad67aaa371e6face844a9345fcd12da8

I would agree with 245 as I have ran a number of 240's ( both saloon and Estate ) and currently run a 1988 240 GLT as a daily drive and its great.

Glt's both saloon's and estates, can be had at a very reasonable price in the UK ( between £500 -£1000) vrt is about 315euros , they are very easy to self maintain and very comfortable. If you ever what to try out my GLT or discuss the 200 series just pm me


brendan

v240gltse

hi,

nice 1981 264 auto for sale in the UK

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=58651

brendan

alastair

Maybe you'd be interested in something slightly more exotic from the Volvo stable?

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/20876

Heavy steering, prone to rust, and really a two-seater, but very pretty and practical otherwise.

edit - Ooops! Just noticed that you've considered and dismissed the same.

macplaxton

v240gltse wrote: »

Glt's both saloon's and estates, can be had at a very reasonable price in the UK ( between £500 -£1000) vrt is about 315euros

Not any more Brendan. Since the 1st July 2008, VRT is based on emissions and if no Revenue accepted data is forthcoming (or 226g/km and over) will be charged at 36% VRT, subject to a minimum of €720.:eek:

The VRT money would be better spent on a nice 30+ year old Volvo (@€;50 flat rate VRT), the €580pa motor tax for a 2 litre (vintage rate €46pa), would be better spent on insurance. Anything big, not commercial and between 5-30 years old isn't worth bringing in IMO.

245

quenching wrote: »

Thanks for the advice 245 all very informative, helps me rule out LHD but now I have to see if any of the 200 series catch my eye. Which would you recommend?

I'd just focus on getting anything that's 30 years old or older that's in v.g.c. You'll probably have to buy in the UK but that's ok because its easier to get a well maintained one and they tend to be cheaper than the asking prices here.

Keep an eye on Autotrader, pistonheads.co.uk. the UK Volvo owners club (http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=150) and maybe amazoncars.co.uk If I see anything suitable I'll send you a message.

v240gltse

hi macplaxton

thanks for the correction as I had completely forgotten about the vrt changes .

regards

brendan

quenching

Thanks lads for the advice, I'm adamant that it has to be 30+years, so the '81 Volvo is out I'm afraid Brendan, aside from the VRT element I'm keen on the annual motor tax either!! Might take you up on your offer some day, very good of you.

The LHD Amazon is out too spidersonmars, due to being LHD but thanks for the link.

I'm leaning towards an estate I think, may as well have a practical aspect too, I have 2 small kids with bikes etc. to hump around occasionally. Noticed a Mercedes W123 estate here that caught my eye, but too expensive and not old enough:

http://ccbenz.co.uk/30621/48418.html

Think they go back to the mid 70's though so might be an option, any thoughts on these.

Thanks for keeping an eye open 245, always nice to have good staff So, if you could find me a near perfect pre '78 automatic estate with nice leather seats for little or no money I'd be happy, by Sunday if possible!! Not that keen on a red one either.

mountain

have a look at
amazoncars.co.uk they some times have cars for sale,
if you do buy an old volvo they are a great source of knowledge and parts as well.