Help me with my first car, please!

[Alekin42]

Hi all,

I’m new to this website so don’t know how posting works but I need to ask for some advice!

I’m looking to buy my first car and have been completely taken by an early 80s Volvo 360 (I have a weird taste in cars, I know!) and wanted to ask some people much more knowledgeable than myself about what to look for.

I know rust can be a problem with Volvos of that era but I’m just wondering what else to look for generally and any problems to be aware of in these cars specifically.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Jamescrs]

You would probably do well to find a model specific owners group on Facebook if one exists as I imagine it would be very specific on things to look for.

As a general rule, if you haven't already look at the cars MOT history online which you can do for free through the Government website

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

Will give you at least a basic idea on the cars condition

[LunarOne]

I had a Volvo 340 as a loaner many many years ago whiole my car was in for repair. I thought it would be horrible but I found it quite fun to drive and missed it once I'd given it back. I imagine a 360 would be much the same. Not as fun as a Ferrari 360, mind. I have nothing useful to add though - sorry!

[ARHarh]

Get an insurance quote, being a classic it will be cheap for drivers with a few years under their belt but might not be so easy for a new driver. Also classic insurance will not build up a no claims bonus if you go down that route.

Not sure if these guys cover it for parts but they have good reputation. https://www.classicvolvoparts.co.uk/

[66HFM]

My parents had a Volvo 343 3Dr in the early 90s, which they had bought from one of our neighbours who had owned it from new, it had 100k on it and ran ok.
I drove it quite a few times and from memory it was very wallowy and used to lean rather than steer around corners.

Interesting choice for a first car but good luck!

[Skodillac]

Rust rust rust rust rust rust and rust.

Then just the usual old car concerns - any blue or funny smelling smoke on start up, white gunge under the radiator cap, that sort of thing. Is the gearbox overly waggy, is the clutch working well, does it brake in a straight line etc etc.

Smashing cars the 360 - better than a 340. I've had a hatch and a saloon. Indestructible if bought in decent condition. I'm a big fan. Just a satisfying, slow old bus. Brilliant.

[nikaiyo2]

I used to get a lift to school in a weird sage green one of these. I smelled very heavily of cigarette smoke as my friends mum chain smoked in it.

Nothing useful to add, sorry.

[Skodillac]

66HFM said:

My parents had a Volvo 343 3Dr in the early 90s, which they had bought from one of our neighbours who had owned it from new, it had 100k on it and ran ok.
I drove it quite a few times and from memory it was very wallowy and used to lean rather than steer around corners.

Interesting choice for a first car but good luck!

Yep, wallowy and tail happy if you overcook it. *big grin*

[paul_c123]

If its early 80s then literally anything could be an issue, and if its not now, it will be in the future; or you'll be paying a premium for that particular issue having been recently addressed.

For example, a few electrical items, a bit of engine work, and some suspension components can all add up pretty quick. And parts availability (delays or simply not being able to buy new, and waiting and waiting for a reasonable secondhand part coming available from other owners or specialist breakers) will be an issue too.

I used to have a 1981 car but it was just a PITA to look after and keep in a reasonable condition.

[Shedding]

When I tried to jack mine up, the jack did go up, straight through the rusty sill

[Alekin42]

Thanks everyone for getting back to me so quickly

The car was extensively refurbished c2013 so I’m hoping it should be mostly fine mechanically, but at least I know what I’m looking for now!

Still not sure whether it’s a good decision, mostly due to the costs of keeping it running, but I do find the idea of a comfortable old bus quite appealing!

Thank you very much everyone

[this is my username]

If it is your first car then there is an above-average chance that you will have some sort of a bump in it in your first year of driving.

You might be better off getting something a bit more mainstream (there seem to be plenty of 2010 Volvos around for <£2k) which will be easier to say farewell to if you have a prang, then move to a classic once you have some experience of driving and ownership?

[Alekin42]

this is my username said:

If it is your first car then there is an above-average chance that you will have some sort of a bump in it in your first year of driving.

You might be better off getting something a bit more mainstream (there seem to be plenty of 2010 Volvos around for <£2k) which will be easier to say farewell to if you have a prang, then move to a classic once you have some experience of driving and ownership?

Had a look to see what there was of that age but it would have to be a V40 (mostly 1.6 diesel) or S40 (2.0 petrol) with insurance costing about 3x the price of the car, so looks like that won’t be an option sadly

[Stick Legs]

Cool car, they are surprisingly fun and feel bigger than they are.

I had a 340 GL and a 360 GLT as my first 2 cars.

[soad]

Alekin42 said:

Had a look to see what there was of that age but it would have to be a V40 (mostly 1.6 diesel) or S40 (2.0 petrol) with insurance costing about 3x the price of the car, so looks like that won’t be an option sadly

What about a C30 1.6 petrol? Unless too small.

[LightningBlue]

Very different from a Volvo 360 but a C30 1.6 R Design could be great as a first car. I saw one for sale at a dealer near me last week actually and looked in very tidy condition for £2995. Would’ve been stupidly tempted myself if it was a T5.

[Decky_Q]

A classic isnt a great idea for a first car, unless you're an apprentice mechanic and want practice.

Insurance will also be a difficulty, classic policies are aimed at 2nd car, 2k or 3k miles a year type users, and will charge a fair bit more than expected for a main car 12kmiles a year commuting policy.

[Alekin42]

LightningBlue said:

Very different from a Volvo 360 but a C30 1.6 R Design could be great as a first car. I saw one for sale at a dealer near me last week actually and looked in very tidy condition for £2995. Would’ve been stupidly tempted myself if it was a T5.

Had a look on Autotrader but the only C30s anywhere near me are 1.6 diesel R-design with £4,000 insurance, so sadly I don’t think that will be happening

[Alekin42]

Decky_Q said:

A classic isnt a great idea for a first car, unless you're an apprentice mechanic and want practice.

Insurance will also be a difficulty, classic policies are aimed at 2nd car, 2k or 3k miles a year type users, and will charge a fair bit more than expected for a main car 12kmiles a year commuting policy.

I do quite like the idea of having a car that’s easy to work on and I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, which is honestly part of the reason the 360 appeals to me.

I looked at insurance and it works out about £1300 less than a mid-spec 1.2 208 so as long as insurance companies don’t change their minds in the next 2 months I’m not overly worried about that.

I thinks it’s probably the old car part that appeals to me more the the Volvo-ness so no matter what I’d probably end up with something tax-exempt (against my better judgment)

[ARHarh]

Alekin42 said:

Decky_Q said:

A classic isnt a great idea for a first car, unless you're an apprentice mechanic and want practice.

Insurance will also be a difficulty, classic policies are aimed at 2nd car, 2k or 3k miles a year type users, and will charge a fair bit more than expected for a main car 12kmiles a year commuting policy.

I do quite like the idea of having a car that’s easy to work on and I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, which is honestly part of the reason the 360 appeals to me.

I looked at insurance and it works out about £1300 less than a mid-spec 1.2 208 so as long as insurance companies don’t change their minds in the next 2 months I’m not overly worried about that.

I thinks it’s probably the old car part that appeals to me more the the Volvo-ness so no matter what I’d probably end up with something tax-exempt (against my better judgment)

The Tax exempt bit will also mean MOT exempt. If you are learning to maintain cars whilst running this car please keep it going through MOT's. It will always be best to get a second opinion on any repairs or failing parts. My advice find a friendly local garage and MOT place and see if you can watch the tester doing the test. Most will be OK with this if you are polite and respectful. Don't get in their way and most of all don't argue or try and tell them how to do your job. You will learn a lot like this.