The C70 is a nice car, and there is a lot to be said for Volvo's, but based on my experience with S70s the maintenance will eat you alive given that a lot of the parts are dealer only. Have you considered a Mustang? There are a ton of V6 auto 'verts that haven't been beat, are easy on the pocketbook, and while they may not have the panache of a Volvo, or the same build quality they're easy and cheap to fix and don't require dealer service and parts.

If you do go the C70 route, I'd watch for the following – leaky head gaskets, ignition cylinder (they like to fail, are big $$, and take forever to get in), and check over all of the electronics (toys) carefully as they mostly dealer only items that are big bucks. I have a note somewhere of aftermarket Volvo shops with good pricing…PM me if you want me to dig up the list.

PS. You'll also want to buy bulbs for the exterior lights in bulk!

 

From my experience the Sweeds won't break down but they do complain a lot...leak, blow fuses, make a lot of undue noise etc....automotively speaking of course

 

I think the inevitable water pump failure would bankrupt someone on a pastry chef salary. Besides the autos are dogs.

But I'd rock the sh*t out of one of those!

 

An acceptable vert under $5K -- that's tough.

Really, can't go wrong with the used Volvo's.

 

Really? I don't know much about these other than that I love them. Why is a new water pump so expensive? Engine needs lifting or something? Timing belt must be done at the same time?

 

Porsche parts = $$$. She just wants something that will start every day when she turns the key.

 

Volvos are great cars, another suggestion if your open to it would be a chrysler sebring convertible. A friend of mine had one a little while ago, and she never had any problems with it and it was a pretty decent car. Key word, WAS (car was great, she was a terrible driver, i'm not hinting woman are bad drivers or anything.... )

 

why not a ponitac G6

 

Still too expensive...

Someone hit her head on Wednesday so her car is totaled, need to get shopping immediately. Any more ideas post up!