chickenmagnet

I own the 08 RL and its just great, but I have to replace my wife's 96 Volvo 850 turbo wagon and I am looking at the 1g RL. Most of the 96-99 in my area are less than 3K.

I have read through and tried to search some on the 1g site - but you all seem to love your cars. Any major issue years? Anything I should have checked out specifically before I buy or look at? Any super expensive fixes - problem Tranny's like the earlier TLs?

I am also looking at the Avalon and a Cl as well, but I like the 1G RL style and it sounds like it would last for a couple years or so - even if I get one with higher miles.

The Volvo has been a great car, but too many things are going wrong at once. I am tempted some days to keep it, but It would be nice to not worry about the turbo components.

Megatron

If you want to get a 1st gen RL, definitely get the latest year that you can afford. The 99-2004 have HID lights and they use the newer style ABS modulator which is a good thing. An accumulator leak in the older, higher pressure ABS modulators in the 96-98 models will run you over a grand to fix. Aside from that, check for any oil leaks in and around the oil pan area and the rear main seal. With the way the axle's are on the 1st gen RL, just a simple oil pan gasket replacement is in the high hundreds and a rear main seal for any vehicle is in the $1000+ range. Finally, as with all older cars, look at the mileage and know how long before you have to fork out over $1000 for a timing belt/water pump replacement.