“No One Knows This is a Good Car, So You Can Buy It Dirt Cheap”: $1500 & Still Purring After 200k Miles

Stumble upon the right used car on a lot and you might just score the deal of a lifetime. That’s what happened when one lucky buyer picked up a vintage station wagon for just $1500 over 15 years ago. Since then, over 200,000 additional miles have been added, yet this old wagon still runs remarkably well.

This 90s station wagon now has over 300,000 miles on it, and continues cruising along smoothly on its original engine. The only major repair was a transmission rebuild around 300,000 miles, costing $2000.

For a vehicle purchased at only $1500, that kind of longevity is unheard of. Let’s find out why these cars last so long.

How It Has Held Up

The decades-old wagon seems to have stood the test of time based on its current condition. The owner notes minimal rust, thanks to extensive anti-rust treatments from the factory. The interior plastics and upholstery also remain respectable for the age.

And amazingly, the A/C still blows cold – a rare feat for a 20+ year old car.

While station wagons have faded in popularity, this 90s icon exemplifies the durability that made the model so beloved in its heyday.

Reasons to Buy One

This vintage wagon is a showcase of the overengineered tanks built back in the day. The owner is amazed how solid and sturdy it still feels after racking up so many miles. He credits the strict manufacturing standards of decades past that ensured these vehicles would last.

Under the hood lies the original 4-cylinder engine, still running strong despite astronomical mileage. The owner has performed maintenance like timing belts and water pumps, but the engine itself has never been rebuilt – almost unthinkable for most engines of this age.

Beyond the stout drivetrain, the body and chassis feel incredibly solid with no rattles. Meticulous engineering and extensive anti-rust treatments meant these wagons were built to outlive most vehicles on the road.

A Smooth Ride

On an extensive test drive, this 300k+ mile wagon demonstrated just how well it still performs. It remains quiet and smooth on the road, with no drivetrain or suspension noises. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of power despite the mileage. The transmission shifts smoothly after a recent rebuild.

For a 90s vehicle, the handling feels tight and nimble through turns. The steering and brakes work with precision, showing how this wagon was engineered for comfort and control many miles down the road.

Built to Last

With a reputation for longevity, it’s no wonder the owner trusts this wagon for road trips despite the 6-figure odometer reading. And should anything need service, parts availability is ample thanks to an extensive production run. For an old vehicle, it has clearly been built to last using quality components designed for the long haul.

While gas mileage is mediocre by modern standards, the owner gladly accepts it in return for the bulletproof reliability.

Related: ‘too cheap’ Tesla Owner Skips Charger Installation: ‘The electric bill going to be insane’

A Vintage Interior

The retro vibes are strong inside, with a classic 90s aesthetic. The blocky dash and simple switches deliver nostalgia back to a simpler era of driving. Fresh seat covers liven up the cabin, though the interior remains respectable considering the age.

Details like manual climate controls and a tape deck stereo make you feel like you’ve entered a time capsule. Remarkably, the fold-down rear seat still functions – a feature the owner utilizes for camping trips.

Mechanically, both cold A/C and warm heated seats work flawlessly. The sunroof operates smoothly too. It’s hard to believe this interior is approaching 30 years old based on how well it has held up.

A Rare Find

This classic wagon isn’t perfect – it burns oil between changes, the original paint is long gone, and the transmission required rebuilding. But the fact that everything still works in a vehicle past 300,000 miles is an accomplishment in itself.

When asked about reaching 500k miles, the owner feels confident thanks to the car’s track record of reliability and easy maintenance. Finds like this make you wonder why modern cars aren’t built to these same exacting standards. These days, planned obsolescence means most vehicles won’t last nearly this long.

Cars that can still run this smoothly after decades and 6-figure miles are exceptionally rare. Here’s hoping this tough old wagon has many more years and adventures still ahead.

Now for the big reveal – this wagon is a 1993 Volvo 850 GLT. The Volvos of this era were overengineered tanks that earned a reputation for longevity. This particular 850 serves as a shining example of that bulletproof 90s Volvo reliability.

Sources

Here’s the video that breaks all of the details of this lucky find: