Found an abandoned Volvo

Actually, that is my big concern. Many abandoned cars are abandoned because
they are too expensive to repair. I gave away a 1970 145 to a neighbor
because it wasn't worth a fraction of the DIY repair cost just to meet
emission standards. He was moving outside the county where there were no
emission inspections and needed something to tool around in.

If that car has a warped head from overheating, a radiator full of rust and
a crankcase full of sludge you could have a challenge ahead of you. It goes
without saying it has not had loving service.

Mike

 

But why would it needing expensive repair preclude one from merely
selling it "as is"? Then they'd get something for it.
Anything would be better than just leaving it in someone's parking
lot--
that's just asking for a big hassle eventually.
Or just HOPING someone would take it??
Mmmm.

 

Well dang, just take a shot at getting the thing, if it doesn't work out, oh
well, if it does, great. If it has some major problem, sell it to someone
who likes to tinker.

 

I'd talk to the local police about this vehicle and what you've been
able to find out.

The legal paperwork (filled out or not) is a BIG RED FLAG! ("Legal
landmine or sinkhole present!")

I'd have the police check out the vehicle, especially if you can find
out who handles domestic violence situations. Explain what you've seen
and don't make any coclusions -- that's their job.

 

Just thought that if it's unlocked and the local car theives haven't
touched it, there may be a very good reason.

Since you've done the legal legwork of chasing down the ownership, you
can be certain that it isn't a bait-car.

 

I neglected to mention that my 14 year old boy likes Volvo Wagons (as
do I) and that's what piqued my curiousity at seeing one abandoned. It
was going to be a father-son project to resurrect it.
Any, I composed a letter and will send it registered; that's probably
the easiest and most sensible way to start with.
Will be interesting to see if I hear from her...(dramatic pause)...if
she still walks among the living (insert scary music here).
After that we'll probably try a good ol' fashioned seance. (sp?)
Seriously, I guess with a registered letter, only SHE can sign for it.
I gave my P.O. box # and my cell phone number, but it would be a
long-distance call for her. But if she's that destitute, she might take
the $150 I offered her.
I'll keep you posted.

 

Yeah, but all along I've been EXTREMELY apprehensive about involving
the police, such as simply having a cop take me out to show me where
they live ("What the hell you doing bringing the cops out here,
$%*@&!!).

 

Why? Most cops are pretty benign unless you're doing something wrong.

 

"Why? Most cops are pretty benign unless you're doing something wrong."

That's exactly right.
But what if they ARE doing something wrong? Bye-bye car.
They could have a meth lab out there for all I know.
They don't seem to be the most normal people in the world to begin
with.

 

That's why it would be best to make the initial contact via mail.


Gary

 

Well all the more reason to get cops out there I suppose.

 

Are you sure you want the car they abandoned?

Mike

 

You still talking about cops?

Hammo