Just bought a '98 V70 GLT w/ some problems

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 16 Dec 2004, 18:43

We took it to Pepboys for a 125 point inspection. They gave us the list of problems but recommended going elsewhere to get the work done as they'd have to order most parts in. We called a dealership and they estimated the work at approx. $2500. I'm wondering if there are certain things that are easy enough for my husband to fix if we buy the parts ourselves. He's not a mechanic but I figured some of the work has got to be easy enough. Also, I'm wondering which should be fixed most urgently. Any advice would be appreciated. Here are some of the things that it failed :

Under Hood Mechanical Inspection:
Fluid Leaks
Power Steering Fluid
Hood Latch

Wheel Off Mechanical Inspection:
Shock / Strut (right and left in front and rear)

Under Vehicle Mechanical Inspection:
Steering Box/Rack adn Pinion
Inner Tie Rod Ends / Knuckles
CV Axles and Boots

I think my husband mentioned something about the timing belt to me too but I don't see it on there.
Thanks:)

GUEST · Post by **GUEST** » 17 Dec 2004, 05:18

How many miles on the car? There is lots of good information on this site and others about several of the repairs in question. You can save a TON of money doing it yourself, as Volvo dealers tend to be expensive. Also consider independent Volvo mechanics. You can cut some repair costs in half that way.

Fluid leaks can be bad or not so serious -- is that really all they said? .hehe. Hood latch is common and not hard to fix. Shocks, tie rods, CVs are where the dealer will gouge you. I'd do those items myself, providing you have another car to get around in for a few days and are mechanically inclined. I know absolutely nothing about the steering components. Timing belt on your car is not too hard when compared to other cars, but it still requires experience and if you don't do it right, the cost of repair will be much more than the job itself. When doing the timing belt, also do the aux/serpentine belt and check/replace tensioners. If the car has high miles consider replacing the water pump while the timing belt is being done. Who knows, maybe that was one of your fluid leaks. Good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 17 Dec 2004, 10:50

There are 75000 miles on the car. I know some of it is just normal wear. The dealer advertised the car w/ a third seat (one of the main reasons we bought it) but it had none. He said he'd give us his discount at the volvo dealer (20%, I think) to get the seat bought and installed as well as for some of the repairs. Are there certain repairs we should get done at the dealer (you mentioned maybe the timing belt since my husband's never changed one). How would I find an independent volvo dealer? Just check the yellow pages, I suppose, eh? Another problem I remembered (not noticed at Pepboys) is that the rearview mirror doesn't work (both side ones do but not the center one) - they're power mirrors. Thanks so much for response. I really appreciate the advice.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 17 Dec 2004, 12:23

No reason to use the dealer at all on a 5/6 year old car unless you're doing warranty repairs. This is only my opinion of course. Check the yellow pages and ask some people who have nice looking Volvo's where they get their car serviced. You might also check with the BBB if you still aren't sure. No need to see the dealer for the timing belt, but I'd stick with someone who knows Volvo. I've heard of some dealers doing jobs at reasonable prices -- it seems to be the parts that you end up paying a lot more for. Dealers seem to charge around $80 per hour, independent volvo mechanics between $50 and $75. There are some high-ticket items that require dealer programming, no real choice there.

I dont' think a center rear-view power mirror exists. The center of the mirror toggle button is a lockout. Not a bad idea though.

Look around online for parts, including that 3rd seat. Saw one on e-bay a week or so ago.