Buying a C70 2008 with Head gasket problem or one with transmission problem Topic is solved

tango_1000 · Post by **tango_1000** » 04 Apr 2019, 09:54

I'm trying to buy a Volvo C70 2008. I found 2 for a very cheap, for a reason.
One of them need work on the head gasket (according to seller) The seller also said that it have a new transmission with only 1000 miles on it. And the car had 140k miles on it.
The second one have 100k miles on it and have problems with the transmission, he say that "Slight transmission problem when the car is cold. When the car is warm runs and drives well".
I ask in the Volvo dealer in town and of course they told neither one is good and will cost 5k to fix either problem, of course they want me to buy a new car...and I would love to if I could. But since the financial situation is not at it best I'm looking for something inexpensive that can be fix.
I understand that fixing a head gasket can be a problem if there is more problems inside the engine. But fix a head gasket can cost here around 800. The transmission, if eventually fail I can change and put a used one for 300 plus labor...
So my question here...is it any good try to repair one of those cars...
Again, I know the best idea will be to go and put 50 or 60 k and get a new car. But I can't do it.
Thanks to every one for your help

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 04 Apr 2019, 10:00

I would get them and do a transmission fluid change on the one with 100K on it.
Take your time to do a head gasket on the one with 140K on it.

Post by **abscate** » 04 Apr 2019, 15:47

I ask in the Volvo dealer in town and of course they told neither one is good and will cost 5k to fix either problem, of course they want me to buy a new car...a

They actually make more money servicing your car than selling you a new one.

You have to be able to drive a car to evaluate it, and the tighter the budget, the more important it is to do that.

Figure $2000 to swap in a new transmission, head work , or used engine into your budget

Post by **June** » 04 Apr 2019, 16:37

Forget the C70 if you are on a tight budget. I bought my daughter a 07 C70 and beyond the $7,500.00 I have shelled out for the head gasket and new hoses on one ticket, $4,500.00 on another ticket for axles and control arms. It's been the nightmare top that has been the worst problem. These can only be serviced by Volvo and every time it breaks or shows fault a extremely loud siren beeps inside the car continuously that can only be reset by repairing it at the dealer. It's to keep the car from being driven broken. The top has broken several times now and has cost a additional small fortune. The car was bought a year ago and was dealer maintained low mileage one owner... I so wish I had bought her the S60 I had picked out!!!! Also the door handle is flimsy not even close to the quality I expected from Volvo and now the door lock mechanisms are breaking $800 when it breaks! She refuses to lower the top now in fear it will break again.

My service advisor warned me about the poor reliability of the C70 retractable hard top model and I didn't believe it, but now over $15,000.00 in a little more than a year to keep it on the road I'm a believer! You're looking at basket case cars and thinking you can squeak out unscathed think again... buy a different model is my advice! June

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Apr 2019, 20:07

Interesting (sadly) to hear there are continuing quirky problems with the newer C70's. Keeping the tradition going from the P80 ones it seems, ugh.

Post by **June** » 04 Apr 2019, 21:24

[youtube][/youtube]

Several weeks back when her top broke the last time she sent me this video in a text so I could hear the noise she was talking about. Apparently it is horribly loud. The funny thing was the top was up and was locked out electronically. Even the dealer had to lower it manually to get to the sensors to try and find out it's problem. It takes several strong men to do this as the metal top is extremely heavy according to the dealer. Next time I will be looking at a new headliner which is a $1,200.00 part and must be removed every time to get to the wiring and sensors. June

Oh forgot to mention if the top gets stuck half open the car can't be driven or towed. In that case you better hope the dealer is nearby to send a technician to get it to move up or down enough to move or tow the car. Otherwise I guess you'll be stuck or severely damage the car by driving it in that way.

tango_1000 · Post by **tango_1000** » 08 Apr 2019, 13:26

I bought the car with the transmission problem.
It only does it when go on first from Parking. No problem at all when driving, or star from a red light. no problem at all.
I add a video on YouTube trying to show exactly...thanks to everyone.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Apr 2019, 13:34

Do a series of drain and fills and go enjoy it until the trans dies then swap i a new one - I hope that is in 2050!!

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 09 Apr 2019, 02:30

tango_1000 wrote: ↑08 Apr 2019, 13:26 I add a video on YouTube trying to show exactly...thanks to everyone.

Will not engage Drive after engaging Reverse?
Something sticky?

As Abscate suggested, do a series of Drain and Fills (not Power Flushes*), it might clear up if you get all the gunk out of the transmission.

* A Power Flush is a no-no on transmissions with a unknown history. Moving too much gunk at once can clog up the transmission.

tango_1000 · Post by **tango_1000** » 10 Apr 2019, 12:19

Ok, I hate to ask and I'm ashamed to do so...but...I can't find the transmission deep stick. Is anybody can explain??