Why I hate my 2000 V70R!

[scot850]

Those long time members here know I hate this car as I am now so far into it from a cost perspective I can never hope to sell it and even make back what it originally cost me without the thousands of $$'s I have invested in it and time. Every time I drive this car it is a case of just waiting for the next thing to break. Only reason it still is here is due to the rarity of the car in laser blue (I believe 1/40 sold in 2000 in North America).

Many of you think I am just joking about it, but mostly I am not. When the car runs I love it, but there is the issue. I know it is only a short or almost immediately time for something else to break.

So having just spent $3000 with the dealer to finally rid the car of the incessant groaning from the front suspension it has had for the last 4 years, I have driven the car only 2 or 3 times since you would think I could catch a break (not of the car type).

Driving home from a store on Friday, I made the stupid mistake of thinking it was great the car was running well again and no noises from the suspension. Almost immediately the brake and ABS warning lights came on!! This is the 2nd time I have had an issue with the ABS module type failures. About 3 months ago the speedo and trip/mileage and temp gauge went out. As in that case, next time the car was started all went back to normal. The ABS module was repaired by Xemodex about 6 years ago, and the car has done less than 30,000km since (about 20,000 miles). Naturally I contacted Xemodex, but their lifetime warranty only relates to the previous owner. Not impressed by the warranty and less impressed by the repair. If the issue becomes worse, it will be back to our friend Matty Moo at Mid-West ABS. I've had 3 units from him and great support/service/advice so have no problem plugging his business.

Took the car for a trip to PnP yesterday. The 'boss' had used the car the day before and adjusted the door mirrors. Try to adjust the RH one and it won't adjust left to right, only up and down. While at PnP look for another motor but none on any of the P-80's there. Can't believe there has been such a rush on mirrors!

On the way home I remembered I have a new motor (aftermarket I think) I picked up several years ago when a Volvo parts specialist was selling off clearance parts. Turns out to be the correct one so hopefully it still works!

Neil.

[oragex]

Could it be something else than the module? A cracked ring or even a stretched sensor wire from the suspension work?

Not sure if this is of any help, but my approach with old cars is not spending to make them run like (or close) to the way when these were newer... that would invariably turn into a money pit, no matter the brand/model. Old cars always have issues and it's rare spending thousands will bring it to a fully enjoyable condition (even though sometimes we are lucky to put the hands on an old car in really great condition, such as one drove from day 1 by a grandpa). While there, perhaps an XC90 even the best one out there, would turn into an even more trouble/money spent.

[scot850]

Thanks Oragex. Your view is a practical one, but I like my cars to work as they should without leaving calling cards on the driveway! I have run cars the way you suggest in the past but at least those were old red block Volvos I had and they just kept running even with issues. Where I don't compromise is brakes and suspension. If issues arise I fix them and don't live with them. Especially as you know over here were we live, I don't want to be stranded particularly in the winter at -20C or lower!

I don't always use new parts, I may use OE used parts from PnP, especially in non-critical areas like seat covers, and trim like carpets and mats.

Neil.

[tryingbe]

All cars are money pit. My $1500 Insight costed me around $4500 (car cost excluded) since April.

My GLH's Microsquirt conversion is at around $1500, and may be a little more.

My Volvo Koni DIY Coilover with IPD overload springs is over $1000...

Meh, it's better than doing drugs I guess.

[850 LPT]

Neil, maybe it would help if you change your perspective a little. You could be paying thousands of dollars in new car payments and drive something totally boring.
If I would look at driving a near luxury whatever European car right now, I could easily pay $5000 a year in payments. That doesn't even include higher taxes and insurance rates. I am well below that number with all of my cars and that makes it worth it for me. Plus, I go out in the driveway in the morning and really enjoy looking at my cars.

My XC has been seriously expensive to keep in shape just like your "R", but I do still enjoy it. So far this year I had to replace the alternator and get an annoying gas tank leak fixed, a total of $1000. Before that I spend serious dollars to have the viscous coupler and the angle gear replaced. And the biggest thing was an engine replacement because of a water pump failure. Not to mention all the smaller stuff along the way. But it's a fun to drive, unique car that you don't see on the roads anymore. I know I would kick myself someday if I get rid of it now, because it would be really really hard to find another one in this condition. It still puts a smile on my face when I get in it, and that's why it stays

I do know it sucks when things just keep braking, but try to get over that quickly.

Dirk

[mecheng]

Could it be something else than the module? A cracked ring or even a stretched sensor wire from the suspension work?

Not sure if this is of any help, but my approach with old cars is not spending to make them run like (or close) to the way when these were newer... that would invariably turn into a money pit, no matter the brand/model. Old cars always have issues and it's rare spending thousands will bring it to a fully enjoyable condition (even though sometimes we are lucky to put the hands on an old car in really great condition, such as one drove from day 1 by a grandpa). While there, perhaps an XC90 even the best one out there, would turn into an even more trouble/money spent.

I second this. I just ensure my cars run mechanically great and ensure the fluids are in good shape but I try to avoid the odd squeak and rattle.

My S70 has the following issues: door stop broken, dash rattles, power door locks are slow in hot weather, driver seat has small tear, springs make a groaning noise when I turn at slow speeds (not sure what it is as everything checks out okay). I ignore all of those issues as they don't affect the every day reliability and drive ability and I spent a lot of time and money getting it running to my standards because the original owner followed the Volvo guide which never lists changing fuel filter, cap/rotor, fluids. Considering the age, it is a small list of issues and I don't want to suffer from a death by a thousand cuts. Enjoy your R, I bet it looks awesome, that color is AMAZING!

[abscate]

Im terrified of Neils 2000R getting hit in an accident - I think we will hear the screams over on the East Coast.

knocking on wood, spreading salt, and cloving garlic.

[precopster]

Our XC90 has given us some grief lately. A failed coil pack replaced with a Delphi (yes I know I should buy OEM here) unit gives a constant misfire on anything but gentle acceleration. By the way Delphi coilpacks are made in China, not USA as I hoped. I've used $25 coilpacks from China in my now sold 2000 V70 and they were fine.

The rear tailgate lock has been replaced with another unit. The signal to the motor from the rear body module is now the number one suspect probably due to a burned out onboard relay. The motor for the lock mechanism checks out fine when separately powered. So each time we use the hatch we crawl through and operate the emergency lever.....

Upper radiator hose leaks constantly regardless of amount of times I retorque. I used Rein brand hose from FCP; big mistake in this case.

Mainly learning curve stuff here but annoying things like the tailgate make me want to buy Japanese next time. But then I open and shut the XC90 doors, hear that reassuring thud and tell myself I don't want my family in anything else...........

[clarkS70glt]

I absolutely feel your pain as I am in deep on the 1998 S70 GLT that I have. I paid $3000 US for the car 7 years ago and have put more than that into it doing 90 percent of the work myself. I have put 70k miles on it, so cost per mile would be high. Right now the car is worth, maybe, around $1200 or something South of it. So, my solution is, it is going up for sale in the yard this weekend. It is time to get out of this thing...

[oragex]

springs make a groaning noise when I turn at slow speeds (not sure what it is as everything checks out okay)

Could it be the small rubber insulator is not at the right place on the coil? I place it on the second coil counting from bottom up.