2001 S80 - Is it time to walk away?

markrsullivan · Post by **markrsullivan** » 24 Nov 2009, 16:03

Dear collective brain trust,

I have a 2001 S80 T-6 with 115K miles (I put on about 12K of that). I am the 3rd owner but REALLY like this vehicle. The vehicle has been well maintained according to the local dealership AND had the timing belt replaced at about 80K.

Here's my quandary, recently I was driving and the vehicle just stopped running. The dealership tells me the bottom gear that attaches to the timing belt "spun off" and this has resulted in extreme damage to the head and valves of the engine (i'm sure I'm getting this a bit muddled).

Bottom line is it's $7,000 USD to repair according to said dealer.

I refuse to take on car payments, so my choices are to lay out about $13,000 for another used Volvo ('04 S60 w/ 76K miles) or pay the above amount to repair the one I have.

I have an opinion on what I would like to do but would like some thoughts on the matter before I proceed.

The other question is...how the heck does this happen to a Volvo with only 115K miles on it?

Thanks!

-Mark

537playing · Post by **537playing** » 24 Nov 2009, 19:56

I can't understand that the lower gear spun off. Maybe the tensioner failed.
I would consider another opinion. If the engine is shot, I would invest in another car.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 24 Nov 2009, 20:03

$7,000 is probably more than the car is worth with a good engine in it. If you can't get it fixed for less, I'd move on. Remember these cars have a reputation for very poor reliability. But, you can probably buy another one of the same for less than $7K. Also, it might be possible to get a good engine from a wreck and have it transplanted for a couple thousand.

markrsullivan · Post by **markrsullivan** » 25 Nov 2009, 13:58

Update...the problem is the "idler bearing" went bad.

More feedback welcome/desired.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 25 Nov 2009, 14:15

Well if it was the idler for the timing belt, then you probably do have damage to the valves, head and/or pistons. If it's just a few bent valves it shouldn't be that expensive to have it fixed. Do you have an independent Volvo shop in your area? If so, you might want to take the car there - they usually are quite a bit cheaper than what the dealer charges.