Driving.

[57buzzard]

Wow...
It is the first time the 1998 V70 AWD and I played in the snow and slush. It reacts much like a rear wheel drive, with a little extra. Very nice.

I have been a 240 driver for 20 years. I replaced these with an 850GLT earlier this year. I was impressed with the feel and handling immediately. What was I missing all this time? Then...tragically...the GLT bit the dust about four weeks ago. Needs a new motor.

After scrambling for three days, and several viewings, to find a replacement. I came upon the only one that had the provenence that reflected the asking price. $3500CAN. The only other contender had a dubious handwritten history at $2700CAN. It was a 1995 Turbo auto mit holes and scales in the paint I had never seen on an 850.

I opted on the V70. After hearing the painful demise of the GLT it sold for $2500. He was Volvo family. A V70XC 2002 at the top of the drive, a 1996 850 SE in front of the garages and the 1998 V70 AWD next to it. Reason for selling? The wife liked the 850 more so. Ther were issues. An unknown glycol leak, a foglight broken, headlight wiper inoperative and rear washer pump n/s. Minor problems.

I discovered the coolant leak soon enough. The return line to the replaced turbo was non-standard. A one piece 1/2 inch rubber tube cramped so tight it split at the turbo end. Replaced in one hour and $10 on the side of the road.

Not used to the turbo quite yet. Still expecting the B230 performance. At double the horsepower I find I have it rein it in on occasion. I travel an hour each way to work. 100Km. On the highway...the navigator calls out the speed when it reaches 140. On the long distance trips the speed is not callled until the 160 range is reached. Some of the roads in New Brunswick are just wonderful to drive. 200 is not uncommon. Moncton in no time.

Almost miss the days on the track. Maybe the GLT may get a second life. I wonder...what colour GT stripes should purple (Amythest Pearl) get?