1998 S70 GLT - Worth Repairing?

pauleads · Post by **pauleads** » 25 Jun 2012, 17:16

Well, I took a chance and let my 16-year-old son drive my Volvo to and from school. Long story short, he wasn't paying attention at a stoplight and rear-ended a truck with a very strong steel bumper. He said that he took his foot off of the brake and looked to the right to switch lanes and the truck in front of him didn't move as he expected. He looked up just as he was impacting the truck's bumper. Luckily, he was going slow (so he says) and was not hurt. The truck was not damaged but my S70 had its hood crumpled, bumper, front grill, lights, spoiler, radiator support on right side, and several latches destroyed. I was only insured for liability so now looking at selling it as is or paying $4800 to have it repaired. KBB value is approx. $3500 when it was in good condition with 115K miles. So, I'm looking for advice on what to do here. I'd like to repair it since I won't be able to replace it with a decent car for $4800 but I'm worried that other things might now start breaking down since it is getting up there in years. It has been well maintained so is in good shape other than the damage from the wreck. Any advice?

Post by **rmmagow** » 25 Jun 2012, 17:31

Have you shopped around extensively for the repair work? Sounds like no safety related things were wrecked. I bet you can find some one to fix this for lot less. Junk Yard parts are your friend here. If you can get it repaied for 1500~2000 it is probably worth it. $4800 would buy a nice 70 series too though so think about that. I'm prejudiced but I feel 98 was the more trouble-free year for the 70's.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 25 Jun 2012, 17:34

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You should be able to get a decent car for $4,800 or lower. If the air bag was not deployed, radiator is not leaking and the car still drives straight you may want to check CL or the wrecking yard for parts. Sometimes a front "Clip" goes for as low as $500 (Fenders, Hood, Bumper and Radiator Support). Look for a new car and or then buy a Cheap Parts Volvo with a blown engine or transmission and turn the damaged car into a project for your son. Whether he is mechanically inclined or not he will at least gain some knowledge and have a appreciation for others who work on them.

Attach a photo if you can.

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **Ben850** » 25 Jun 2012, 18:19

I went through something similar. You might look at this thread, It explains how I dealt with it.
Good Luck.

Edit: link to thread
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 2&start=14

pauleads · Post by **pauleads** » 26 Jun 2012, 17:09

I appreciate the replies. Since my post yesterday the repairshop and I have located some used parts that will reduce my cost to repair. The car still drove well after the wreck, nothing was leaking, but it looked bad. probably the shock from seeing my car with a smashed up front.

Post by **rspi** » 26 Jun 2012, 18:55

My daughter totaled one of my 960's. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!. I was able to get it fixed for $2,200. Everything I have has full coverage. I can't afford not to.

There are a lot of cars out there with bad tranny's and blown head gaskets that you should be able to land to put that car back together.