1997 855 GLT flip it or keep it?

Post by **pikngrn** » 27 Feb 2013, 05:49

Hey all, I am at a crossroads with my first Volvo. I bought it for my daughter last year, at $2400 and I have spent a grand getting tires, heater core, oil lines, battery and countless hours troubleshooting and parts shopping & pulling, and I am about to hand it over to my daughter as her first car so I am trying to get it as ready as I can afford to, on a single mom budget, so she won't have to go without it much. I have only 2-3 weeks to decide to fix the most important things, or just let it go & look for another one now that I know a lot more about Volvos.
So,here are the choices before me. I had my shop, who aren't Volvo experts, but very honest & extremely busy to run codes that I can't and give me their best guesses.
1- The turbo was the only surprise, I was hoping to replace the oil return line/gasket, but they think, with my slight coolant leak and "oil soaked" area that it's probably bad (4.5 hours/parts). Any 100% telltale signs?
2-ABS pump, I think I can do this, since I did the module change out, but I haven't looked at it completely. (I am a Pull-a-Part VIP junkie)
3-Air injection motor is what my 410 code reads for them and I was about to delete that sucker with the ECU mod/SAS delete & curious with any updates if anyone has used it for any length of time? I am going to get the PCV system cleaned/replaced because multiple hoses could use it & I would feel like I have done the best I can with enviromental issues. There are practically no exhaust issues with no idles and some long trips each week, but she will be driving short trips to school only for awhile, so I will take it out some for the " italian tuneups".
I have tested the coolant and feel confident that I don't need a head gasket now, but whose to say I won't soon. Last owner did one 2 years ago.
I feel confident on the timing belt & water pump change, but anything that has to be done otherwise, I admit defeat on due to my limited resources & experience. This site helps me tremendously just to be able know what to ask for and I am slowly making my way around the engine, but next Volvo I get will be in a lot better shape. I figured out that this one was setting under an oak tree for quite a while at some point.
I know that ultimately it's my call but I have read for hours on here and I can't get a good feeling about keeping this one. It runs great, always has and it looks good for a ' 97. Thanks for your input and thanks Matt!

Post by **rmmagow** » 27 Feb 2013, 06:34

Gads, kid's first car. I love my Volvo and love working on it and just plain maintaining it as well as I can. My son, the other hand is far from being anything resembling a gearhead. To him a wrench and a screwdriver are virtually that same tool. BUT, his job requires him to have a good and reliable car. I bought him a 2006 Saturn ION w a 5-speed transmission. It broke once and a local garage had it all fixed in 3 hours for $250.00. A Volvo can't be properly cared for by a non-Volvo experienced mechanic or a well versed owner. If I were you, I would flip the car and replace it with a generic American car, a Honda or a Corolla. The car you have has had a headgaket blow before. Depending on the quality of the replacement, you may well have this happen again. To me, I wouldn't take the risk on my kid's car especially if he or she really needs decent reliable transportation.

Post by **rspi** » 27 Feb 2013, 07:00

I'm on rmmagow's side of the fence for you. The sad thing is that you'll do good to get $1,500 for the car if it needs a timing belt, a PCV system change and has a coolant issue.

A clogged PCV can cause all kinds of oil leak issues.

slimflex2 · Post by **slimflex2** » 27 Feb 2013, 07:11

flip it and get a toyota or honda for your daughter. volvos can be a pain to maintain if you dont have any experience with cars. especially if you dont know how to turn a wrench. l would not spend more money on a volvo that has not been maintained well. plus volvo parts are expensive and its not recommended you use aftermarket parts, l just got a toyota corolla for my lil sister and its been great for her. great on gas mileage too, l work on my volvo myself to save money.

Post by **850 LPT** » 27 Feb 2013, 07:46

Flip it, and get her something reliable and easy on maintenance like everyone here is suggesting. The last thing your daughther needs is a car that has all kinds of surprises in store. It will be less frustrating for both of you in the long run.

Post by **xHeart** » 27 Feb 2013, 07:46

Would a new Hyundai a better value for lassie?
I have two services on our auto insurance policy, a rental car, and towing. The standing instructions for my girls are to leave the breakdown car and head to the nearest hotel first.

Post by **pikngrn** » 27 Feb 2013, 08:00

Sorry I left our a few important detsils :

This is my youngest daughter who is almost 18 and is just getting her license and the only car she would consider was a volvo and I only drive Toyotas.
She will need a VERY safe car. Enough said.
I am limited on time, space & tools, & money if course but I love working on these cars. I haven't tried since fuel injection came out but these are big puzzles & I love that part.
I have no lift equipment so am limited to ramps and jacks & did I mention I am best sighted & far sighted?
I can see I am in over my head but Ben with a bad choice on a 2000 Solara a few years back I think I would only buy her s Vokvo now.

Post by **pikngrn** » 27 Feb 2013, 08:18

Sorry iPhone English but you got the gist. Any Knoxville TN area mechanic recommendations would be appreciated. (And will try to erase the Anerican car recommendations from my data banks)

slimflex2 · Post by **slimflex2** » 27 Feb 2013, 08:22

if you are ready to work on her volvo and has the time to, you can go for it, but personally l wouldnt get it . good luck

Post by **cn90** » 27 Feb 2013, 08:37

I just went through the same issues @ 150K, very easy fix. Also, I fix this car for my son to use in High School.

1. TB, WP, Pulleys x2, Hydraulic Tensioner, Front Cam Seals....about $300.
I posted a DIY in forum.

2. Turbo cooler lines, either replace them with new O-rings ($110/each hose) or rebuild them using hose + Oetiker clamps ($15). Info in forum.

3. ABS module, I use bba-reman dot com for $80, LT warranty.

4. SAS Pump. Do the SAS delete using Radio Shack diode ($1).

Just get over the above issues and you will be fine for another 60K.