Am I wasting my time? 1997 volvo 850 t5

jwaida00 · Post by **jwaida00** » 05 Aug 2014, 17:40

I've finally decided to write on the forum. I'm 18 from CT, and I love my volvo to death. One saved my life at 15 and I couldn't drive another car. When I turned 18, I was given my dream car that was my father's. 1997 Volvo 850 T5. At 17, a red car with a turbo in it is a dream. On with my issues. My car's odometer will not work and hasn't, stuck at 174xxx, but probably around 230,000. My front suspension is shot. It blows blue smoke when idling for too long. I have issues with ignition from time to time where I have to turn the key for 5-10 seconds for the car to start. When this happens, it has trouble getting out of first and second gear and will rattle for a few minutes. I want to turn it into the car of my dreams and make it look, ride and feel like it's really supposed to. But am I wasting my time? Does anyone have advice on any issues? Thank you for your time. You guys on this forum have saved me more than once.

Post by **matthew1** » 05 Aug 2014, 17:50

Three questions:

Q1 Are you good with a wrench? If yes, continue to question two. If not, go to statement one.
Q2 If you needed to sink $500 into parts, could you? If yes, continue to question three. If not, go to statement one.
Q3 How close or far is your 850 from Stage 0?

S1 Sell it.

Post by **cn90** » 05 Aug 2014, 18:04

Tricky issues.
- Front suspension overhaul = $800 (struts, strut bearing, seat, control arms, tie rods etc.), your labor.
- Blue smoke, bad valve stem seals: you can replace these seals w/o removing the cylinder head, info in forum:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=27982

At 230K, the value is < $1000.

Another option is sell it for $1000, then save money that you otherwise spend to upgrade things so you can add another $1000-$2000. These days, with $2000-$3000, you can get a 1998 S70 GLT with 140K for about $2000.

Post by **RussB** » 05 Aug 2014, 19:11

You used the word "dream" 3 times...I'm not sure what that means though?

Wasting time? I don't how much time you have, and what your time is worth. The car will require some effort and money to bring it up to "stage zero"

Post by **rspi** » 05 Aug 2014, 19:33

I have a good switch if you need it, PM me.

Post by **tryingbe** » 05 Aug 2014, 19:58

I've got 338xxx miles on my 94 850 turbo wagon. It's on its 2nd engine since 335xxx miles, I don't feel like it's a waste of time when I work on it.

Post by **stephansvolvo** » 05 Aug 2014, 21:15

As stated by the other responses it's your time, what's your time and the car worth. Would you miss it? Can you sell it and turn around and purchase another with less miles that might be a bit closer to "stage zero"?
I have a 98 V70 GLT that I spend a lot of time in, it's worth it! By using this forum and the help from all these members I have learned a lot and have saved $1000's and my buddy owns a garage in which I will use for inspection only if I can't figure it out.
I say weigh your options, pre cost some of the parts and utilize the knowledge in these forum topics.
Good luck!!!

Post by **dosbricks** » 05 Aug 2014, 21:42

It's red. It's a turbo. And it was your dad's car. Sounds like enough to make it worth your time and money.
Make him proud.

Ut850r · Post by **Ut850r** » 05 Aug 2014, 21:49

I have the same car. Same issues, excluding gear and ignition, but agree. It's the safest car, and a classic. It's simple to fix the odometer. . Other than that . I agree find an honest mechanic . See if it's worth selling or keeping.

Post by **abscate** » 06 Aug 2014, 00:08

dosbricks wrote:It's red. It's a turbo. And it was your dad's car. Sounds like enough to make it worth your time and money.
Make him proud.

+1000