97 850 Junk it or Fix it?

LRVolvo · Post by **LRVolvo** » 17 Oct 2014, 17:20

Notice my power steering leak is becoming serious and figure-- with the advice of friend-- that I have a line leak. How I wish. Looks like a seal leak at the bottom of the pinion is the source. Should I hope that Lee's automatic transmission stop leak does the trick?

Then I notice leak at the bottom of the radiator, small water pump leak (knew timing belt was due), and an oil leak of the rear main seal-- but not bad considering I'm NOT having to add between oil changes.

I also have to add tranny fluid about once every six months. Can't find any leak, though.

Moving to the exterior, clear coat has suddenly hazed and starting to peel on the roof like someone sprayed acid on it and now the veins are beginning on the hood. Oh yeah, and at least two new tires needed.

Plus side: new brakes, AC will run you out it's so cold, starts first crank every time, runs smooth and it has been reliable transportation for three years--since I bought it for $2400. KBB lists this car as worth $3300 in fair shape.

Should it stay and I fix it gradually since I'm broke or sell it to the Pick N Pull man? What would you do?

Ironically, the '98 S70 T5 I have with 215K runs great although it has just sprung a radiator leak. Bad cycle...

LRVolvo · Post by **LRVolvo** » 17 Oct 2014, 17:29

BTW, not that I think the car is worth KBB. But I figure DIY on all but the R&P and paint fix and I might either have a car good until the next thing falls off or I can sell it for maybe $3K?

Post by **tryingbe** » 17 Oct 2014, 19:34

Junking a car because of a leaky steering rack?

$300 steering rack, 2-4 hours of labor, $100 alignment, you've got a perfect beater.

Post by **dosbricks** » 17 Oct 2014, 19:45

Do you need two cars because you have two drivers in the household? If so, it would seem most practical to fix the radiator, water pump, and timing belt--ASAP. Put a couple of lower cost tires on it when necessary. IMHO, it's worth trying the stop-leak for the steering rack. Are you sure what you are seeing leaking out the bottom of the engine/trans is oil and not transmission fluid? because a RMS leak that you do not have to add oil between changes is of small consequence if the car's main function is transportation.

It's hard to find a reliable car with cold A/C for $3k or less. More than likely another car in this price range would come with a whole new set of problems which might be worse.

LRVolvo · Post by **LRVolvo** » 17 Oct 2014, 20:50

Excellent points, and dosbricks, your level of quality paint job is my goal. I have two Volvo's with only me because I have to have transportation and sometimes--like now--I don't really think I should be driving the wagon with bad tires and a leaking water pump or it WILL be going to the junks.

Lesson learned here is that these are vehicles that need money and time dedicated to their upkeep at least quarterly but probably monthly. I've been too broke to do that and everything has hit at once.

Post by **dosbricks** » 17 Oct 2014, 21:23

White doesn't degrade from UV like metallics. I don't even think white is clear-coated. That said, we chose white because of the heat down here, so good paint is more luck than effort on my part.

I thoroughly agree, given the age of these vehicles, that it's handy to have at least a pair to ensure one is running while the other is being fixed, plus having that transferable repair experience.

Also good to never consider lean times or prosperity to be a permanent condition--situations change.

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 18 Oct 2014, 13:42

When you have a 15 year old car you will always be thinking is it worth putting money into it. If the car runs ok, and you like driving it, put the money into it. My rule of thumb is any new car will leave you with a $300 car payment. So how many months before I break even. If you do the timing belt, and steering yourself, in two months you will break even.

Post by **rspi** » 18 Oct 2014, 19:52

Crush it!

Post by **oragex** » 18 Oct 2014, 19:58

That white 850 wagon looks beautiful. Sure it needs repairs, but a 850 wagon was one of a kind. Maybe wait a little and have it repaired when you have more free time or money to spend on it. On the other hand, every car has an end.. It is reasonable to keep the one that has less issues..

Post by **scot850** » 18 Oct 2014, 20:11

OR sell it on, and hopefully get some money to maintain the better other car. I have a soft spot for white 850 wagons as I bought a 1996 850 10 valve for my parents in Scotland 6 years ago from Canada, and they still love the old car. Once it dies, they will probably stop driving.

There are lots of crazy Volvo enthusiasts out there, who may well take the challenge to get the car back up and running. If you have to skills and the tools, access to used parts, then this is possible.

What ever you do, I wish you the best of luck! I always hate to sell my Volvos as they are always significantly better on leaving my house than they arrive. I haven't ever needed to advertise one to sell it! I have the Volvo sickness that requires me to buy and re-habilitate old un-loved Volvos!

Neil.