99 s70t5 New Transmission or New Car?

speedyt5 · Post by **speedyt5** » 17 Nov 2014, 21:50

I have a 1999 S70 t5 that has been my pride and joy for the past 9 years. It is white, paint is in perfect condition. Recently have put in two new front seats, new steering wheel, fixed the dash mounts, heater core, the car looks great and I get compliments on what good condition it is in often. I change the oil every 5k with synthetic, I wash and wax it often. I replaced the rear main seal, new starter, new battery, new brakes, new tires all about a year and a half ago. The transmission is going however, I know I need a used one very soon. I will be replacing both axles while its out. I figure at the end of this it will be about 2,500 out of pocket. Again this is my baby, but I have to tell you, I don't know when to just say "enough" and get a new(er) car. There are only a few models I would want, a newer s60t5, an older s60r or maybe an older t5 after hearing some repair costs for R models.

When is it time to say forget about it and get a newer car? My car has 268k miles on it. I feel like I could do the transmission and get another year out of it without any major repairs, but who knows?? Timing belt needs to be done in the next 30k miles too. I think that unless I got a certified pre-owned Volvo, I'd probably still have to worry about things, and who knows how the last person drove their R? When do you guys think its time to turn in the old keys for the new ones? I'm leaning towards doing the fix, I mean nobody will give me any money for an old Volvo with a crapped out transmission anyways. I can't bare to just leave her at a car lot. If I were to sell her, I would want it to be to someone who can appreciate her! If anyone is ever interested in a well taken care of s70t5 in the distant future keep in touch, as I can't let her go to just anyone. I however am leaning towards doing the transmission and hoping that nothing else will need to be done in the future. Plus the transmission has a 1 year warranty on it too. Sometimes, I think just get an Acura or Honda and don't worry about you car, but then again… I feel different driving a Volvo, I mean even Audi's are every other car now. Thoughts on when to sell, and when to fix?

Post by **scot850** » 17 Nov 2014, 23:28

This question comes up frequently, and the answer is different for each case. The mileage of your car is getting up there, but there was a post a while ago of the 98 (?) V70 with 720k miles on it. The question for me would be what confidence have I in the engine? Do I think it will last 1-2 years? If I think it may last nearer the 2, I would consider the trans swop. But then, what are the chances something else (expensive) on an older high mileage car will fail in that time.

My view of things is what would it cost me to buy another used unknown, and how much would I have to pay to get a dealer approved car ( at the age they are now an S60R or T5) they are less likely to be given much of a warranty by the dealer. So if you think a newer car will cost you say less than $2500-3000/ year in servicing and depreciation, then it is perhaps a case of better the devil you know.

Otherwise, you will have to hope that someone will buy it that can replace the tranny themselves and save the huge labor cost. But then, what will you get for what is basically a scarp car in most eyes, irrespective of how good you think it is.

Neil.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 18 Nov 2014, 07:56

Can you put in a transmission yourself? If so, and if you like the car, then it is a fairly easy decision from a money standpoint. You can pick up a used transmission in the $300 to $500 range. You will need a '96 - '00 turbo transmission. If the donor transmission is pre'99 you will need to swap the speed sensors from your existing car into it.

With 268k on the clock the car really will only bring, on a good day, about $1000 if it is running fine so it wouldn't make any sense to put in a replacement transmission just to sell it but to keep driving it it makes all the sense in the world.

...Lee

Post by **cn90** » 18 Nov 2014, 08:17

I agree with Lee.

At ~270K miles, anything can happen, not just transmission.

If this were me, new car, maybe an 2005-2006 model etc., which can be bought for some $6K or so.

PS: Most car makers are happy if the car "survives" the 4y/50K period, after the first owners turn the lease keys back to the dealer. The car mfg's don't intend to make the car last past 200K miles lol.
Many of us DIYers push the envelope too far lol...

speedyt5 · Post by **speedyt5** » 18 Nov 2014, 08:20

I wouldn't be able to put it in myself, there is a shop here that lets you rent their lifts for 25.00 an hour and helps you a little, but when it comes to giving you more than a helping hand they start charging you labor. Its actually a really good idea. I would keep driving it for sure. So any 96-00 turbo transmission will work?

speedyt5 · Post by **speedyt5** » 18 Nov 2014, 08:22

Where do you guys find your transmissions? EBAY? The only problem is that if the transmission is no good, then even with a warranty, the labor costs are not covered.

speedyt5 · Post by **speedyt5** » 18 Nov 2014, 08:35

There definitely has to be a difference in transmissions based on whether the car is a turbo or non, according to this there isn't, this even says an s40 transmission is the same as in my car? Is this correct? However this one says its a different trans in the 850 which is not the case.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo- ... ions-guide

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 Nov 2014, 09:40

speedyt5 wrote:There definitely has to be a difference in transmissions based on whether the car is a turbo or non, according to this there isn't, this even says an s40 transmission is the same as in my car? Is this correct? However this one says its a different trans in the 850 which is not the case.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo- ... ions-guide

AW50-42LE for all (well, except 2000 R) 1993 - 2000 turbo models. 1999-2000 used a different control system than 1993-1998, but swap around some parts and they'll work.

Non-turbo and turbo models have a different final drive.

2000 non-turbo and R models used the AW55-50.

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 Nov 2014, 09:41

I love my Volvo, but I wouldn't buy another used Volvo that I don't know the history of, even if "well maintained" by the previous owners. I'd be inclined to fix the one I know the history of and keep it on the road if everything else is in good shape. Financially speaking - it's way cheaper to fix than buy a new car, but may not be that reliable at this age/mileage either.

Post by **rmmagow** » 18 Nov 2014, 11:13

Motor in great shape? Fix it for under 2500 and drive for another 3 years or so. With the older "Rs" there the AWD to contend with. 268 isn't chicken feed but if it's been maintained well, clean PCV etc there not much that will break it other than an overheat. I personally have a tendency to run my car until it absolutely will not go any more and sell for 3~500. Insurance is really so cheap without collision. I have a getting-long-in-the-tooth V70 that appears will run for at least another 50~100K and being just now retiring it shouldn't be hard to keep it going. My next car is going to be a PV or old Amazon