Am I crazy?

mydamnvolvo · Post by **mydamnvolvo** » 22 Apr 2016, 14:08

Hi, Cynthia again!
My family thinks I am insane. I want to take my 1997 Volvo 960, with 158k miles, on a 1100mi journey, over two days to Florida. I know this may not be the wisest decision, BUT I want to prove my family wrong. I am going to work on the car until June when I have to leave to make sure it can drive 600 miles on two tanks of gas, and to make sure it won't overheat and such. My family will travel with my husband in my long awaited-I-dont-have-it-yet-I-know-Im-procrastinating-new minivan. I want this to be the cars final test before I buy a new van and (eventually) the new Volvo V90. SO, am I crazy, or is it a Volvo thing?

Peace and Regards as always,
Cynthia

stinger04038 · Post by **stinger04038** » 22 Apr 2016, 16:17

On these cars mileage means nothing if they have been properly maintained. I wouldn't hesitate to do it at all, I drive mine all over the country with 275k on it, still runs like new. As for it being it's last journey, I would think long and hard about buying a new xc90, the car you have is just getting broken in, well worth putting a few bucks into if need be.

stinger04038 · Post by **stinger04038** » 22 Apr 2016, 16:18

P.S. as far as you being crazy only your doctor knows for sure

mydamnvolvo · Post by **mydamnvolvo** » 22 Apr 2016, 17:04

stinger04038 wrote:On these cars mileage means nothing if they have been properly maintained. I wouldn't hesitate to do it at all, I drive mine all over the country with 275k on it, still runs like new. As for it being it's last journey, I would think long and hard about buying a new xc90, the car you have is just getting broken in, well worth putting a few bucks into if need be.

Thanks for responding!! I would never get rid of my 960, it's too sweet to let go, BUT the 2017/18 S90 and V90's are coming out and they are supposedly going to be the next generation of the 960. I think I am going to get it professionally tuned this time, and try to squeeze a few more mpg out of it. Maybe I will find out if I am crazy

jjc1 · Post by **jjc1** » 22 Apr 2016, 18:25

Well... If I had a lower-mileage car.. say, less than 50K, I'd probably choose that one but provided all the fluids are fresh (coolant, brake, trans) AND the coolant hoses, tires and belts are fairly new (10K or less) I think it should be fine.

mydamnvolvo · Post by **mydamnvolvo** » 22 Apr 2016, 18:32

jjc1 wrote:Well... If I had a lower-mileage car.. say, less than 50K, I'd probably choose that one but provided all the fluids are fresh (coolant, brake, trans) AND the coolant hoses, tires and belts are fairly new (10K or less) I think it should be fine.

I would take my 01 V70 but that has 171k on it!

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 22 Apr 2016, 18:56

You're no more crazy than the rest of us.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 22 Apr 2016, 19:33

mydamnvolvo wrote:am I crazy, or is it a Volvo thing?

Yes, Cynthia....Riding the rails overnight on Amtrak from Florida to New York City

Now, think about the comforts..."just want to have a quiet dinner alone, you can order complimentary room service! "

mydamnvolvo · Post by **mydamnvolvo** » 22 Apr 2016, 19:38

93Regina wrote:
mydamnvolvo wrote:am I crazy, or is it a Volvo thing?
Yes, Cynthia....Riding the rails overnight on Amtrak from Florida to New York City

Now, think about the comforts..."just want to have a quiet dinner alone, you can order complimentary room service! "

But, the whole point of this is to prove everyone wrong and that my little Volvo can make it 1100miles! I am going to be traveling with my family anyway, so while they get to use the i-dont-have-it-yet-procrastination minivan, I will be using my plush leather seats, ice cold air conditioning and my little tape to aux wire to listen to my music!

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 22 Apr 2016, 20:36

mydamnvolvo wrote:my little Volvo can make it 1100miles!

I have a DIY repair background since 1966. Old vehicles can go much longer distances, if they are maintained.

Around 2000, I took a 18 year old Caprice on a 3,200 mile round-trip over several mountain ranges in Western US, but I installed a new radiator, water pump, clutch-fan, fuel pump, and checked for leaks/fluids/etc., before the trip. And I drove around 60 mph max, and slower on upside of mountain roads.

I could do the same with my 1993s 245/944, but if the ignition or fuel ECUs failed, this could be an expensive repair bill, plus several motel days. In other words, I would consider getting two spare ECUs before I would make such a trip.

Hence, if you know your vehicle, that's fine with older vehicles.

I would see if a car rental place has any specials, for such a long trip. Its so nice to call 1-800-You-Fixit, if a break down happens:-)