1998 V70 XC: Is it worth repairing?

mjk · Post by **mjk** » 13 Apr 2018, 13:41

Hello,

I have a 1998 V70 XC wagon that has sat for almost a year. I don't think this is a happy car anymore.

The car has 160,000 miles on it. It was running when I got it, but was probably ready for some service. The battery died while it sat. When I replaced the battery in February the throttle got stuck when I gave it gas. I pulled the battery and have not tested the gas pedal again. I'm sure there are more problems that will need to be addressed from sitting so long.

The car will also need a new windshield and it will about 4 more months before I can afford to get this car into a garage. After the windshield replacement cost, it sounds like I could likely expect to pay upwards to $2000 - $3000 in repairs. One local Volvo expert says cut my losses, the other was a little more optimistic, but gave me an over the phone estimate of $2000 - $3000.

I know less than nothing about cars. This vehicle came to me from a friend of a friend. It cost me $650. Sitting for longer could make it worse and more costly. Is this a car a poor man with no car skills should invest in or should I junk it? Am I better off saving for a different car or investing in this one?

I will be grateful to hear any opinions.

Thanks.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 13 Apr 2018, 15:05

Hello and welcome to MVS!

Someone familiar with the year/model could probably get it in shape in no time with a little TLC, assuming nothing majorly wrong with the engine or transmission. Stuck throttle may be that the cable is gummed up or the throttle itself needs a cleaning. One year isn't thaaaat bad to be sitting... not great, but could be a lot worse. Probably won't even require draining the tank to be honest. I'd throw a can of Seafoam in there with some fresh gas, run through that a bit, then do some regular tune up items: oil/filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, air filter, etc. Obviously the stuck throttle needs to be addressed, but that alone shouldn't be too bad at a shop. (I can only assume on that, my model has wires, no cable!).

These cars are are relatively easy to work on, but you do need a few tools and some time/money. You can certainly save a ton of money by working on it yourself. I also started with 0 knowledge of maintenance, but this forum is loaded with tutorials and videos from members who've repaired almost everything there is to do. The car will likely need a budget for itself for continuing expenses though. They're fairly reliable with good upkeep, but they are mostly approaching 20 years old now.

Post by **FLXC90** » 13 Apr 2018, 16:16

First, Welcome to MVS, great first step.
This car can definitely be one to learn on. Besides, you already bought it!
Start by subscribing to RSpi's YouTube channel (Robert DIY), or link to them from MVS homepage.
Get ahead of your repairs with knowledge first. You CAN make this a basic reliable car first, then work towards clean and nice.
Self-help wrecking yards are your friend for less expensive, available parts.

Pop the hood and operate the throttle by hand, does it bind? You'll need a torx bit to remove the cover. Disconnect the cable and see if the cable is binding, then see if the pedal hinge is your problem.

readallthebooks · Post by **readallthebooks** » 13 Apr 2018, 16:16

that's a lot of money. what makes you think it needs 3k in repairs? what did the mechanic say was wrong with it?

Post by **FLXC90** » 13 Apr 2018, 16:20

Shops are probably assuming the usual, tune-up, PCV, Seals, brakes, plus the minor things a lot of us fix regularly on twenty year old Volvos. Shop estimate 2-3k, DIY estimate 5-6 hundred, plus time.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 13 Apr 2018, 20:53

Where abouts in MA are you?
There is a bunch of folks that travel through MA, myself occasionally included.

Post by **scot850** » 13 Apr 2018, 21:33

You want to get the car running well enough to tell if the engine and trans are good. IF they are, then you may be able to get the car running again,but the cost be what is being suggest or could be a lot more. The AWD models are not a car that is cheap to bring back from lack of maintenance. I usually estimate $2-3000 to do so, so the repair shops are possibly low as that includes labor charges.

I would normally suggest cut your losses and run a mile, but before doing that see if you can free up the gas pedal cable. They can seize at the mechanism at the throttle body end, and with age, the inner and outer cables can seize.

You may be able to lube the cable, but it is often difficult to free off. It is usually better to replace or see if you can find a free moving one from the junkyard.

Neil.

Post by **cn90** » 13 Apr 2018, 22:20

- A 1998 model with 160K miles and many issues is only worth it if:

1. If you are mechanically inclined.
2. You have some $ for parts.
3. You have time/desire/effort/skills to fix these issues.

- The book value is only $800-$1000, and since you said you are not mechanically inclined, find a local Volvo enthusiast and sell it for cheap.

- Then buy a 2004-2006 model with 2.5T and low mileage such as < 100K and enjoy it.

- I spent so much time fixing my 1998 S70 GLT between 145K (when I bought it) and until 188K miles, when the cylinder #3 valve was burned and the Reverse in the Trans failed. And I am talking as a purist DIYe with 30y experience fixing cars. Your best bet is to sell it and move on.

mjk · Post by **mjk** » 14 Apr 2018, 05:28

wizechatmgr wrote: ↑13 Apr 2018, 20:53 Where abouts in MA are you?
There is a bunch of folks that travel through MA, myself occasionally included.

I live in Great Barrington.

mjk · Post by **mjk** » 14 Apr 2018, 06:07

Thanks for all this input everyone!

FLXC90 wrote: ↑13 Apr 2018, 16:20 Shops are probably assuming the usual, tune-up, PCV, Seals, brakes, plus the minor things a lot of us fix regularly on twenty year old Volvos. Shop estimate 2-3k, DIY estimate 5-6 hundred, plus time.

That sounds like what the shop is expecting to fix/replace. I have my doubts that I'm a DIY guy for this job.

cn90 wrote: ↑13 Apr 2018, 22:20 - A 1998 model with 160K miles and many issues is only worth it if:

1. If you are mechanically inclined.
2. You have some $ for parts.
3. You have time/desire/effort/skills to fix these issues.

This is my concern.

1. I have no history of being mechanically inclined
2. I'm living hand to mouth, so it seems like a bad idea to start throwing money at this car as a DIY project when:
3. I'm doubtful I have the time/desire/effort/skills

cn90 wrote: ↑13 Apr 2018, 22:20 - I spent so much time fixing my 1998 S70 GLT between 145K (when I bought it) and until 188K miles, when the cylinder #3 valve was burned and the Reverse in the Trans failed. And I am talking as a purist DIYe with 30y experience fixing cars. Your best bet is to sell it and move on.

So if I am not going the DIY route, it seems like I should cut my losses with this car?

Is the same amount of money $2000-$3000 (or $4000) better spent on another vehicle?

I can get by without a car right now. I can walk to one job and I get picked up for another gig. I could save through the summer some other car OR let this car sit and invest in it.