Does anyone else look at this list of topics with dread?

[Georgeandkira]

The OP mentioned, "Older cars where lack of maintenance has finally caught up with them?"
Bingo!

[IslandV70]

We are talking cars that are complicated premium brand euro-cars that were expensive when new. The youngest of them now are 10 years old and they have depreciated a LOT. Few of them now are likely to be getting anywhere close to the $$$ spent on maintenance they need. The one I just bought had 58,000 miles on it, was garage kept, and got every dealer maintenance required. I looked a LONG time to find it. Even so I just replaced one sensor and likely need to replace or clean the cam solenoid. This is exactly the same issues you get with old BMWs, Mercedes, and Porches and so on.
The typical V70 for sale around here has well over 100,000 miles and has been serving as the spare car for the kids and is years past getting anything fixed that is not stopping the car from running.

[jimmy57]

My 2004 V70R was great. Brakes lasted long and were smooth. It didn't leak oil. The electronics worked. The AWD worked. The CV axles were great. A/C was damned cold quick. Windows worked smoothly. Transmission was great. I serviced the crankcase vent system for the first time at 248K miles and it was not very sludged so I soaked it and cleaned it and put it back on with a new connector cuff but original 90 degree hose. It still has original water pump. OK, so it did have a few spring seats and some sway bar links.
I did sell it a month ago with 250K miles on it. I put a new alternator on it before I sold it because the original was still on it and I ha a brand new one here. I took the starter off and dumped the brush wear particles out and lubed the planet gears and the bushings but it is the original starter. At 246K I put a new fuel pump in it because it leaked and wasn't on the recall list. I think 246K is reasonable since the pump was still good and it was the plastic that leaked.
I replaced the blower motor at 225K, really Volvo, only about the distance to the moon for a blower motor. Shame shame.

The problem with bulletin board sites is that no one sits and types all the good stuff no more than you stop at a hospital and check into the ER to tell them you are healthy and feel good.

Oh, I love my "new" 2010 XC60 T6 with Polestar. Everything on it works in the almost 10K miles I've had it. It now has 116K on it. No oil use, no bad wheel bearings, 1 rear control arm bushing I replaced on Rt Frt. surely a victim of potholes. The bushing leaked oil, must have been a BMW bushing.... tires wearing evenly and transmission shifts great.

[BlackBart]

I think everyone above is right on. I always tried to buy 8-10 yr old low mileage cars that I had researched thoroughly and decided I wanted a copy of. Something I had my eye on since they were new. Usually the top sport model, usually one or two owner, maintained, service records, blah blah. Buy a well-designed tool and keep it a long time. But that type of car has become, as others have mentioned, a complicated machine. At that age, things need to be addressed. Some of those cars I bought were traded in just as they needed major service items the owners didn't want to bother with - they bought new.

I think there's a big difference between maintenance, meaning fix things only when they break, and preventative maintenance, meaning keep track of your car, do things on schedule per the book, and replace systems before they fail in the dark on a trip. You spend quite a bit but your life is less stressful. I am not the best example of the latter behavior unfortunately - some of that is budget, some laziness, some real life.

I hope that manufacturers are not headed towards a smart phone / appliance model, where the car is just a commodity that does not last and is not supported technically after a short life span. You are required to be on a software or replacement subscription so they have you on the hook. My work software is this way - pay the subscription or purchase a new copy for many thousands.

There is some legislation pending in Europe somewhere about forcing manufacturers of large appliances to make them easier to maintain long term and have a longer life span. Salvage yards are filling up with <5 year old washers and dryers, which is such a waste. I have the Volvo of Swedish W/D's, the ASKO. Sold to me because they were so well engineered, all stainless, built to last, and they use a fraction of the water of standard washers. Well, at 20 years, something failed, and they no longer stock any parts for these! That's like NAPA not stocking brakes for your Chevy truck - crazy. I found the ONE assembly out there, still in the bag, on ebay, but now they're on borrowed time.

I sound like an old curmudgeon here.....get off my lawn!

[BlackBart]

I think what you are seeing when you go down the list of topics is only natural. People come here with problems and are seeking answers. That is the primary purpose of these forums I believe.

True, and what an invaluable resource and generous group of knowledgable people here. I really appreciate it. What a different world from thumbing through your oil-stained manual, alone in the garage, you've never done a task like this, and no one in town is familiar with your car.

[BlackBart]

Just as a hoot, here's my current mental car target list. Now this list changes with my mood, the level of frustration with the current fleet, the level of snow outside, etc. The grass is always greener on the other side of the salvage yard fence. I am an incurable motor head. Feel free to point and laugh!

A barely used P3 XC wagon in maybe that sweet dark bronze color. (might be asking for the same issues I have now)
A last gen V60 turbo wagon (the one they just replaced). There's a black one in my neighborhood - good looking and practical.
BMW 2002 (or a 1600) 1968-1972.
Triumph TR250 (one-year only - the TR4 body with IRS and the TR6 straight six) I know I know, Lucas...
Golf GTI 4 door (but I'm mad at VW/Audi remember?)
Audi A3 sportback wagon (this is just a very good looking Golf and wait, I said I'll never buy another Audi)
2012-2014 BMW (E91) 3-series wagon (good looking, good handling, GREAT interior, last of the great NA straight 6's, fast, practical)
Porsche 914/6GT factory race car conversion (you have to build this yourself - they're worth a fortune)
Porsche 356 coupe (good luck with that!)
Maserati Sebring coupe (same problem - through the stratosphere!)

'65-'68 Volvo 122 wagon, restored, modified B20, overdrive, dark green, red seats.

[abscate]

That’s a great list, and it solves your last problem. There won’t be any room on the lawn!

I found MVS 6 years as I was prepping my T5 to be sold for $1000 at a fire sale. I got poor running, and at 140k I thought it was a junker. I decided to go all in and fix everything as every time I bought a part I realized this was a quality built car. I spent a few thousand but here I am , 250 miles from home, in a P80 seat that won’t stop, boost under my foot, stick shift in hand, and 85,000 miles later.

[BlackBart]

Yep, get a good one and keep it! I think BlackBetty the Volvo is a good car, she just needs some time and upgrades. You can tell a car wasn't loved when the engine is filthy and only the mechanic ever lifted the hood.

I forgot the BMW Bavaria sedan on my list.


<EDIT> ...I need to mention the total kick I've gotten lately when giving Betty the Volvo a goose going around a snowy corner and the tail end kicks out!! Like a classic RWD sports sedan! What a surprise. This after years of FWD 850 driving and nose-heavy Audi driving. It's entertaining! (So obviously the angle gear and Haldex are working - but yes, I will maintain them as soon as it warms up!)

[June]

I found MVS 6 years as I was prepping my T5 to be sold for $1000 at a fire sale. I got poor running, and at 140k I thought it was a junker. I decided to go all in and fix everything as every time I bought a part I realized this was a quality built car. I spent a few thousand but here I am , 250 miles from home, in a P80 seat that won’t stop, boost under my foot, stick shift in hand, and 85,000 miles later.

85,000 miles later! Now that's a success story if I ever heard one! June

[dlundblad]

A lot of the topics remind me of what I had to fix.. Lol.