Sell or Part dying '94 850 turbo?

PDTnelson · Post by **PDTnelson** » 07 Dec 2007, 21:11

So I have this '94 850 turbo that I bought a few months ago and it's quickly dying on me

. It's a pity too because I really like the car but its acting as a cash drain in a big way. Since purchase we've replaced: 02 sensor, MAF, all four brakes and rotors, Turbo manifold hose, both front axle CV boots and we still need to replace a leaking TRACS abs unit. Oh the odometer is broken too so we've been relying on the trip computer, last check there were 210,439 (add about 1000 to get the real mileage). There are some pluses to the car though, the interior is in pretty good shape and the turbo functions perfectly(now) but the best thing it has going for it is the engine which is in excellent shape. Thus the question: Can we get more money selling it or parting it out?

1994 850 turbo, 210439+ miles, white with black

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Dec 2007, 22:08

You have done the major stuff at this point. So, you're almost done. The still broken things you mentioned are pretty common to these cars and the rest won't cost you much, however...has the timing belt been done? If not and at those miles you're probably in for the tensioner and rollers as well as the serpentine belt and its tensioner. Also, how is the suspension? If it is rough you're probably in for struts and shocks, strut mounts, spring seats and shock mounts. Now, all of those can add up.

That said, I would not part it out. You can either do the rest of the repairs and still have a good car if the engine is tight, or someone will want to buy this car. I just cringe at the thought of a decent 850 (almost repaired all the way...check out the repair data base for the ABS and other repairs including the odometer cog that's broken in your car) being parted out unless it's wrecked and a total loss anyway.

vlv850 · Post by **vlv850** » 07 Dec 2007, 23:19

If you don't want your car anymore, you'll probably get more by selling it, not parting it out.

Are you thinking about getting rid of it because you think it's a money pit, or do you just want a new car? Most everything that you've already replaced are the more common things that seem to go wrong are now practically new for you. With having over 200k miles, I agree, you are probably due for a new timing belt, shocks and struts, and maybe a few other routine maintenance things, that may run you another $1000-$1500.

If your car still looks good, fix it, keep it, drive it another 100k miles. Who needs a car payment, put it in your 401K.

PDTnelson · Post by **PDTnelson** » 08 Dec 2007, 12:14

Yeah, the suspension needs some work too but the timing belt was done recently too. The abs pump is actually shot and needs to be replaced and my mechanic says we're looking at $650 to replace. Even worse, the transmission has started going out just as of today. (Gets to 2000 RPM and then skips) The trouble with the car is that we've spent nearly $6000 dollars in repairs when we only bought the car for $2000. We simply can't afford to keep putting money into it.

Post by **wheelsup** » 08 Dec 2007, 20:56

Wow $6,000 in repairs...that IS a lot of money, I've put about $1300 into my '95 over the past 5 years but that includes tires and oil changes...I'd be pissed too. Sorry you got burnt on your Volvo. I'm getting ready to possibly do a RMS and PCV and I'm not sure if I should drop the $1000 or so on them, I love the car but the transmission was *starting* to slip every now and then. If it wasn't acting up I'd have no problem dropping the money into it, I love the car itself.

PDTnelson · Post by **PDTnelson** » 09 Dec 2007, 00:13

Yeah, I love the car, its a great car and I love volvo's anyway, I had a '89 240 DL wagon before this but it go totaled, its really just a question on how much we can get out of the car, any one know about the transmission issue?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Dec 2007, 07:14

Like I always say with these cars, check the condition of the transmission fluid. When hot (driven at least 30 mins) the level should be (with engine running) at the hot mark. Also, it should not be black. If it is anything but red, then flush it and see if this helps it. If the mileage is high and it's never been flushed, then it's best to do a "drain and fill" rather than a full flush. Many a times this procedure in itself "cures" the shifting glitches. But you have to catch it early. It's a cheap fix considering what a transmission could cost. An 850 uses Dexron III.

Good luck.

PDTnelson · Post by **PDTnelson** » 09 Dec 2007, 11:31

Thanks for the tip, I'll be sure to check it out

PDTnelson · Post by **PDTnelson** » 09 Dec 2007, 11:45

Japan hit it right on, I just checked to fluid and sure enough, it was black. Again, thanks for the help.

Post by **wheelsup** » 09 Dec 2007, 21:32

I bought a bottle of "Lucas Transmission Fix" and it smoothed out shifting immensely. I also had a problem with the transmission just spinning without pulling the car every now and then, and the additive seems to have reduced that happening 99%. It did it once right after I put it in, but I hadn't driven more then a couple hundred miles so it hadn't had time to work.

I'd wholeheartedly recommend that if you can't do a drain/flush. I live in an apartment complex where that isn't really possible so this was a stop gap until I get to someplace that I can flush it. I could take it to a garage but honestly don't really trust them to do it how I want it done (ie a little bit at a time).