When it's time to move on (and what did you buy?)

[bmdubya1198]

Just stay away from those dRiveway Queens.

(I think you are up and running, right?)

At least avoid the cheap ones! They turn out to be the most expensive! Lol

Pffft... it runs when it wants to. I drove it to the store two days ago, no problem except that the tach dropped to 0 again halfway there. Get back in the car, it starts acting like the ETM is dead again (this is the 4th ETM, mind you) and the CEL and ETS light are doing that pulsing thing again. These codes won't go away, and I'm convinced the ECU is dead. I've done so much diagnostic work and I cannot find any problem in wiring, sensors, anything. It's not the cluster, which leaves the ECU as the main suspect.

[j-dawg]

the N54 isn't known as the German 2JZ for no reason! I've never owned either, but I'd really love a 135i with the N54. They are tough as nails and can hold crazy amount of power.

This is what gets me about 'em. The 335 is the modern Supra - plain wrapper, easy power, except there's way more 335s out there than there were ever Supra Turbo. An xi is a compelling alternative to an STI or Evo.

[MoVolvos]

I was concerned about transmission issues and replacement parts costs on the XC90's. I've been doing some research and it seems the 2008 and up is a safer bet but is there an engine/transmission combo that is better? Generally I would steer clear of any turbo as that adds complexity and I wonder about costs on the V8 as well. Same idea for AWD which I don't need at all.

Perhaps you should just stay with the simpler and upgrade a couple of years? Did you see this today. Got me wanting to rid of our Odyssey or Lexus. Should sell fast! Son thinks it's an NA.

1999 Volvo S70 - White - $1900 (Raleigh, NC) 1 owner, 123K miles
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/d/ra ... 15664.html
-
99 S70 1 Owner 123K Miles 1.png

99 S70 1 Owner 123K Miles 2.png

I emailed we'll see if it's still for sale, the last Volvo for sale similar to it went in a few hours. They are less than 15 mins from me. That would be a good stop gap. I asked about the AC evaporator.

Unless you bought it this morning the above car is gone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Great Volvo for sale - $2150 (Greensboro)
https://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/d ... 88218.html

I provided the link above in another post I believe. The gentleman Mike is willing to drive it down from Greensboro for me to look at it. We've been corresponding back and forth. Willing to sell it to me for $1,750. My only concern is the thermostat and radiator (see work done below)? Is that a slow head gasket leak problem or normal wear and tear. I love to have the car but will need to get rid of one of mine. If you want a crack at it I have the Leak Testing Kit, Fluid and all for you to borrow. Rented to test the Odyssey after the radiator gave. Didn't want to put money into it if it was due to a head gasket. Forgot to return the kit, paid in full first, so it's mine. Would recommend a Carfax if you do consider it.



Correspondence:

Thanks for forwarding the research, interesting stuff. This car does accelerate very well and is very responsive; entering a busy highway on-ramp is a breeze.

Here are some repairs that have been done for you to factor-in:

ABS computer replacement done 9/6/16 $651 136k mi
Front right strut: same visit, $191

Rear brakes (pads, rotors) 6/16/16 132k mi
CVVT Solenoid kit (same visit) $717

replace thermostat 12/30/16 142k mi $140

radiator replacement 10/3/17 148k mi

Oxygen sensor, jumper harness 6/8/15 $774 124k mi

Routine maintenance: Oil and filter have been changed on average every 5900 miles since I bought the car in 2011.

A couple of quirks that you should know about but that I've grown used to: the front speakers, while functioning fine, are missing mid range. Any car stereo tech could probably reconnect them. You can enjoy the stereo fine, its just the front speakers could sound better.
Also, the key-less remote fob doesn't always work. I reordered one on Amazon and it worked for a while but quit.

Thanks,
Mike

[pgill]

Here's an 2008 for $7k. Not an R though.

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-s ... volvo-v70/

For me personally I bought a 2010 S80 3.2 for my Son to drive

I would have preferred a V70 3.2 but my Son prefers the Sedan.

And I completely agree that a front wheel drive 3.2 is an excellent choice.

If you want to see what the typical repairs are then look at my post viewtopic.php?f=31&t=87687

I purchased the car for $7400 and I've put another $1200 into it to make it reliable and comfortable.

I expect to get to 2030 or 230K miles without and anything major needing repair.

If I get there under $10K then I will successfully complete the challenge

Vehicle cost = Purchase price + Maintenance + Repairs (for less than $10K)

Not including Gasoline or insurance or Taxes


The V70 in the link that you've shown should also be able to meet the $10K challenge

You should test drive it and see if you like it.

Take Care

Paul

[mecheng]

My dad has a 1999 528iT sport package, we've had it in our family since 2011 at 99k miles, bought it from the original owner. This car was originally my mom's, it had replaced her last '99 528iT sport that had been totaled by some idiots in a lawn service truck doing about 45 when she was stopped waiting to turn (car held up phenomenally well although it was destroyed, no injuries aside from whiplash).
It has been a fantastic car, requiring only the basic BMW maintenance items (cooling system, CCV, DISA, Vanos) but overall it's been very reliable. I was rear ended in it once, not a bit of damage done! The rear bumper may have shifted forward and up a little, but it's barely noticeable. They're as solid as a Volvo and even more fun to drive when they're well sorted. The best part? No interior squeaks like a P80!
That car is currently at 228k miles and running strong. It needs a little work (namely brakes and rear suspension, as well as fixing an evap leak) but overall it's a solid car. I've always loved E39s and I will always claim they are one of the best cars ever made. Just watch the Africa special of Top Gear... that car took a beating! May's 850R also did incredibly well!

This car has an M52TU, early version of the M54. Never any oil burning issues. My dad also had an '03 X5 3.0 M54 for a while. It was also pretty good overall, it had its issues, but it was at that fussy time for a BMW... low 100k mile range. They all seem to have the most problems there. Before and after that is smooth sailing usually.

As for the N52 and N54, I like both of those engines. The N52 is very well engineered, and the N54 isn't known as the German 2JZ for no reason! I've never owned either, but I'd really love a 135i with the N54. They are tough as nails and can hold crazy amount of power.
Honestly I haven't heard the best things about the quality of the E90s. I've never had one, but most of my BMW friends say they feel very cheap compared to the E46. I've always liked them.

E39 was a great car overall, especially the M5! The N54 had great power and are crazy easy to tune, but the N55 is more reliable and sorted most of the bugs; although less tuneable.

Select owners of the previous generation always poo poo on the successors. I think the F30 was a great generation, it looks better than the E90. Some say the material quality decreased, I didn't notice that: I think it looks good. The problem was the N20: 2.0L turbo engine had issues with timing chains until 2015; otherwise it is a great engine: good power and much better economy than the I6; just watch the early years. I love the E46, but they had rust issues (not serious) but where I live it will show up and I will not buy a car that rusts: I've owned too many of those. Too bad as they drive fantastic.

[wheelsup]

Perhaps you should just stay with the simpler and upgrade a couple of years? Did you see this today. Got me wanting to rid of our Odyssey or Lexus. Should sell fast! Son thinks it's an NA.

1999 Volvo S70 - White - $1900 (Raleigh, NC) 1 owner, 123K miles
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/d/ra ... 15664.html
-
99 S70 1 Owner 123K Miles 1.png

99 S70 1 Owner 123K Miles 2.png

I emailed we'll see if it's still for sale, the last Volvo for sale similar to it went in a few hours. They are less than 15 mins from me. That would be a good stop gap. I asked about the AC evaporator.

Unless you bought it this morning the above car is gone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Great Volvo for sale - $2150 (Greensboro)
https://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/d ... 88218.html

I provided the link above in another post I believe. The gentleman Mike is willing to drive it down from Greensboro for me to look at it. We've been corresponding back and forth. Willing to sell it to me for $1,750. My only concern is the thermostat and radiator (see work done below)? Is that a slow head gasket leak problem or normal wear and tear. I love to have the car but will need to get rid of one of mine. If you want a crack at it I have the Leak Testing Kit, Fluid and all for you to borrow. Rented to test the Odyssey after the radiator gave. Didn't want to put money into it if it was due to a head gasket. Forgot to return the kit, paid in full first, so it's mine. Would recommend a Carfax if you do consider it.



Correspondence:

Thanks for forwarding the research, interesting stuff. This car does accelerate very well and is very responsive; entering a busy highway on-ramp is a breeze.

Here are some repairs that have been done for you to factor-in:

ABS computer replacement done 9/6/16 $651 136k mi
Front right strut: same visit, $191

Rear brakes (pads, rotors) 6/16/16 132k mi
CVVT Solenoid kit (same visit) $717

replace thermostat 12/30/16 142k mi $140

radiator replacement 10/3/17 148k mi

Oxygen sensor, jumper harness 6/8/15 $774 124k mi

Routine maintenance: Oil and filter have been changed on average every 5900 miles since I bought the car in 2011.

A couple of quirks that you should know about but that I've grown used to: the front speakers, while functioning fine, are missing mid range. Any car stereo tech could probably reconnect them. You can enjoy the stereo fine, its just the front speakers could sound better.
Also, the key-less remote fob doesn't always work. I reordered one on Amazon and it worked for a while but quit.

Thanks,
Mike

No it wasn't me but they always go really fast. I saw that one from Greensboro but didn't really have an interest in it.

[abscate]

Ahhhhh....not Scotty!!!!!!

I just stuck a URO dipstick in my eyes and ears to try to stop it, but it snapped.

[pgill]

Those can be good deals but I seriously worry about long term issues such as transmission and steering components. I'm not sure I have the heart to do what I did with my car again. I hate to say it. I just don't enjoy working on my car anymore. I have seriously considered just taking Uber/Lyft to work and back, since I only need it once a week.

That being said I am blown away at how inexpensive the initial purchase price of those mid 2000 V70's are. But how much money will go into them after purchase?

Also any thoughts on the 2008+ model years? I really like the inside and outside of those cars, but I realize the mid 2000's would be easier to work on (electronically). Which is another scare of mine - the 850 was the last of the "pre-electronic" cars.

Once per week???

How far round trip?

Cost estimate

Cost per mile
Uber 1

V70 (fixed cost)```````````````````````````Cost per year
Insurance```````````````````````````````````````223.20
Registration````````````````````````````````````200.00
Depreciation and Maintenance``````````1000.00
Fixed cost`````````````````````````````````````1423.20



V70 (Variable cost)````Cost per mile
Metro Mile insurance```````0.029
Fuel`````````````````````````````0.2
Variable cost`````````````````0.229

Miles per year
``````````````````````````1000`````2000``````3000```````4000``````5000``````6000```````7000```````8000```````9000```````10000`````11000
V70`````````````````````1652`````1881``````2110```````2339``````2568``````2797```````3026```````3255```````3484```````3713```````3942
UBER``````````````````1000`````2000``````3000```````4000``````5000``````6000```````7000```````8000```````9000``````10000`````11000


If you are really under 2000 miles per year then it might make more sense to UBER

BUT..... if your other car is also old then you could buy the V70 and just take UBER if your primary car need some TLC and your wife takes the V70.

If it were me I would buy the V70

Take care

Paul

[abscate]

You need to set aside

15 cpm maintenance DIY
30 cpm maintenance paid service

And lost value of money on top of depreciation

My T5 money , which cost 25k in 2000, cost me another 25k in the Vanguard fund

That will make the break even point more like 7000 miles

[bmdubya1198]

That's why I buy project. I paid a total of $700 for all 3 of my current Volvos. For that price you can add in the 850 too! Hahaha

My GLT has been a great value, paid for itself very quickly. The R on the other hand...