2009 C30 - Head gasket replacement at 90,000 miles? Topic is solved

[C30Vehicle]

Need to sell, or trade-in my 2009 C30.

Just had a second opinion from a mechanic who is very familiar with Volvos. Right away, the mechanic found that the head-gasket replacement job was beyond the scope of this mechanic's experience - that is there are quite possibly additional engine problems. The cost can easily go into the thousands of dollars - hence, it's better to purchase another vehicle.

This mechanic also spoke with our local Volvo dealer maintenance dept. - the same dealer where I had purchased the C30 originally just over six-years ago.

The questions here: a.) Would a place specializing in repairs/restorations of Volvos be interested in purchasing my C30 (as-is) be the best bet? b.) What are purchase values of (as-is) 2009 C30s? c.) What are trade-in values of (as-is) 2009 c30s?

Thank-you

[matthew1]

Well, value is low in any case for a non-running car. Values for running cars are easy to come by via any number of Web sites, but there is no equivalent for non-running. "Whatever you can get" is the answer.

Call around and ask "what will you give me as trade in value for a 2009 C30 that needs a new head?" I'd call places where you'd be going anyway to look at a replacement car. Tell them this.

That said, no trauma one can do to a Volvo engine is necessarily over the head of the collective knowledge here. What did the mechanic say? Warped head and... ?

[C30Vehicle]

I have not heard any mechanic mention (or speculate) about a warped-head.

Again, the mechanic I sought a second opinion (who's had ample experiences with Volvos) was quickly able to assess pretty-much what the first mechanic (with some experiences with Volvos) mentioned - aside from having to consider another vehicle altogether.

I'me leaning on contacting the Volvo dealer where I had purchased the preowned 2009 C30 originally - at least for guidance. They may want to purchase an as-is C30 needing a replacement head.

[C30Vehicle]

I had a second, and third assessment from a Volvo dealer's service department. The second and third assessments found that the engine damage likely went beyond a head gasket. Hence, it would likely cost more to get the C30 fixed than the car is worth.

I was able to sell the C30 (as-is) for $750. The buyer is a mechanic experienced with Volvos - who mentioned that he wanted to invest in fixing the engine.

[matthew1]

Sorry about the situation. Thanks for letting us know the outcome.