Are old Volvos really that expensive to run/fix? Topic is solved

[scot850]

My wife certainly says I SHOULD be committed...!!

Neil.

[yanga001]

It is hard to say.

I put 1050 into my current daily and dropped about 50k km so far on it. Parts wise i say im another 2000 - 3000 into it, maintenance and fluids (gas excluded) im in for another 500. Total comes out to 4-5k into the car. However, it isnt the worst on gas, handles well in the winter, and functions pretty well.

I have been told to buy a new car as its not out of the price question, however to get the size, comfort, and upgrades (why buy a new car thats not better than your old one right?) it would be 35 - 40k canadian.

I think it really depends on how well you can do repairs, and what you can live with. I am slowly rebuilding an alternator as i have a good amount of bearing squeal. I can live with that so its is not a 2-300$ cost + labour. For comparison, to keep our 2011 pilot up to snuff it only goes to the dealership since the users dont know how to do the repairs. Changing a wheel bearing + other standard service came up close to 2k.

The last factor too is how nice these cars are. They are pretty well loaded and plain comfortable to drive. Other econobox type cars (looking at you volkswagen golf) are not as comfortable in my subjective eye. Lots of vehicles dont have duel climate control, leather seats, or seat heaters.

[abscate]

I just took the 1999 T5 for its first 100 mile trip since the valve job and new power steering rack and all money spent has been forgotten.

[scot850]

That is great news! Great to have you and your side-kick re-united!

Neil.

[Nevada1906]

I'd also say that with this particular species of old European car, you're kind of stuck buying very good, very expensive OEM parts that'll last 50,000-100,000 miles. If I remember correctly, factory parts for a 30-year-old Volvo are more expensive than those for an equivalent Mercedes. Something about costs amortized across fewer vehicles.

What galls me is the nonsense that I only ever see in European cars. Single-use axle seals. Interference engines with timing belts. Rear main seals that randomly fail regardless of how you treat the engine. $18 spark plugs. Crossmembers and control arms with torque-to-yield bolts. $400 PCV systems. Mandatory Oetiker clamps on coolant lines. Sway bars with permanently-attached mounts.

It's maddening.

[Sveedy]

I'd also say that with this particular species of old European car, you're kind of stuck buying very good, very expensive OEM parts that'll last 50,000-100,000 miles. If I remember correctly, factory parts for a 30-year-old Volvo are more expensive than those for an equivalent Mercedes. Something about costs amortized across fewer vehicles.

What galls me is the nonsense that I only ever see in European cars. Single-use axle seals. Interference engines with timing belts. Rear main seals that randomly fail regardless of how you treat the engine. $18 spark plugs. Crossmembers and control arms with torque-to-yield bolts. $400 PCV systems. Mandatory Oetiker clamps on coolant lines. Sway bars with permanently-attached mounts.

It's maddening.

Don't forget their obsession with O-rings.

[abscate]

Mandatory Oetiker clamps on coolant lines.

…and then the Creator rested…..

[June]

All this focus on the seemingly bad... The good for example; my S80 has never leaked oil from the cam cover, or oil pan for example. Also original Bosh alternator and starter are fine. My car has tons of idling with ac for most of her years. Even the cooling fan is original. AC system was original for 200K. Compressor never failed the expansion valve did, but still was blowing cool when replaced. I have spent plenty of money on her. She is worth it!

The current bill is going to be the biggest yet. Shockingly the factory converters are $4,700 installed and the replacement turbos are even more. Then add replacement oxygen sensors and a few other things and most on here would croak . I can't wait to have her back! Old Volvos have charm!!! June

[scot850]

They have to have something otherwise people would say we are crazy.....................

Neil.

[abscate]

Neil and June both tell their spouses.., I’m not the only one ….