Non-Volvo car chat megathread

[BlackBart]

On another topic, here’s a fascinating look at how a fuel injector actually works -

https://www.hagerty.com/media/maintenan ... shows-you/

[BlackBart]

A carburetor

So fun!

[br0dy519]

I'm not jaded, but I'm realistic. P2 ownership has been no pleasure cruise. I don't wish to inherit another 100k vehicle that needs an angle gear, PCV overhaul, timing belt, a steering rack, rear main seal, and an entire exhaust system- I'm just not going to have the time for it. None of the parts houses here know anything about Volvo nor do they stock parts that I need. I often have to travel over to the states and special order what I need and bring them back. Driving a Volvo is unique where I live, and often after getting fun poked at me, they admit that it really is the swiss army knife of vehicles that is super versatile. They have been fun cars to drive, and I get compliments on the exterior and especially interior of the car. I will say the P2's have never left me stranded. Which is a definite benefit that I would like of my next vehicle.

Something basic and reliable sounds nice, but also boring. Toyota and Honda are not comfortable vehicles. P2 gets points here- I always describe the entire as a totally driver-focused design. When you sit in the driver's seat, the car is almost "hugging" or holding you. Completely the opposite of minivans where it feels like you're sitting on top of the chassis. Those Rivian's look very slick, slick enough to be MSRP $110,000 here in Canada, whoa! I always thought I wanted a Tesla until I read howardc64's comments (that guy was a huge asset to the p2 community) on Tesla ownership, and it sounds like an absolute nightmare.

I would like a car that above all is serviceable in this day and age. I don't wish to own a vehicle that requires a vast array of dealer-specific tools in order to work on. Unfortunately, even the P2's suffered from this problem. We hack our way through jobs with stuff we can acquire at Harbor Freight, but all too often VIDA calls for a specialized tool SKU that would be a dealer item and cut the job headaches down significantly. What I don't want is massive projects as mentioned in paragraph #1 that I don't feel comfortable, nor do I have the time, equipment, tools, nor space to do.

Perhaps I have unrealistic expectations of automobiles, but I would like to continue working on my own car.

[abscate]

I won’t leave Volvo as long as this Forum is alive. There isn’t a better forum of knowledge, help, and polite behavior in existence. I’ve sent and received parts from other continents supporting my fleet; Oxford commas and semicolons are just another added perk.

[Sveedy]

Well I've been driving my 1994 Jeep Cherokee ( 5sp ) for over 20 years now. I'm the second owner and have EVERY repair / maintenance receipt, including all of the original dealer invoices, from the day it drove off the lot. This includes every oil change. It has only left me stranded and in need of a tow twice in that time, the second time being yesterday. Alternator issues. I removed it today; the ORIGINAL alternator with 406,000+ miles on it ! I have never heard of one lasting that long, but it did. Crazy !!

[Sveedy]

and polite behavior ....

This is a biggie !

[volvolugnut]

I do not believe you can buy any new, powered vehicle today that can be repaired without special tools or electronic devices. The days of a tool box you could carry and use to keep your car running are over.
However, with help from this forum, the internet, and (Did you see that comma there?) learning new things, we can repair our Volvos for a while longer.
At some point I will not be able to climb over and under any vehicle and will need to get a newer and locally serviced vehicle. That will be very sad.
volvolugnut

[June]

I'm not jaded, but I'm realistic. P2 ownership has been no pleasure cruise. I don't wish to inherit another 100k vehicle that needs an angle gear, PCV overhaul, timing belt, a steering rack, rear main seal, and an entire exhaust system- I'm just not going to have the time for it. None of the parts houses here know anything about Volvo nor do they stock parts that I need. I often have to travel over to the states and special order what I need and bring them back. Driving a Volvo is unique where I live, and often after getting fun poked at me, they admit that it really is the swiss army knife of vehicles that is super versatile. They have been fun cars to drive, and I get compliments on the exterior and especially interior of the car. I will say the P2's have never left me stranded. Which is a definite benefit that I would like of my next vehicle.

Something basic and reliable sounds nice, but also boring. Toyota and Honda are not comfortable vehicles. P2 gets points here- I always describe the entire as a totally driver-focused design. When you sit in the driver's seat, the car is almost "hugging" or holding you. Completely the opposite of minivans where it feels like you're sitting on top of the chassis. Those Rivian's look very slick, slick enough to be MSRP $110,000 here in Canada, whoa! I always thought I wanted a Tesla until I read howardc64's comments (that guy was a huge asset to the p2 community) on Tesla ownership, and it sounds like an absolute nightmare.

I would like a car that above all is serviceable in this day and age. I don't wish to own a vehicle that requires a vast array of dealer-specific tools in order to work on. Unfortunately, even the P2's suffered from this problem. We hack our way through jobs with stuff we can acquire at Harbor Freight, but all too often VIDA calls for a specialized tool SKU that would be a dealer item and cut the job headaches down significantly. What I don't want is massive projects as mentioned in paragraph #1 that I don't feel comfortable, nor do I have the time, equipment, tools, nor space to do.

Perhaps I have unrealistic expectations of automobiles, but I would like to continue working on my own car.

You need a 240, 740, or a 940 and FCP Euro. Simple cars, easy-to-use basic tools to fix, and get compliments from even teenagers! I constantly get comments and occasionally find notes left on my 1991 740 Turbo. You're not going to find working on anything being made today by any manufacturer currently as simple. Parts for my 740 have been cheap compared to my P2 S80. I even have been working on the car myself. June

[BlackBart]

She’s got a point there - a 740T or 940 wagon is pretty nice. Even a silly overpriced but pristine example might cost you 10 or 15k. What can you get for that?

A 240, I think, will not feel like a modern car in comparison. Too slow, too noisy on the highway.

[Sveedy]

Something like this ? ( price has dropped $200 )
https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/d/tuc ... 24962.html