1) Text from my buddy. The 06 V70 T5 he bought has to go through what is called an Out-of-Province inspection (known as a money making grab) before it can be re-registered into a difference province. The claim is it is to cut down on car theft and possibly that was the true intent of the process initially. Now it is just a money making grab by the repair shops licensed to do the inspections. There appears no real oversight and I have never heard of a car passing through without loads of repairs required, and you get pushed to have them done at the inspection shop. My buddy was quoted $2100 for repairs. Often the repairs are not real but you are pushed to get them done or pay for another inspection. Even if you take the car away, repair the defects and take it back, you are not guaranteed a pass as new 'issues' can be found. These inspections should be independent and done by the government and you have a short grace period to return for an unpaid follow up inspection, like the MOT inspection in the UK. Repair shops in the UK can do MOT tests but you are not obliged to have the work done there. Not sure what his plan is on this. Issues/claims are 3/4 calipers are 'sticking' although the car drives fine and no overheating brakes. Only 'real' issue is a split CV boot.
2) Call from my student friend (well almost graduate friend) with the 02 XC70. Long overdue front control arms are needing done along with the rear trailing arm bushes followed by an alignment. We also need to assess the overall damage to the RF corner after a deer impact. Hood and front bumper cover are damaged, but not sure what else. Have to find time for us to tackle this in the next week.
3) our son's 06 XC70 needs a major service. Just waiting the thermostat to arrive which is on it's way.
4) My ex-Volvo mechanic needs parts for his rear suspension as he can't align it. I have most of the parts. Also it needs the front seat covers swapped for better ones, and the rear load cover drilled and mounted.
5) He also has a 2012 C30 which needs the engine reassembled following a broken timing belt courtesy of the previous owner. It also had water leaks which needed the roof drains repaired, the interior removed to dry out. It had been sitting so the seat rails are corroded. The car came with another set of seats but the seats and rails need swapped over.
6) I have an 07 C30 T5 getting dropped off tomorrow to try to ID the cause of a limp mode issue when warm. Issue was not there before a repair shop replaced the cracked cylinder head. They were not able to find the issue. Not sure I will either (you all know I love electrics!) but then I have Vida to hopefully help and pretty good diag. experience. My mechanic buddy owns 2 C30's so he has already pointed to a couple of possible targets. I find these issue equally challenging and frustrating!
So it looks like a few busy weeks while trying to rebuild a set of stairs on the side of the house........!
Neil.
