1999 XC70 102k Coolant loss, engine loss - options/discussion/

[June]

Once coolant is lost, you have about 30 seconds to get the engine turned off.

This sounds like the heater core let go, which is full flow on these cars, so the coolant runs out pretty quickly

Abscate I might remind other owners I had the heater core issue on my 1998 V70 Cross Country during the warranty period with multiple leaky events. I have discussed my experience before. My leaks were not so dramatic, but the car was new then. As I have mentioned before the final fix was to install the black cap for the green radiator cap. Never had a issue again. The subsequent 02 and 04 S80 T6 cars left the lot with a black cap from the parts department. Its 1/2 the pressure which stops the leaky heater cores. I have also never had a boiling problem from the less pressure and I run my cars harder than most. If you have one of these era Volvo cars I sincerely recommend you get the black cap immediately. June

[MDK]

Hey there MEB...MDK here. I've read your post and wow... that 10,000$ quote...Rocky Mountain 2 high...if it was me I would have a used cylinder head installed and the heater core replaced. With that done... maybe 1500-1800$ is what I would expect to pay. That way you could drive it a few more years or sell for at least 3000$ .. don't throw it away.. repair shops are always trying to discourage people...( at least here in Cincinnati) to give up on repairing their cars and buying them from the customers they are supposed to be helping. I have a 1998 XC70 with over 250,000 miles...so there's hope for your situation...MDK

[MEB]

The dealership says the engine is ruined.

[MDK]

I'm not sure about out west.. but here in the Cincinnati I could purchase that particular engine from a salvage yard for about 400$ .. they're plentiful because they were installed in a variety of models..1999-2004. look around MEB ..car-part.com

[MEB]

Wow— that’s good to know. To be honest, we don’t feel like fixing it ourselves and waiting for the next thing to go wrong. It’s been a great vehicle for 19 years. We are just shocked that it died that way. We have the 2019 XC40 on order, due to arrive in August. But we thought the XC70 would have made a good car for running around the city, and not driving it to the mountains, for another 50,000 miles or so. I posted on NextDoor and a guy is interested. I told him $500. Does that sound fair?

[MDK]

Well MEB...if you feel you've gotten your use out of it and your money for the last 19 yrs perhaps your right and just move on. I did some checking via car-part.com and the closest salvage yard to you was in provost Utah .. did I spell that right? Anyway they have a good engine for 600$. You really have to look at the overall condition of the vehicle ... we interior/ exterior ... and make a sound conclusion. 19 yrs sounds pretty good considering most American cars only last about 7-8 and 100,000 before starting to rust out...if you're happy with 500$ I'm sure the next owner would appreciate that and give it some Volvo love .... rolling on

[FLXC90]

Wow— that’s good to know. To be honest, we don’t feel like fixing it ourselves and waiting for the next thing to go wrong. It’s been a great vehicle for 19 years. We are just shocked that it died that way. We have the 2019 XC40 on order, due to arrive in August. But we thought the XC70 would have made a good car for running around the city, and not driving it to the mountains, for another 50,000 miles or so. I posted on NextDoor and a guy is interested. I told him $500. Does that sound fair?

Perfectly. You say you don't have the ability or desire to invest in the car. $500 gives a buyer the opportunity to invest $1000 or so along with sweat equity and come out with a solid, nice looking car that they CAN take to the mountains, or just get around all year where you are.

Being mechanically inclined and cheap, I would fix it, but that's because I could.

It sounds as though you got what you NEEDED from the car. With a reasonable investment of around $2000 you could have a second car if you wanted. Or you can pay it forward for someone else.

Also, there is a brand new shop in the Denver Area, Guy named Brett Borders, on the MVS facebook page... may be a good opportunity?

[MEB]

Yes. I agree. A man responded to my NextDoor post. He is interested in it for father-son project. I’d love that to happen. We have had three cars since our kids were in high school. So even with my beloved car gone, we still have two to drive until my new XC40 (yay!!) arrives. My husband has a 2005 S60R which I wish I could get him to sell. Only 71,000 miles. Anyone want it?!

[MEB]

Also, thanks for the name Brett Borders. I will follow up.
You all have been very helpful. Thank you.
I’d like it to continue to be a great car for someone. That car never failed me. Until this. Aaarrrgh.
But I’m ready for a brand new car. The XC40 handles and feels a lot like my XC70 did. It’s nice to have the turbo, when climbing up the mountains. But I’m tired of having a wagon, and ready for a bit smaller car. Although the XC40 still fits my two dog crates, which is a requirement. I ordered one fully-loaded, and I think they are relatively reasonably priced. Even getting wood trim on the interior, upgraded sound and video systems, and an Orrefors shift knob. Just my style. Probably the last new car I’ll ever get.

[mrbrian200]

He said about $10,000 for them to replace engine and fix.

ok, that is crazy high quote, bordering on the ridiculous.

That number raises a red flag for me. Get a second opinion.