2000 V70 Avalanche of repairs, is this normal?

[finalist92]

Lucked out on a 2000 V70 wagon last March for $4295 with tax, title, etc. Came with 129k miles, a 3 year old transmission, all around great condition. In the last year I've shelled out for a new alternator and battery, new tires, new front rotors, new u-joint and now replacement of both rear calipers, rear rotors and pads, plus new front struts. Feeling pretty beat up financially since it's all hitting at once. I feel like this is probably normal, since the thing is 14 years old and most of the parts I'm replacing are original. Every mechanic I deal with swears up and down I've got an amazing car that'll last me years. Has anyone had a similar experience with a used V70?

[jblackburn]

Sounds like what I went through with my S70. Past 10 years old, there's just a ton of things that are worn out and need replacing - the same is true of any Toyota/Honda at that age.

My car would be great for a few months, I'd start to recover from the last set of large repairs...and then more would hit, and all at once.

The good news, you seem to have gotten most of the big stuff out of the way. Keep up with fluid changes (don't forget coolant/transmission/brake fluid on a regular basis)...tire rotations, etc. These things have a bad habit of chewing up tires, especially the turbo models. Set aside a bit every month for any repairs that may come along - but keep in mind that repairs will still be cheaper than a payment on a new car.

[finalist92]

Sounds like what I went through with my S70. Past 10 years old, there's just a ton of things that are worn out and need replacing - the same is true of any Toyota/Honda at that age.

My car would be great for a few months, I'd start to recover from the last set of large repairs...and then more would hit, and all at once.

The good news, you seem to have gotten most of the big stuff out of the way. Keep up with fluid changes (don't forget coolant/transmission/brake fluid on a regular basis)...tire rotations, etc. These things have a bad habit of chewing up tires, especially the turbo models. Set aside a bit every month for any repairs that may come along - but keep in mind that repairs will still be cheaper than a payment on a new car.

Yeah, as far as routine maintenance is concerned, I baby this car. Regular (every 3-4k miles) oil changes and all fluid checks; it's too important. Since some of the mechanical pieces seem to be going, I'm wondering if the hellacious Chicago winter might be to blame. Salt + road crap + water + horrific pot holes = recipe for failing suspension and steering parts, yes? I'm moving to Georgia in July and I'm hoping we'll have a better time there.

[jblackburn]

I think northern roads are tough on any car, and the salt (especially THIS winter) doesn't help one bit.

My suspension was pretty much destroyed by the short amount of time it spent on DC roads. I recently went to Philidelphia after a big snow and it was like some sort of video game dodging tire-busting potholes at 60 mph.

[chexny]

I inherited mine. Spent the first few years with local catch-all repair shop. After having my ABS light turn on maybe 6 months after shelling out $700 for a new one and being told by the parts changer that the ABS unit needed to be replaced b/c "that was the code", I smartened up ($40/for .5hr with Volvo mechanic found/fixed the snapped wire). First I would say find someone that either specializes in Volvo or at least does heavy Volvo work. They need deep knowledge that only comes with experience. Second, read up here. Lots of knowledge to DIY or if for nothing else to talk intelligently to your mechanic and understand what the work is they are doing. I am very slowly and reluctantly starting to get it myself.

Also, nothing you have listed seems that out of the ordinary. You have to consider budgeting 100-150/mo probably to general repairs, especially if you are using a garage at 100+/hr for labor.

[tryingbe]

Wait until your rear main seal started to leak, $700 labor for a $20 part.

What you listed sounds like typical wear and tear items.

I'm surprised PCV system isn't on your list.

[precopster]

I'm surprised your heater core isn't leaking.

My 2000 V70 non turbo is about to hit 300,000 kms and I'm enjoying her just as much as the day I bought her. Is yours a 5 speed auto? I believe the engine is rebuilt in my car. It has tell-tale non original gasket on the block between the crankcase layers.

Here's a link to my repair history from 252,000 kms to the present, all routine stuff : https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=46944

[finalist92]

Thanks, everyone. I'm a student with a limited budget, so I'm stuck taking it into the shop and paying crazy labor rates. I thought it was fairly typical for a car of that age with such a limited repair history, but I'm surrounded by brats who believe buying a new car is "just so much easier and cheaper!" than repairing a good vehicle like my wagon, and I was afraid they were right. The timing of all these repairs is just unbelievable, but there's nothing for it. Thanks again.

[EstVolvo]

It is all normal, been there, more repairs to come.
From now on matthewsvolvosite and FCP are your best friends.
Do you know what happened to the transmission?
I have the same car with around 135000 miles and I have to change the struts and socks.
What brand struts did you get and how do you like them?

[precopster]

Thanks, everyone. I'm a student with a limited budget, so I'm stuck taking it into the shop and paying crazy labor rates.

Why is this? Can you find some space like a friend's dad's place to use while repairing? A crate of bubbly stuff will go a long way to softening a neighbour's heart when using space.

With the resources here there's no need to pay anyone else to spanner your car. The repair database is first class. Just start investing in a basic tool set like a 3/8 inch Stanley socket set and a set of torx drivers. The rest you can beg or borrow.