Car trouble

Fiona · Post by **Fiona** » 11 Feb 2006, 18:59

Hi there,

We have a 1995 850 station wagon and at its last service (3 weeks ago) alot of things needed changing - the main ones being wheel bearings, door strap, cv boot, timing belt - I can only trust that all these things really DID need changing and that we weren't just being ripped off.

Then about a week later something started rattling - took it back and it was the catalyst converter (something like that), so had that changed.

Now so far we have spent amost $4000 so am feeling just a bit stressed about it all when last night it started to overheat and had to get towed 200km's home for another $400.
We now have to wait until tomorrow to find out what it is wrong with the car. Quite sure there is no hole in the radiator though.

My question is - Is this normal???? At 10 years of age does every part of the volvo spontaneously combust one by one so that for the next 6 months this car is going to cost more more than we paid for it or are we just having a bit of bad luck??????

I would love to know if this has happened to someone else so that i can be a bit better prepared for it or else trade it in for something newer.

I am really getting quite distressed by this. Yes we love our volvo and knew when we bought it that they are expensive to fix, but this is gettting ridiculous. I have never owned a car where so many things have gone wrong/ needed changing all at once.

Thanks for your help,
Fiona

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 11 Feb 2006, 19:59

I feel your pain. My wife wanted a new ride and my daughter needed a car for commuting to college. Did the car shuffle and my daughter now drives the 96 850. I do most of my own maintenance - brakes, oil change, tune up, etc... Two years ago I had the transmission go - I let the pro do that one. I have had few problems with the car until 3 months ago; I have replaced 4 new tires, brakes, tune up w/ plugs and rotor, O2 sensors, MAF, vacuum elbows, speedometer gear, instrument lights, and antennae mast. I also have the ABS module that needs repair.

I have spent way too much on repairs the past 3 months. I hope I do not have much in the next year in maintenance. For the comfort level, safety, and dependability In the 100 to 140K mile range there are a number of things that wear out or need replacing. I still believe that it is the best car for my daughter to drive. The car now has 125K miles. I expect it to get another 100K miles without too many other problems.

T2