1998 v70 xc - Need advice: Keep her or sell her?

[TJWookiee]

We've owned a 1998 v70 xc wagon for almost seven years and have had few problems. We did have an issue with the head gasket a few years back and had it corrected, but it wasn't until this year that more major problems began to surface. A couple of months ago, we had the transmission replaced (along with replacing the oil pan that the tow driver cracked - Thanks, AAA), and the car has been running fine since then.

This weekend, the cabin lights started to flicker while I was driving, and the past two nights the alarm has gone off while parked just randomly (the cabin lights have been on when I've gone out to address the alarm problem), so I figured at the least I'd have to replace the battery and possibly the alternator. My mechanic confirmed the alternator is on its way out and the battery is five or six years along, so I told him to go ahead and replace both.

While he was checking the rest of the engine, however, he noticed there is water and antifreeze in with the oil, says the head gasket is shot and now I'm looking at a possible (probable) need for an engine replacement. I have no idea what the projected cost will be yet, but I'm thinking it's probably $2500-$3000 (feel free to correct me).

The question is, keep her or sell her? The body is in great shape, and we know the solid nature of these cars, obviously. Had this repair come up next year, I think the decision would be easier, but coming so close to the transmission replacement, I'm at a crossroads and could use some advice.

[erikv11]

Just a couple questions TJ:

- What is the mileage on the chassis?
- Does the AWD work, or has that been ditched somewhere along the way?
- Have you ever had to replace the fuel pump(s)? That gets expensive at the shop.
- Is the suspension in good shape (another fairly expensive, hi-mileage need)?
- If you didn't keep her, what kind of car would you replace be, would you go to a mid-2000s vehicle or look for something like another older Volvo?

There are a lot of things to consider, hopefully some experts will chime in, but one of the bottom line questions will be: Would you rather have this car with a strong engine for $3,000, or invest in another one for $x,000? If you get a replacement engine you can expect that it will never need a head gasket - that is a pretty rare failure, unless it has been replaced before or the car overheats.

[tryingbe]

How much water in the oil? Or is the water just on the oil cap? Could be just condensation.

[TJWookiee]

The car has 134K miles. The AWD works, I've never had to replace the fuel pump, the suspension is great. I think the car would be great with a replacement engine, but by the same token, I can't be sure this isn't the second step down the road of more problems.

As for the water in the oil, the mechanic told me there was white in the oil.

[Matty Moo]

The "White" in the oil was probably just condensation on the dipstick which is very common this time of year. Especially on a car that doesn't get long trips.

134k is low mileage for the issues that you've had. Head gasket and trans already replaced? Now your mechanic is calling for an engine replacement? I'd say the only thing that needs to be replaced is the mechanic himself. Maybe on a car that has been straight-up abused by a 18 year old, but you don't sound like you fit the part.

By nature I don't trust people automatically UNTIL I've gotten the vibe that they're cool. More on that in a minute....

You can scour back quite a few years on this forum and find very few people that have had to replace a head gasket or transmission in the first 125k....let alone both. Those that have usually bought the car in that condition at that mileage and it was nothing but ABUSED. You're an adult owner and have had it for awhile.

So you have a guy who is your mechanic suggesting you now need a new engine at 125k. I call bullshit on his diagnosis. Maybe he's a good guy that has no experience with these or he does and he wants to make money. My money is on the second option.

I bought my Platinum Wagon 5 or 6 years ago with 120k on it and it was driven hard before I got it, no issues in the 50k I had it or with the owner after me. My 96 850 had 170ish k when I bought it, no issues. My 98 s70 at 170k, no issues and I drive it hard every day. Our 2000 now has 180k of really hard miles on it...no issues and it has the shitty 5-speed.

I just picked up a 2000 s70 GLT last week that was owned by a college student, it came to me with 124k and no major issues at all. It's actually mechanically perfect. See where I'm going?

Around here somebody would have cut his throat last week if that was the way he likes to conduct business.

[tryingbe]

As for the water in the oil, the mechanic told me there was white in the oil.

Can you confirm you do a lot of short trips? When was the last time you drove for an hour plus?

[rspi]

Very common mistake by shops and mechanics is to this k a little condensation on the dip stick is a sign of a bad head gasket. They can drain the oil into a pan and look at the big picture, not a speck of the oil. A bad head gasket in these cars will usually push coolant out of the coolant reservoir and/or cause the car to run rough (misfires).

[rspi]

Your cabin / alarm issue is likely a bad door latch.

[850 LPT]

Definitely get a second opinion on this, it does not sound like you need a new engine. Maybe I missed it but where are you located?

[phils94850]

id say get another mechanic.. and keep her.