S60 total loss?

6yKailee · Post by **6yKailee** » 24 Sep 2017, 12:11

Hi all. New to forum posting, really just looking for a bit of guidance. My fwd S60 recently shredded a timing belt and dumped her coolant rendering me in need of a rebuild or replacement of the long block. I've also had issues with the auto trans starting with the 3-4 shifts. Among other smaller problems I'd like to know if anyone on here can offer advice on where to go next. The bluebook isn't much and I don't want to waste my time and money on a hole. Should I invest in some parts and accept the labor, do I cut my losses and find an AWD? I like the Volvos, would it be worth my effort to keep this project, what are my options? Any seasoned advice appreciated.

Post by **tryingbe** » 24 Sep 2017, 12:39

Sell it for scrap.

Unless you can do the work yourself and drop could of thousand of dollar, load of time, and don't mind that car be worth $1000 in the open market...

99.999999999999 percent of cars are money pit.

Post by **jonesg** » 24 Sep 2017, 12:58

Yeh it's done unless you can wrench, even then I'd find a better candidate.
I could not own my Volvo if I had to pay a mechanic.
That's why they sell for cheap.
I'd move on.

Cookie-the-Swede · Post by **Cookie-the-Swede** » 24 Sep 2017, 13:11

With such low resale values, your car could be deemed "totaled" if it needed new tires and had a cracked windshield!
(I'm only slightly joking)

Post by **June** » 24 Sep 2017, 13:49

Replace it with a used Volvo in good working order. Look for a clean one owner with maintenance records if possible. Don't buy AWD unless it is needed for snow, mountains, etc. Otherwise buying someone's 10 year old AWD system will just cost you more repairs over FWD or RWD. I would guess most ignore the service needed to the AWD and then pass the car on to the next owner to discover the repairs needed due to neglect. AWD is sensitive to uneven tire wear as well so if you are that owner who replaces tires one at a time as they fail don't ever buy a AWD vehicle. Also if you are the owner who doesn't follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule don't buy AWD. S60 T5 FWD is what you are familiar with and you pretty much know what to expect. June

Post by **oragex** » 24 Sep 2017, 15:23

Looks like unanimity. A used engine/transmission can be a gamble on this car, and even when good, you may have electronic issues/compatibility once installed.

I'd say the same for AWD. The AWD was problematic up to 2006. Much better use 4 proper winter tires on a set of rims/wheels. Every single canadian does so and at least here in Quebec with tons of snow and very cold temperatures, most of the people have FWD cars. Here, driving at 50mph on winter tires on a Nissan Versa right into a large snow storm

Post by **precopster** » 24 Sep 2017, 17:17

Somebody's rubbish is another man's treasure. 3-4 shift repair B4 solenoid bore and replace cover and a full fluid replacement. Cost: $200. Repair head for about $800 (block and pistons will be fine).

You call it a project: projects are usually DIY.

Hire a mechanic and it's called a money pit.

6yKailee · Post by **6yKailee** » 24 Sep 2017, 17:41

Thank you for the replies. I realize most anything is a relative gamble and I know I'm not in this car to make any money. The water pump/ timing belt replacement by a mechanic would have been enough to total this car given its mileage. It surprisingly was a 1 owner with records from VOLVO until it ended up in a second hand used lot, then my lucky hands. I've replaced the turbo once after snapping the impeller shaft due to a low oil condition caused by gunked up lines. With this being a pretty serious hit it's strike 2 for me. Monday morning I'll be talking with a local shop about potential. I'll be honest though, I'm missing my old Honda.

Post by **oragex** » 24 Sep 2017, 18:21

You had quite a bit of bad luck with it indeed. Turbo going is rare unless indeed the PCV gets clogged and the oil gets slugged. Timing belt also rare to break unless some garage replace it with cheap parts. For having had a 1990 Honda, I can say a properly maintained Volvo it's less trouble. The parts on the Volvo are even less expensive when buying the aftermarket quality ones, compared with the OEM parts from the Honda dealer. Honda weren't shy to blew a head gasket, which Volvo almost never does. The thing with Volvo is really knowing which points to check and use only the quality aftermarket brands (basically Sachs, Lemforder and for the timing belt Gates).

Post by **June** » 24 Sep 2017, 18:56

6yKailee wrote: ↑24 Sep 2017, 17:41 Thank you for the replies. I realize most anything is a relative gamble and I know I'm not in this car to make any money. The water pump/ timing belt replacement by a mechanic would have been enough to total this car given its mileage. It surprisingly was a 1 owner with records from Volvo until it ended up in a second hand used lot, then my lucky hands. I've replaced the turbo once after snapping the impeller shaft due to a low oil condition caused by gunked up lines. With this being a pretty serious hit it's strike 2 for me. Monday morning I'll be talking with a local shop about potential. I'll be honest though, I'm missing my old Honda.

Gunk in the oil system does not sound like a car property serviced. My car has 2 turbos and is a 2004 at 145K always serviced by Volvo and I run the piss out of it and still has original turbos and pcv.

If you are a Honda guy then by all means do not buy a Volvo. I don't mean that rudely, European cars are not for everyone.

I know I buy and drive Volvo for the safety, performance, reliability, comfort, and Volvo has just enough class without being showy.

Also like the photo of the XC90 hit head on by the Chevrolet had the elderly woman been driving a non Volvo she would be dead. Instead the three in the Chevrolet died and the elderly woman got 3 broken ribs. This photo with the letter to Volvo thanking them for her mother's life in a book of wrecked Volvos at my dealership.

I owe my life and my friends life to a 1998 S90, and me and my 5 pound Chihuahua to a 2002 S80 T6. The Chihuahua died of old age in 2016 12 years later. He was in my lap during the launch and rollover way out in a field. Oncall sent help before I even came to. Both cars saved my life in major collisions. The 2002 S80 the guys at impound were sure nobody survived. The S90 engine turned on it's side and slid under the car rather than coming into the floor crushing my legs in the major head on I had in that car. I don't ever want to say I wish I had been in a Volvo. June