Volvo xc70 engine is toast -- Replace engine or buy new car?

[LEAKYSEALS951]

My beloved 2005 xc70 took a dump last week. While I was reading all the fart threads, at just over 202020.20 miles, It shuddered and shimmered, and got a misfire on cylinder #3. I replaced the plug, and the coil pack, but no love, and it "felt" like something more ominous was going on.

I dropped it off at a trusted mechanic's shop, who did a leakdown and there is no compression on #3.

D#$$~!

So... Do I scope the engine to see if a valve spring broke and the valve took a dump (hopefully not causing too much damage to the piston and get a new head?)

Buy a new engine for about 700-1000 and have the mechanic install it?

Buy a new engine and I install it?

Or buy a new car?

In the last week I drove some Subarus, new Volvos, and even a Hyundia Elantra Sport GT 6 speed hatchback. In the next week or two, the new Buick Sport X Wagon will be in a local dealer.

My problem with new cars is this-
I simply don't like all the new technology.
The Subarus seem to have problems with the CVT's.
The Volvo (v90, xc90?)is all touch screen crap and cannot be serviced without some blue tooth wireless hookup to the Volvo dealer's hindquarters.
The Buick is new, untested, will drop value like a bad habit and had no spare (and an 8 speed auto which will probably crap out as well/

Or the Elantra- Imagine this, a 6 SPEED MANUAL which has dual climate control, heated seats, and drives like an AUDI A3 wannabe (but has poor looks and safety ratings (There will be a kid in the backseat)).

And another thing- Every single new car seems to be squeezing the heck out of a turbocharged .0000005 liter engine to get the best mpg. I have longevity concerns about such stressed little engines.
Thoughts? Other ideas?

My volvo xc70 is tired, but I consider it a family member. The new cars are new and tight, but I'm not feeling confident they can even deliver me to my xc70's relatively meager 200k

TIA (literally) - "Thanks in advance" or "Transient Ischemic Attack"
Ron

[sammyg2]

[Steve Carlton]

I wouldn't put "good money after bad" and spend money on your XC70. Even running, it couldn't have been worth much and it'll cost you more than it was worth to get it going again. And if you did, you'll have an old Volvo with 202K miles on it. So much more left to go wrong...

Fairly common knowledge on this board that I work at a Volvo dealership in the SF bay area. Where are you located?

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

I wouldn't put "good money after bad" and spend money on your XC70. Even running, it couldn't have been worth much and it'll cost you more than it was worth to get it going again. And if you did, you'll have an old Volvo with 202K miles on it. So much more left to go wrong...

Fairly common knowledge on this board that I work at a Volvo dealership in the SF bay area. Where are you located?

Hey Steve, we spoke once about extended warranty for my wife's car. I'm on east coast. If I go Volvo, we will definitely be in touch.

[Steve Carlton]

No problem. PM or email me for my unvarnished opinions...

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Will do...
Random silly pic of why I like my old xc70...
versatile:



redid suspension-

redid interior-

No real car tax so to speak...

I could post a bunch more pics of how this has been both one part pickup/ one part luxury wagon. It has just been a good platform. With the rear hitch and enough roof bars to hold two full roof racks, it has done wonders.


I'm too close to the victim to make an unbaised choice!!!

[Steve Carlton]

I feel your pain. They're great cars until they're "totalled" by expensive repairs. You could do the engine, then have the tranny blow up next month. Lots of expensive repairs available.

[sc_rufctr]

It sounds like you like the car so fix the Volvo and keep driving it.

[MBAtarga]

Where do you buy a new Volvo engine for $700-$1000? Or did you mean "new" used ?

[da Vinci Dan]

We always had great luck with our Volvo’s. 760 Wagon, 740 sedan, S60 sedan, Xc90. The 90 is the only one we have now. I swear the side impact protection saved my wife’s life two years ago. Not even a bruise... it now has 126k and drives like new. If you know the rest of the car is good, spend a few grand and make it right again. You’ll spend a few thousand in tax and fees for a new another car with unknown problems anyway.

[KNS]

I dislike most new cars for the same reasons you state. If you really like the Volvo (once it’s gone, it’s gone) get the replacement engine and keep going. Still way cheaper than a new car payment every month (even if the tranny goes next month).

[aschen]

I just bought a focus ST for 7k off msrp at 19k. They are giving them away. 250 hp 30 mpg and 6mt. I dont love buying new cars either but a decent used car was going to be 15k. It is more fun to drive than i thought

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by aschen

I just bought a focus ST for 7k off msrp at 19k. They are giving them away. 250 hp 30 mpg and 6mt. I dont love buying new cars either but a decent used car was going to be 15k. It is more fun to drive than i thought

Those look fun. I was thinking of trying an ST. There are a bunch up the street, I just need to stop in when I have some time to try one out. How is the torque steer?

[Tobra]

LS swap?

[aschen]

There is a bit of torque steer but it isnt terrible, mostly only in first and second in slick conditions. Just a mild tug not wheel hop. I think it uses the front brakes to fake an lsd. I drove a mazdaspeed 3 which was much worse. Turbo lag is non existant, it makes boost before 2krpm under load

Its really a great value at 19k. It replaces a 12YO wrx wagon for me and it is better in almost all ways except AWD.

The higjer trim sts have great recaros as well, but i went for the cheapest trim. They may be an issue if you are not thin

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by Tobra

LS swap?

Paul Newman did that once or a few times. I don't know if it's practical on a platform that drives the front wheels or all wheels.

[95avblm3]

Originally Posted by LEAKYSEALS951

My beloved 2005 xc70 took a dump last week. While I was reading all the fart threads, at just over 202020.20 miles, It shuddered and shimmered, and got a misfire on cylinder #3. I replaced the plug, and the coil pack, but no love, and it "felt" like something more ominous was going on.

I dropped it off at a trusted mechanic's shop, who did a leakdown and there is no compression on #3.

D#$$~!

So... Do I scope the engine to see if a valve spring broke and the valve took a dump (hopefully not causing too much damage to the piston and get a new head?)

Buy a new engine for about 700-1000 and have the mechanic install it?

Buy a new engine and I install it?

Or buy a new car?

In the last week I drove some Subarus, new Volvos, and even a Hyundia Elantra Sport GT 6 speed hatchback. In the next week or two, the new Buick Sport X Wagon will be in a local dealer.

My problem with new cars is this-
I simply don't like all the new technology.
The Subarus seem to have problems with the CVT's.
The Volvo (v90, xc90?)is all touch screen crap and cannot be serviced without some blue tooth wireless hookup to the Volvo dealer's hindquarters.
The Buick is new, untested, will drop value like a bad habit and had no spare (and an 8 speed auto which will probably crap out as well/

Or the Elantra- Imagine this, a 6 SPEED MANUAL which has dual climate control, heated seats, and drives like an AUDI A3 wannabe (but has poor looks and safety ratings (There will be a kid in the backseat)).

And another thing- Every single new car seems to be squeezing the heck out of a turbocharged .0000005 liter engine to get the best mpg. I have longevity concerns about such stressed little engines.
Thoughts? Other ideas?

My volvo xc70 is tired, but I consider it a family member. The new cars are new and tight, but I'm not feeling confident they can even deliver me to my xc70's relatively meager 200k

TIA (literally) - "Thanks in advance" or "Transient Ischemic Attack"
Ron

We currently have an '05 V70 with 150k that is going strong. Before moving overseas, my wife had an Elantra GT. It was great... good fit and finish, reliable, not too bad to drive (although it was a slushbox). ...And they don't have poor safety ratings: Here's a link for the 2018: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

It's a "Top Safety Pick".

[sammyg2]

Nothing to contribute so ...

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I would LOVE to do an LS swap but my volvo is the transverse mounted "pos" newer design. I sit on youtube and look up LS swaps on older wagons all the time.

I went and drove a mazda-3 hatcback today. Will try Focus ST. Hatchbacks do really good for what I need a car for 99% of the time, but I really don't feel safe hauling my daughter in the back seats. I've seen cars like this rear ended and crushed to the back of the driver's seat. Not a good proposition for the rear seat occupants.

Hopefully will talk to mechanic today. He was at Amelia island last week. Maybe he bought me a 917.

[Shadetree930]

I loved our XC70. It was good looking and soooooo comfortable to drive. Have an XC90 now and love it even more.

Time to move on and get the XC90. You won't look back.