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how relable is a volvo diesel[ALL/1998] posted by james jetty on
Saturday, 29 November 1997, at 12:56 p.m.
I am intresdted in buying a diesel for my 140 mile trip into work through a mile high pass, and I live in Nevada and deal with a average summer temp of over 100 degres. Will a volvo do this I have allway's wanted a Volvo wagon but I need good fuel econmy and a car that is not to much to fix. I expect high matince that is why I need good fuel ecnomy. If I wanted a cheap car to fix I would buy a chevy, so fairley high repair price is accectable
Thank's in advance
James
Re: how relable is a volvo diesel[ALL/1998] posted by Dave Spriggs on
Saturday, 29 November 1997, at 7:30 p.m.
James,
I've got some good news and some bad news.
The Good News: Volvo diesels are very reliable IF YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM. Of course I can only speak for myself, but my '84 has over 150k miles and still gets 30-35 MPG winter/summer with/without AC running. Oh, it uses a little more oil than it used to, but I've never had a compression problem. I would suggest that you have a trusted (and diesel qualified) mechanic evaluate any diesel you may be considering.
The Bad News: Mile high pass? Nevada? You don't want a diesel for that trip. The mileage I mentioned above is partly due to the flatland here in coastal Virgnia. Once in the hills and mountains, you can expect to make many new friends with truck drivers as you both creep up the right hand lane reserved for "slower" vehicles. I drove mine twice to West Virginia and it was not unusual to have to downshift all the way to 2nd gear to climb the longer grades.
Don't get me wrong; I love my diesel and wouldn't dream of trading or selling her. But, a hill climber she ain't.
Good Luck
Dave Spriggs
Norfolk VA USA
Re: how relable is a volvo diesel[ALL/1998] posted by Mark Klein on
Friday, 5 December 1997, at 10:00 p.m.
Dave's right. IF you MUST have a diesel, have the compression tested to make sure the engine is not worn out. This is not as easy as it is on a gas car. You could expect to pay $100-150 for this,but could save you from a very expensive mistake.