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Decision time: Put money into '99 S70 GLT? S70

I've had this great car for 10 years now (bought as a Volvo pre-owned). It's been the best Volvo I've ever had, and I've had many, for many reasons. However, with 160k on the clock I have some decisions to make as the following are imminent expenses:

1) A/C. Massive leak under car - you can see the coolant's dye all over the under side of the car, right near where the evap would be, so I assume like most s70's it's time has come. When first charged, the compressor works and it cools just fine, but only lasted 2 days. I'm told this will be $1200-ish.

2) Control Arm and Tie Rod needs to be replaced (other side done last year). $400

3) I smell coolant when the heat is on in the winter and I lose a little coolant - heater core, $xxx.00?

4) Needs brakes, plugs, assorted other stuff, $500 or so.

So, basically I'm looking at putting about as much as the car is worth into it. Doesn't make sense I guess, but the car has been a great car. Guess I'm just wondering when you "call it" you know?

I'm looking at getting perhaps an 08-09 S60 or S80, love buying these cars with a few thousand on them and saving as much as that in cash.

Aren't these cars great?








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    Decision time: Put money into '99 S70 GLT? S70

    Sell it. You got your money's worth out of it. But adjust your selling price down for the AC evap and other problems you know need to be done. Just be fair to the new owner. You will get nothing as a trade-in.

    In the Twin Cities, a new evap will cost close to $2K. The heater core is easy to DIY, just a couple of hours. Remember, heat always flows through the core regardless of the temp selection so you will leak all of the time.

    Klaus
    --
    Why are Volvos so endearing? Its just a car.








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      Decision time: Put money into '99 S70 GLT? S70

      Thanks Klaus! I did wind up trading it in and got $1500 for it, which was actually reasonable for it considering the price I was getting on new car as well. All good. Miss it alot, very rare to see that combo of luxury and performance for that price.

      Looking at another one now, ironically. Same exact model/color, for the wife. Has 128k on it with timing belt done at 112k and A/C still works.

      Any tips on KEEPING it working, or is the evap leak inevitable?








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        Decision time: Put money into '99 S70 GLT? S70

        A 1999 with a Tbelt change at 112K? Most of them had tensioner failures before 90K, the owner(s) was lucky. Yes, the evap will eventually leak mostly because the owners forget to repl the cabin filter annually.

        Sounds like maintenance was deferred. Why not get your wife a nice 2003+ S80?
        --
        My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic








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          Decision time: Put money into '99 S70 GLT? S70

          Yes, definitely a possibility. I favored the S70's simply out of familiarity with the model and being able to do some of the work on it.

          She says she wants a wagon, so wondering what to look at that will be around the $7500 range. Don't need AWD...thoughts appreciated!








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            Decision time: Put money into '99 S70 GLT? S70

            I always have fun on Craigslist. Just put wagon in the search field, 100 in the min and 7900 in the max field, and go. Amazing what can pop up.
            --
            My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic








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        Decision time: Put money into '99 S70 GLT? S70

        Evap - Change the cabin air filter and keep area around it clean.

        --
        95 855 GLT Sportwagon 215k, 90 244 DL 300k - after 10 years has a new home







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