I'm looking at a high mileage 04 (6sp) that I test drove today. I had a "spirited drive" (ahem) and after coming out of the car I noticed a bit of a small from the undercarriage. It was not a clutch like smell but a bit acrid nonetheless. Any guesses on that one?

Secondly, I may be able to put this up on the lift to take a look - what should I be looking for?

It does have a bit of a service history via the Carfax but I'm hoping to get a more detailed version from the Volvo dealer that apparently serviced it. At least, it does indicate that a dealer serviced this car which is quite satisfying.

Lastly, there is a slight "clik" coming from the driver's front wheel. Does this car typically eat CV joints or boots?

car has 173k miles


thanks
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1991 745 & 1993 965 /// RIP: 86 764T; 79 262C

The smell is probably coming from the sticking caliper on that clicking front wheel. Shake, push, bounce everything if you put it on the lift. Pay a few bucks to have an unbiased wrench look at it too.
Ed

You are prudent to inspect carefully. I've bought 4 "dealer serviced" used cars over the years and when I look at what service was actually performed vs what the invoices had written on them it is definitely a mixed bag.

Are you saying dealers bill for services they didn't perform?

I don't think 173K miles constitutes 'eating' CV joints.

As to the acrid smell, could that be just a leaking O ring at the turbo? If you get on a lift, look above the oil drain plug for fresh oil. Or it could be a clogged PTC causing too much crank pressure and blowing out a cam seal.

While on the lift, check the drive shaft for looseness at the forward CV and the hanger bearing. Also a good time to look at all of the CV joints at the wheels for cracks and tears.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.