Hi,
I had my RMS on my 89v70 replaced about 3 years ago. Dealer wanted about $1700; good local indie did it for $800. Make sure the vacuum lines and trap etc. are all cleaned out as positive crankcase pressure will put her right back to the same result in short order.

Is the underside of her car covered with oil? A sign that it is leaking while driving.

Check with a dealer - I think that the cost should be 1/2 of your estimate unless the XC is much harder than an 850.

Klaus dispenses good advice.

The only way to save time would be to trade it in ;)
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '72 Yamaha Rd400, '68 Honda 350-4, '12 XC70, the first 5 are mine, heh, heh, 525,000 miles put on 10 bricks James A Sousa

2k is high. I'm not sure why the '98 XC70 would be significantly longer than the 850. Roughly the same car. IIRC book on the 850 is 11-12 hours, and it's a $30 part. Are they replacing other things while in there, or is it just the seal?

You might have luck with cleaning the PCV system (puffing from the dipstick is a sign it is clogged), and a switch to heavier oil. IF it is clogged, cleaning it out could get the seal to re-seat. Some of the 'miracle fixes' work for people, though I'm not familiar with enough them to recommend one.

Guess it might be time for a second, or third, estimate.
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If you're not driving it "like its stolen," are you really driving?

It is a costly job, the transmission/flywheel has to be removed to replace the $40 seal.

With 140K, this is about the right time to replace/clean the oil separator and the PCT nipple on the intake air tube just before the turbo. All vacuum lines and elbows are also suspect.

I know you don't have a visual on the car, but your daughter has a camera. Have her take pics, after parking in a different spot, of the oil leak. Take a pic of the rear cam seal to the right of the distributer cap - also a good place for a leak.

As for 1 quart/1000 miles, that could also be due to valve stem seals and a leaking turbo seal.

If the 'leak' is really at the RMS and if it would be quarter size, then I would suggest pouring a quart of AutoRx to clean out the engine. You may be past that point.

Have her check the oil religiously and do not over fill.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

$2000 sounds pretty steep to me.

It may be worth spending some money and do a cleaning of the PCV system. The PTC nipple, oil separator, PCV valve and replace system hoses etc. Might help, give it some time after to see if the leak clears up. The leak sounds pretty bad though, if it is indeed 1 quart per tank.
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95 855 GLT Sportwagon 214k, sold - 90 244 DL 300k