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Keep it or retire it? V70-XC70 1998

posted by  kcookvt on  Wed Mar 30 08:03 CST 2022
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last visit: Tue Aug 5 19:59 CST 2014
[RELATED]

I am looking for advice about the future of our '98 V70 (base: 253K miles). We bought the car in January of '14 and have put about 54K miles on it in that time. It is our third car, and we do not drive much. Immediate need is a sticking rear caliper, which was recently replaced (twice in last three years). I have replaced front wheel bearings, radiator, exhaust system, and heater core (and headliner) all within last 25K mile/4 years. AC seems to work well, as do engine and transmission. Body is a little rough, but not much rust. It has sets of mounted studded snow tires and mounted all-season tires, both with plenty of life left.

To pass inspection, it needs fuel tank straps, brakes and rotors all around, a front tie rod end, and at least one caliper. Total about $900, but less if I can do some myself (I can do the brakes (not caliper) and am not sure about the fuel tank straps--is that a DIY job?).

I have not tested the waters, but I don't know that I could get more than about $1000 if I were to try to sell it, and maybe a little more if I were to have the work done and then sell it, so I am stuck: do I fix it and keep it, knowing that any money I put into it at this point will not really increase the value of the car, or do I retire it, sell it for what I can (of course informing any buyer what it needs)?

What would you do? It has been a good car. Trying not to let emotions cloud judgement.








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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    Do the rotors and pads yourself. Get Zimmermn rotors and OEM pads. That should save you at least $500. The tank strap is $45.

    BUT, do you realize that there are 2 flex brake lines at the rear of the car? These have probably never been replaced and may swell under pressure. Have your mechanic inspect/replace both of these lines before flushing the fluid. It is not a "terrible" job, but may require some heat to free up the couplings - I know you don't want to do this at home.


    Below is a link for fuel tank strap from FCP:

    https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-fuel-tank-strap-v70-850-9454593?ads_cmpid=14308704881&ads_adid=126404518775&ads_matchtype=&ads_network=g&ads_creative=539621335898&utm_term=&ads_targetid=pla-293946777986&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&ttv=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwopWSBhB6EiwAjxmqDZxQesYX0gKF4Fj3ccq9BiVj1gJEs7yvu2ItNmBekc8T5L6d8XdcOBoCrrIQAvD_BwE#fitment


    Easy to do, requires a jack to hold the tank while the strap is removed. The bolts may need a bit of soaking in penetrating oil...


    Don't park it. It is a very good car. You have maintenance history which is worth $1,000 by itself. The car is road worthy. Your only cost is insurance. Find a good home for it. Ask a good price for it!! Or find a family that is in dire need of a good/reliable car and sell it to them for $10.





    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new



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      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

      If you are moderately handy with spanners this should be OK to fix yourself. Rust is another thing but you say it isn't bad. If no welding is needed just scrub off what you can and spray up with anti rust and something like Fluid Film. Your name might indicate you are in Vermont? A rust belt state but not one of the worst I think.



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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    Hi Kevin,

    What's going on with your rear calipers? They're getting changed as often as oil filters.
    Where did you get your calipers? Have you flushed your brake fluid?
    How old is the flex brake line to that quickly sticking group of calipers?

    I'd rather have a fixed up older Volvo than newer cars that are less rugged and
    harder to maintain by design. You can however sell your car at a good price
    in a red hot used-car market now.

    Cheers, Bill



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      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

      I tend to agree with you. I’m not sure about the calipers. My daughter was away at school and had it fixed at a shop that I cannot vouch for.



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