Hello. I wrote a while ago and received some help in assessing the air compressor problem that I have with my 85 240DL wagon. After consideration, I have decided to take the car to a shop rather than attempt to fix it myself. I have checked out the shop area on this message board, but only found a rec for Volpar in this area. Problem is, they don't answer their phone (I also think that they may be more of a resource for parts rather than for repairs).

Anyhow, I would like to know if anyone can recommend me to a shop in the San Jose or Santa Clara areas (or steer me away from one)? I have talked to someone at Volvo Auto Care By Swedish Auto Factory on Martin Ave in Santa Clara. They charge $93 an hour and have quoted me just a rough estimate over the phone of a new compressor costing over $1000 (with recharging of R12). They offered conversion of the air conditioner, but not sure I can afford that at this time. Anyone heard of this shop?

My delima is that I am trying to figure out whether or not it is worth fixing what appears to be a very pricey repair. I only paid $1200 for the car, which other than the air compressor thing, is in good condition with 147k miles. The intention is for this to be our only family car, but we only have about $1000 to spend on repairs at this time. Wondering if I should bother fixing it or should try to sell as is and put that money plus the $1000 I have for repairs on it into another 240. Any thoughts?

Thanks Much for your time, help, and thoughts,

Michael

I have had work done by Volpar and they have always treated me fairly. They do have a very good supply of used and new parts (sometimes much better than the dealers) and are open 7 days a week. Vern is the owner and is probably the one that will answer the phone. They open at 10:00AM and close around 7:00PM on the weekdays. I forget their Sunday hours, but I know they are open..... they have saved me many, many times when I needed a part at the last minute.

Thanks Zoom! I will keep calling them and see if I can get through!

Thanks again,

Michael

There is a very good independant shop in San Jose called Vovo Works. They are right off 880 heading south before the CA 101 intersect, take the Old Bayshore exit, turn right at the bottom of the ramp, they are on the right. I've had them do numerous repairs and mod's top my 245 when I lived out there. Very satisfied.
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'89 245 Sportwagon, '04 V70 2.5T Sportwagon

Thanks vvpete! I will give them a call and look into them further. Thanks for the rec, I appreciate it.

Michael

If any of the brickboard posts are to be believed, I'd avoid Volvo Werks.

http://www.brickboard.com/V8/index.htm?id=843795
http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=824228
http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=859548
http://www.brickboard.com/V8/index.htm?id=832392
http://www.brickboard.com/V8/index.htm?id=828221

There's a whole lot of bad feelings out there surrounding them.

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alex

Thanks for the tip Alex! I read the posts on the links you send and will defintely avoid them!

Thanks again,

Michael