my recent experience (all prices in US$)

aug 2002: bought 1975 164e, injected in-line 6, manual w/ overdrive, $1800. overall pretty nice - slightest surface rust, poor re-paint has the clear-coat now peeling off. interior ok - could use re-upholstering eventually, but not horrid. when i bought it i did know it would need some exhaust work, front-end work, and maybe more. sellers were non-negotiable on the price and i loved it at first test-drive, so, i bought it.


since then i have had/done the following:
dec 2002: parts (bought my own parts, had them installed):
tie rod, left $47
tie rod, right $47
heavy-duty motor mount: $17
wheel bearing, front $56 (but never installed - returned - didn't need it in the end).
alternator (bosch) $109 (not counting core charge).
idler arm bushing: $16.


dec 2002: labor/install:
install front end parts listed above: $185, plus: repack front wheel bearings both sides, adjust steering gear, align.

(for front end, i still need upper/lower control arm bushings & upper ball joints replaced - *estimated labor on this is $350 aside from parts)


dec 2002:
new clutch:
clutch plate $140
clutch disc $100
rear main seal $15
install motor mount $40
clutch labor $300
(ouch, yes, this was a biggie)


dec 2002:
major tune-up:
air filter $15
plugs $10
dist cap $15
dist rotor $8
new voltage regulator $35
install labor on above parts $50 (incl alternator install)
new valve cover gasket: $15

nov 2002: replaced entire exhaust - can't find the receipt but it was $150 tops as i recall...


i've also had a couple of towings that resulted in $60 each charge. also does not include lube/oil/filter/flushes etc i've had done as standard maintenance, nor misc knobs & twiddlers i've scrounged up here & there. also not counting non-essentials, ie: new cd deck, speakers etc. oh - and a new set of tires, which was cheap for all 4, comparatively...


i don't have a garage space and it gets pretty cold & wet out this way, else i'd probably attempt some of this stuff myself, but, i'm also willing to pay a trusted volvo guy to do about anything under the hood etc. plus he's always throwing in little free stuff/parts/work etc, so i don't mind...


tho it's seen the shop a couple times more than i'd like (including getting a tow today with what seems to be a minor fuel problem), overall i'm happy with it. as stated, i did already know i was in for some of these repairs eventually, when i bought the car.

mine still has a very slow oil leak/seep someplace, so i make sure to check it often, well as a slow brake fluid leak (probably back into the master; nonetheless i top it off when it starts to feel squidgy).


but yes - god forbid you need to replace any of the EFI stuff - it can get very expensive, assuming you can find the parts. but if you're fortunate enough to come across one that's been well-maintained and cared for, you ought not have too many problems. i've been taking care of real problems, as well as potential ones, just to give myself a bit more peace of mind.

if it's your primary car, you might get the occasional hassle; but if not your primary, and/or you've got alternate means of transport, and you can deal with the occasional hassle, i say go for it. it makes up for it in the end.


good luck,
-daniel
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== 1975 164e ==