I have a 1996 Volvo 850 GLT Wagon with a bad transmission (I blew out the reverse gear on a hill a month ago). I want to keep the car if it's possible, curious whether anyone has experience swapping the transmission and if so what it set them back. I don't think I'll be doing this myself, probably dropping it off with a trusted mechanic.

 

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...897078391.html


20-30 hours of labor... if the mechanic will even take the job.

 

Yeah... don't you think that would be cheaper though than buying a new automatic transmission? Might be cheaper to buy another car!! I've been looking, have found some later models on craigslist for 2500-2500.. What think you of these?:

Volvo V70 Station Wagon 2001 Great Condition

2004 Volvo v70

2001 Volvo V70 2.4 Turbo !RUNS GREAT!

 

No, the auto transmission overhaul/swap is a really normal and common procedure. Shops specialize in that, and in fact if you look up auto transmission shops in the yellow pages, you'll find many people who do that very thing all day every day. They will give you quotes.

Modifying cars is quite different market-wise than repairing them. You might find that most of the transmission shops will not quote on the 5-speed change, but of course you can ask.

 

That is a really nice looking car for the money.

 

Hi Firedbird, thanks for the reply. I'm looking into it, I'm concerned that if I do a transmission swap, which is at least $1500 at the cheapest, that something else will crop up with this car...

 

The whole car is really good, but it is a 20 year old European car. Every time it won't start, who's going to work on it? You've about got to have an old volvo specialist.

 

Yeah that's not as big a problem for me as whether it's worth it to keep putting money into repairs on it or whether it makes for financial sense to try to get something newer. There are a couple good Volvo mechanics near me so finding a guy isn't an issue.

 

Unless you can work on them themselves, I don't recommend Volvo FWD to anyone.

If you still want a Volvo, get a rwd car.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...902377144.html
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5841780238.html

Only thing wrong with a RWD cars is the leather seats crack, but seats are cheap and easy to find.

 

What about a CX90 T6 from 2005?

 

You have to pay to play, how much you got?

 

2000, 2500 tops. I could do financing through a dealer if I thought it was worth it. The CX90s don't have a great rep though... I'm looking at 2000s V70s or maybe a CX70? What do you think?

 

Avoid at all costs. The 2003-2005 T6 XC90's used a GM transmission that really does not stand up to the power they have.


if you are interested in an XC90 T5, or the V8, they are better, but a very complex car to take care of.

 

Thanks I've been hearing that a lot, I'm looking at XC70s and V70s. Really leaning towards a 2008 V70 that is really clean looking. Any thoughts? I heard the 2008 V70 was recalled for an overheating battery in the GPS system and also for a coolant sensor malfunction that could potentially cause your engine to seize. I don't know if this unit was serviced for these issues but otherwise what is your opinion of the V70 from this year?

 

I already expressed what I think, you just don't want to hear it.

You can't afford a FWD Volvo.

 

No I am listening to you, the 2006 XC70 I'm looking has AWD, not FWD...

 

Couple other things, the RWDs you sent are half my price range.. and that's if I'm buying the thing outright and not financing it through a dealer. The other thing and I have to ask why the seats on a RWD would wear out faster than on a FWD or AWD...??

 

Probably just sunshine and weather rather than wear. I am just making that up. None of my cars have nice leather at all.

 

All Volvo AWD are FWD based, which means even more troublesome when things goes wrong. Stay away from FWD and AWD if you're looking for cheap transportation.

The money you saved will be used to fix up the car, fluid change, tires, parts, seats, waterpump, timing belt, $1000 will be gone in no time. All used cars need work.
Age and material of the seats, clothe are better than leather for longevity.

 

Thanks for the reply, I didn't realize AWDs were front wheel drive based. I get the point of putting some money towards maintenance instead of putting the whole amount on the price of the car alone. I guess what I'm asking is, having driven a 20 year old car for the past 6-7 years, it makes more sense to try to get into a newer vehicle, like a 2006 XC70.. If I were looking to spend 1400 on another mid-90s, why not pay to have a new auto trans put in mine? Would actually be cheaper and I wouldn't run the risk of taking on new problems since I know what's wrong with mine.. Thoughts?