hello all...I never thought i would join a car forum, but since buying my 99 xc wagon for a "steal" I am feeling as if I've been taken. My hubby is reassuring me that all of the "issues" are easily fixed, but from what i've seen on the forums I think we're in for a bumby ride, literally. My desperation to be a Volvo driving soccer mom (on a budget) has perhaps bitten me in the butt. How can I be happy and excited about a vehicle with so many what ifs? Service light on, timing belt reportedly replaced by seller, but was NOT and he is surprisingly unavailable (will not return calls..ARRRGH!), funny sounds from engine when it first starts up, no keyless entry (was stolen???), we have replaced reservoir, thermostat, and just bought struts, need rubber bushing...This feminist is going crazy leaving this up to my hubby who says he has all under control. I am worried!!!

 

Keep the faith. It sounds like, yes, the guy ripped you off. But that could be any car. Volvos do need a little more in the TLC maintenance area and it sounds like it may not have been done by the previous owner. That is not the car's fault. Trust in your hubby, if it needs done, do it when you can. If he needs help with anything, just ask. This forum and these people are one of the best on the web. Not alot of B.S. I see in other places. Just take one issue at a time as you can. You will be happy in the end. Keep us informed and good luck.

 

I agree with 65 about keeping the faith. Volvo's when treated properly, which it sounds like you are doing, can recover and then provide you with years of safe, enjoyable transportation. If it makes you feel better go ahead and make a voodoo doll of the seller and stick many large needles into various parts of the anatomy of said doll.

 

Agreed as well.
Once it is fixed you will be fine.

Service light easy to clear search the forum you can do it and surprise him by resetting it. (that is as long as it isn't the CHECK ENGINE light.

The sound on start up might be bad oil pan o-rings if he can do it then it will cost about $20.00 in parts+ oil to fix it.
Timing belt isn't all that bad either.

Take your time and be patient. You will love it later.

 

Welcome to the forum.

I'm sorry that you're worried. Here're good news:

- You've come to the right place. We'll save you quite a bit of $ (especially if your hubby is willing to spend some $ on tools, equipment & parts. Will also give him safety precautions should he decide to do the repairs on his own).

- Volvos are as durable as Japanese cars, they just need a bit of TLC in electrical & electronic systems, most of which is usually trivial, even the Check Engine Light. Almost all European cars are noted for having poor electrical & electronic systems.

- Service light is generally a routine service reminder (oil + filter, etc) and you can ignore it if you like. If you want to kill it, we'll help you killing it.

- Our forum is different from others in that we try to keep it as friendly & helpful as possible (if I find a sarcastic/offensive post, I delete it), and the moderators & regular members do our best to be around as often as possible (most of us are here everyday, and since I'm stuckin Japan at the moment, it is like a 24-hour assistance). BTW, Moderator Tech is the top-dog of the forum.

- You drive a Volvo; the safest cars on Earth available to the public. You will be very happy to know this once you find out.

Ask us as many questions as you wish, and try posting them in the XC70 forum. If the forum is slow, try General Volvo Chat. Make sure to have the timing belt taken care of as the top priority, because if the belt snaps while the engine is running, it WILL make you sorry. Replace the belt, tensioner & all pulleys (this service has to be done at every 70,000 miles or 5 years). And have them serviced either at a dealer or an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/Euro makesand have a fully-certified ASE Master Technician work on your car. I do not recommend having your Volvo serviced at a franchise shop or average town shops so try not to be stingy on this one and expect to pay a bit extra for quality service.

Again, welcome to the forum and best of luck to you. Remember, we're here to help.


JPN

 

Very nice forum here!!!Moderators are so polite..Thanks to you all..

 

And thank you for the kind words!


JPN

 

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