Ok.... I understand the value of the car if I sold it is 1,200. I did consider this as well as considered buying another used car, Volvo or not ..... also looked at some of the new car deals. At this time, this was the best decision for me and unless this turns into a maintenance nightmare, I will continue to feel good about the choice of replacing the engine....but there are outstanding issues that absolutely have to be resolved with the car.

The people on this forum may be able to tell an excellent used Volvo from one that is not, but I pretty much have to rely on others expert opinion--- I know it seems ridiculous to put 2,300 in a car that I could only sell for 1,200 but then that is not why I chose to do it..... I did it because I want to drive it for several more years ... it is heavy, great pick up, roomy and comfortable. I would not know what problems I was buying if I got another used Volvo ..... I know where this one has been as a relative bought it new and I bought it from them eight years ago!!!!

The shop I used has been in business for the last 20+ years in the same location and they specialize in Volvo Repair ---- I have no real idea if they are doing a good job or not ..... I think they are trying to do right by me but I know that is not always the case. The customers I have talked with in the waiting room love these guys and have come back to them for years with their Volvos.

Sooner or later unless you are a mechanic yourself, you have to trust someone to do right ----- so I decided to trust this guy to do the right thing.

I believe he will adjust the problem with the oil, rough idle, alternator belt tightening, etc when I take it back..... he asked that I drive it for 300-500 miles before he starts making adjustments. None of the items I mentioned seem to be excessive --- they need to be fixed but the car actually is driving great --- the rough idle is the thing I notice the most... but I know that can be adjusted. But, these items need to be fixed..... I don't want leaking oil, rough idle etc -- I plan to take it back next week.... these issues need to be resolved -- I believe he will resolve them ---- either way I will post the outcome to the forum.

I just want to say to all of you, especially the mechanics out there that it is very difficult to know who to use for car repairs if you are not mechanically inclined. I do as much research as I can --- this forum is one of the things I am doing.... but in the end, unless you know how to do the work yourself --- you have to trust someone else to do it and do it right.

The $2,300 was for the engine, radiator, hoses, timing belt, oil, labor etc. I did get two other estimates and this one was in the ball park with the other two.

The thing that blew me away was how did he find an engine with only 62,000 miles from a 95 Volvo. Do you think it is rebuilt or original miles? He said he has dealt with this company for many years.... he evidently trusts them. It has a 90 day parts/service warranty.

Thanks for the comments --- that is why I joined

 

just my opinion...I think your reasoning is sound. The engine may have had these issues prior to being installed in your car. My experience is I always figure in dumping in between 500 and 1000 in ANY used car i've bought. Tires, fluids, brakes, timing belt...just stuff. SO, for a car you love, is and has been reliable, essentially you bought yourself many many more years for 2k. If you are happy, then who really cares what everyone else thinks. Ask 5 lawyers, doctors, mechanics an opinion, youll get 3, 4 or 5 different opinions. Opinions are based on life experience, and if you succeed in this venture (and I pray you will) then you are the one thats gonna sleep well at night knowing you made the right choice. Whether I'd of done the same thing as you, or anyone on here would have isn't the point. We arent in your shoes. Go enjoy your car!

 

You mean you just believed them when they told you that the motor had 62K? It MAY, but I still would like to see some proof... because I'll tell you, it's been awhile since I saw a 940 with 62K...

Now, I see your reasoning about the overall picture, and feel your predicament, yours and many other consumers who are in this position... This is what this forum is trying ultimately to do, educate and share info, help... Yet, it takes a lot to be able to maneuver the automobile market... Good Luck!

 

Well I don't really know what to believe but he got the engine from one of three major companies in Atlanta that provide this type of used engine replacement - they have done business with this company for years - -but there is no paper work to say this engine has 62,000 miles and my odometer still says 184,000 since that was not changed. If the engine does not work ..... he is the one that is going to have to find another one and spend his shop's resources to put yet another one in the car.

So I would think he would be somewhat motivated to find a good engine the first time to put in so that he does not have to do it twice.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the comments...... as I said if I am going to stay with a used car I would rather stay with my excellent used car repaired than to buy someone else problems!!!!

I am very comfortable with my decision .... as long as the shop gets the remaining issues fixed -- I will take the car back on Thursday morning --

If they will fix these remaining issues and I can drive the car for 2-4 more years it will work out to be a great decision.

buckthedog:
"Just my opinion...I think your reasoning is sound. The engine may have had these issues prior to being installed in your car. My experience is I always figure in dumping in between 500 and 1000 in ANY used car i've bought. Tires, fluids, brakes, timing belt...just stuff. SO, for a car you love, is and has been reliable, essentially you bought yourself many many more years for 2k. If you are happy, then who really cares what everyone else thinks. Ask 5 lawyers, doctors, mechanics an opinion, youll get 3, 4 or 5 different opinions. Opinions are based on life experience, and if you succeed in this venture (and I pray you will) then you are the one thats gonna sleep well at night knowing you made the right choice. Whether I'd of done the same thing as you, or anyone on here would have isn't the point. We arent in your shoes. Go enjoy your car!"

 

You'll probably be alright for a couple of years, but I still seriously doubt that the engine has 62k on it... and absent any proof, I think somebody is blowing smoke. Still, even a 150k miles Volvo motor with a good maintenance can be in a great shape and has many years left... Don't worry about it, just get the shop to make it run perfect, you deserve that for the price you paid!

 

OK.... this is where the engine replacement stands:

I had an oil leak in the used engine... also loss of acceleration power (turbo hoses?)

They charged me another $500 to replace seals etc to stop the oil leak (this seems to have worked --- no oil in the last couple of weeks)

Then they wanted to charge me a couple hundred more to replace the turbo hoses..... I chose not to do that at this time.... but whatever they did actually corrected the loss of acceleration problem anyway..... I no longer have it and they did not replace the hoses..... they must have adjusted something while replacing the seals which corrected it.

So, now I am two weeks into the last time to the shop.... it is driving well... no oil leaks.... good acceleration...... so for the moment all is well.

I do have a couple of other problems ---- but nothing I have to fix immediately......

one is a brake light... replaced the bulb .. still does not work on one side... shop told me it is a brake relay that needs to be replaced and they will charge 70-80 to do it.

another issue is my speedometer has been working about 25% of the time.... another shop replaced the original speedometer with a used one (they did this two times) and it still does not work most of the time......so now I don't have a speedometer or odometer that works most of the time. After changing it out twice, I have pretty much decided not to fool with it anymore but it would be nice to have one that works ....

Thanks for all of your comments ..... I do hope my car repairs are finished for a few months anyway

 

Sounds like you have the situation in hand but if you ever need good used (or new) parts I deal with a place called Voluparts off Howell Mill. They salvage Volvos only and sell new parts as well. I just bought an 850 engine from them for $750.

 

I suppose this is not a good time to mention I traded a 91 740T motor for a set of Virgo wheels? Had 119k miles on it!So, basically a couple hundred bucks. Rudi, glad for the update...does indeed sound like your car is on the road to recovery!!