There's a guy on Craigslist selling a '94 Volvo 850, 5 speed with 104k on the clock. The guy claims that currently only 3 cylinders are firing and the engine needs a new head. Apparently the problems started when the timing belt broke and owner's girlfriend tried to start the car. He's asking $1000 for it. The owner has replaced the timing belt and water pump.

Does this thing need a new head or a new engine? Thanks.

 

New head at a minimum. Hopefully nothing messed up the pistons when the valves bent. Hell for $1,000 that would be a great donor car for the five speed transmission. Then part out the rest of it for more than you paid for it. Where is this car? My son in law wants to convert one of my R's to a five speed. Honestly I would only offer him about $500 for the car and would not pay more than about $750. Chances are it will need an engine or about $3,000 to repair the existing engine.

PEOPLE READING THIS TAKE HEED AND MAKE SURE YOU CHANGE YOUR TIMING BELTS!!!!

 

Yeah, I was thinking about $500 because of the uncertainty regarding possible piston damage. The car is located on the North side of Chicago...