I own a 2001 S60. There has been a fluid emitting from/near/around the gas pedal region slowly for the past 6 months. At first, I thought I'd just tracked in oil from outside, but I've shampooed the carpets twice and the fluid keeps coming back. I took it to the dealer today and he mentioned it might be coolant leaking from the heater core. If it was, combined with the fuel pump and ETM needing replacing (both of which are covered under warranty/recalls), he said he'd recommend "putting a bullet" in the car. He claimed the repair of the heater core would be too costly and more than the car is worth at this point.

I have 190,000 miles on the vehicle, the right side needs major body work and the power steering has been giving me fits (lines just burst, fluid leaked everywhere; repaired the lines, but now makes a funny noise as if there's air in the system when I turn left). I just replaced brakes, tires, transmission, serpentine belts + timing kit and was told the upper engine mount is cracked and needs to be replaced. Lots of little electrical problems on the car (lights that don't work, short in signal turn, seat heaters just burnt out, speed sensor out), the moon roof doesn't open/close, and all the seals on the car need to be replaced.

I just paid it off, don't want a car payment, but don't want a $500/month car repair bill either. So, two questions:

One, is the heater core/gas pedal issue expensive and a monster to replace?

Two, would you recommend selling or fixing up?

 

Wow - with all the other problems your car has, yes a heating core would be the end of her. Its not super expensive but it is labor intensive.

I hate to say it but your car is in bad bad bad shape. I think her days are nearing the end.
It sounds to me that this car was in a fairly serious accident, partially repaired, but that water got into it before it was.

 

Okay. Bummer. Thanks.