Hi I am currently driving a 1998 Volvo V70R AWD 215k, miles black with a tan leather and tan cloth interior with all the optional extras and the engine is on its way out. The engine leaks oil and the power steering rack leaks frequently. I love the car and was given it by my parents and was wondering if it would be affordable and or a good idea to replace the engine and power steering rack instead of looking for a new car. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I can add more info if that would help.

Pictures
My Volvo V70R AWD by Athronos on deviantART

 

Hello, If the rest of the car is up to snuff all you're really talking about is the engine's oil leak. The P/S rack is a simple enough swap. How expensive they are is something I don't know. A worst case for an oil leak is the main seal which requires separation of engine and trannie. Determine where your engine is leaking. If your trans in very good or better condition just go with it. If not, servicing the 4 speed-all the way to rebuilding it since it's out of the car-is very cost effective compared to the 5 speed. You have a nice car. You'd have to pony up the cost of this repair package just for the down payment on a new car. Kira PS I realize this is all easily said. K

 

Its got a oil leak from the cylinder heads. Places my parents brought it to in the past said it would need a new engine. Most likely.

 

The crankcase breather is probably stopped up. Change it first.

 

Man, these cars start falling apart about now. That's a heck of a lot of miles. If you'd like, I'll give you some money for it so you can get a newer car. PM me.

 

Sounds like the guy who looked at it either didn't want to work on it or doesn't know volvos.

FYI you have a have a very desirable model and year (except for the AWD); that's probably why rspi is interested...

That being said, unless you're a DIYer, it's going to be expensive to maintain it. These are great cars if they're properly maintained. For what it would cost to fix it, you could not replace it with a comparable car. So it's really up to you and how much you like the car. A compression test will tell you more about the engine's condition than some oil leak.

 

Ok so conditions have changed and I will not be fixing up this Volvo.

The plan is to drive it thru the winter until the spring and then sell it to get a new car. If you know of anyone that is interested in a V70R and doesn't mind a lot of work then let me know. I have photos of the exterior and interior on my Deviant art page Link Here

 

Just posting to update what was said in the last post a few months ago.

Update 3/19/2012

So the spring is here and the car is still running, The engine is pretty unhappy these days. My dad thinks it may have finally blown a head gasket. Now im back to wondering what I should do. Try to sell it, look for a engine swap, or drive it till it dies. If you have any thoughts on what you would do please feel free to post some advice.

Thanks