Should I keep my 1996 Volvo 850 GLT wagon

ewilhelm
Mon, 02 May 2011 00:14:44 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

1 have a 1996 Volvo 850 GLT wagon with the following problems and issues. Should I pay to get the major issues fixed, or use the money towards another car? This is my second car, it gets driven on a once-a-week basis, and I would probably replace it with another 10-year younger Volvo wagon or similar.

* Check Engine light with “incorrect ratio” code - my mechanic suggests replacing the speed sensor, flushing the transmission, and hoping for the best; will cost at least a couple hundred dollars. Web searches turn up PnP replacement might fix this.

* slow battery drain - replaced the battery harness as per Volvo’s instructions, but there is still a slow battery drain that kills the battery in a few days, which I cannot diagnose. If I want to use the car, I make sure the battery is charged the night before. Unknown cost to permanently fix - solar panel in the front window?

* odometer broken - the odometer broke at 125 K, the car has approximately 130 K miles on it. Mechanic estimates fixing the odometer is $500.

* due for a new timing belt - Last timing belt change was at 52 K; mechanic estimates $800 after doing “everything they like to do at this time, like the water pump.”

* various and sundry broken interior cosmetic panels

Should I do the repairs and hope to get to 160 K miles, or put the money towards a new car?

7 posts - 6 participants