What would an endless thread be without one more message?
I was new to Volvos 4 years ago when I bought my '83 240 Turbo and
have been in love since. The other day we were sitting around
contemplating the cost of ownership and were thinking that, as much as
we love her, it may be time to give Lilly up in favor of a newer car.
I remarked to my wife about this thread and the incredibly positive
response the 900 series was getting. I had driven an 850T wagon about
8 years ago as a rental and liked it for all the reasons mentioned
below.
We sat down and started adding up the costs (not including inevitable
costs like fuel, oil changes, etc.) and found that in 2002 we spent
$1530CAD on repairs and in 2003 $1503CAD (or about $1100USD). Is that
much? It's worthwhile mentioning that each of those totals is made up
of about 8 different items and no repeats. In the same period my
father (who drives a 1997 Mercedes) only visited the garage twice...to
the tune of $2400. And my boss (1997 Eagle Talon AWD) spent $2100 in 3
trips. So, with that in perspective, I don't feel I'm spending that
much. Their cars are about 15 years newer but are still costing them
more.
Would I spend much less if I dropped $5000CAD on a used 940 or 850? I
know there is no car that exists without the repair costs, but the
balljoint that cost me $110 in parts/labor/tax for my 240 would cost
what in a 940? I'm due for a water pump gasket replacement and an
inner tie rod replacement, about $350 is the estimate for all that.
Can you even get anyone to look at your 850 for that money?
