Problems with old cars

As everyone knows (I'm sure this is of the primary interests for everybody here) I drive a Volvo 440SE 2.0 from 1992 (for Americans: the 4 series was the first-ever FWD Volvo, and was never exported to USA). I paid 500 € for it (a little over $600 US).

Now, the day before yesterday (or night to be exact), my cambelt snapped. Repairing the damn thing (i.e. changing the engine as the old one is unrepairable) costs 400 €, not including the parts (i.e. the engine). So it will cost more to repair than it cost to buy. I will get it repaired anyway, because buying another one in the same price range could mean buying another time bomb. Now I will at least have an engine with a lot fewer km in clock (the old one had about 290000km).

I think almost everyone that has ever owned a car has experienced something similar (I could write a book my self), so please share your stories!

I know the car you are talking about. I knew a girl in Paris that had one. Nice ride (the girl not the car). I digress.

That's the trouble with old cars. I got the bright idea to by a Jag a few years back. I paid to have the car re-wired twice before I gave up on it. I sold it for less than the last repair bill. Jag & Lucas wiring --- Priceless. I mean pricey.

If it is any consolation, my monthly car payment is a little less than twice what you paid for your Volvo in total so you are way ahead of me.

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr_Big_

If it is any consolation, my monthly car payment is a little less than twice what you paid for your Volvo in total so you are way ahead of me.

I drive these junkyard-ready cars to save money for a car whose payment per month is quite a bit more than what my Volvo cost me. A used (2002 or newer) BMW 530 diesel (once again, not exported to USA), that is. But trouble like this move my BMW purchase further in the future.

In total I save a lot comparing to driving a newer car. But that doesn't mean this kind of stuff wouldn't piss me off.

...especially when the Volvo parts dealer is on vacation and no-one really knows when I'm going to get a new engine.

i had a VW Golf 3 GTI modified for racing and it broke downso many times... i broke angine mounting brakets, the gearbox cracked, the starter packed out... i think i had to be towed 3 times in one year soi sold the piece of junk. My petrol consumption was: WAIT FOR THIS... $10 for a few kms... it was terrible...

i know what you're talking about

i bought my first car, a Fiat Tipo 1.6, from a Ford seller (btw: never will do that again). the price was 500 €. during 2 years that i drove that fucking car nearly all parts did brake, or give up. repair bills were more then 1500€. in the end i sold that piece of shit for 300€.

thats how to waste money on cars.

for myself i deciced only to buy new cars in future

When speaking of older cars, Honda's are VERY reliable. One mate has a civic with 500 000km in the meter. The engine is like from the factory, without opening. But speaking the truth, older volvo's are more reliable than the new ones.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ascaris

older volvo's are more reliable than the new ones.

I thought you were talking about "old" cars 1970s and earlier. I generally do not try to do much myself on any vehicles made after approx. 1976. Too much electronics and I miss carburetors.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ascaris

older volvo's are more reliable than the new ones.

To be precise: RWD Volvos were able to do million km with ease. FWD Volvos can barely do 250000 to 300000. The older engine blocks used in the RWD Volvos were built so strong that they are still popular as basis of race engines.

Quote:

Originally posted by j0lly

i know what you're talking about

i bought my first car, a Fiat Tipo 1.6, from a Ford seller (btw: never will do that again). the price was 500 €. during 2 years that i drove that fucking car nearly all parts did brake, or give up. repair bills were more then 1500€. in the end i sold that piece of shit for 300€.

thats how to waste money on cars.

for myself i deciced only to buy new cars in future

Believe me, driving a new, or even relatively new, BMW vould have cost you a lot more, even if nothing ever has to be done. Simply because it loses so much value per km.

You're right about that.

And the new volvos have lots of electrical problems, along with the other problems. My uncle has 3 years old V70, he once had VERY small amount of gasolin the car almost stopped, and he went for a re-full. He couldn't open the tank-cover because it's electrical. He didn't want to smash the whole system with violence, so he tried to get to home, but he went out of gasolin and car stopped next to the road. They need to trail the car to the volvo's repair shop and they fixed those electrics and re-filled the car.

Glad I have mechanical system, and it's a fool proof.

Well, newer cars tend to have more problems than older cars, in general. I mean, in the same age. Twenty year old cars were just fine ten years ago, but ten year old cars have all kinds of problems today.

Quote:

Originally posted by ÜberPervert™

Well, newer cars tend to have more problems than older cars, in general. I mean, in the same age. Twenty year old cars were just fine ten years ago, but ten year old cars have all kinds of problems today.

True. I think it is complexity. 20 years ago under the hood was an engine.

I don't think it's the complexity. I think it's the compromises car manufacturers make to get the cars assembled economically (= poorly).

I have a 1984 Camaro, only prob is fuel-consumption. Of course it has a new engine and transmission for racing, but that was voluntary, not because it needed them. P.S. to drivers of Brit cars; Pray to Lucas,the god of Darkness, before each trip! Keep tools, flashlight, and cellphone in the trunk(boot). NEVER drive if rain is possible!