[Ed Brewer]

I'm new to the Volvo scene, but interesting in getting a wagon. There is a 1990 760 turbo for sale near me that sounds good. It has 160,000 miles and I am wondering about reliability of the turbo and of the car in general. I am capable of doing almost any repair to a car and aware that buying an older car will require some extra maintenance and repairs. But is the higher mileage on a turbo car likely to cause extra repairs? What is the life expenctancy of the turbo itself? And feel free to just ramble on about general ownership of these cars

 

[gdill2]

Re: 1990 760 turbo reliablility? (Ed Brewer)

Ed,

If the car runs, drives and stops ok (not smoking!) and is not a pile of rust buy it and we will enjoy an Ann Arbor Spring with you as the "new" car gets put in perfect order by your capable hands!

George Dill

 

[Nato740]

Re: 1990 760 turbo reliablility? (gdill2)

Only thing you will have to get very friendly with fast is the total replacing of all the hose. Weak point in them all. And there are ALOT of them in there both for boost(aka turbo) and vac/breather use. Other then that, like gdill said happy ownership.

Modified by Nato740 at 11:08 AM 2-28-2006

 

[Wallyva]

Re: 1990 760 turbo reliablility? (Ed Brewer)

I would agree rom experience. Replace the hoses, especially the crankcase hose.

 

[martz]

Turbo Realiability? For as long as you cooled down the turbo before you completely shut down the engine you will be ok, especially when driven hard or on long trips. Better yet invest on a turbo timer, so you wouldnt need to worry of sitting the in car to cooled it down .

my 2 cents
MARTZ

 

[Nato740]

Re: 1990 760 turbo reliablility? (martz)

martz I think he was more looking for life span out of his with unknown 160,000 or more on it then life in general with a cared for (like you where nice enough to suggest how to) turbo. At 160,000 it is a crap shoot as to when it will fail. Have seen in the last two days a 2000-1? S80 T6 with 60,000 on it in the shop I use. And it was toasted. So no way to tell him other wise. http://********************/smile/emthup.gif Price is everything in this whole thread. Buy low with the option to use teh rest ($) for fixes.

 

[martz]

Re: 1990 760 turbo reliablility? (Nato740)

Totally agree Nato740, but these b230 motors as we all know are bulletproof so nothing to worry about that. It is through experience though that the life of the these turbo Volvos is the TURBINE and in order to get many many uneventful sMILES proper care is a Must, on any turboed car for that matter. Coolling down the turbo prolongs its life for a beautiful smooth spooling and boosting fun, plus saves you $$$$ in the long run.

 

[Nato740]

Re: 1990 760 turbo reliablility? (martz)

Yes all to well agreed. But I revisited his post and he asked for the turbo life/lack of it expectency not the 2.3 RED block eng you sight. Other then to in general ask about the car in general. I agree even with no care really a 2.3 red block will live a long life per-sa. But do not agree ANY car with a turbo and 160,000 unknown miles on it has any turbo life other then out the driveway today and back again. VOLVO does not, nor nor did it ever have a lock on some kind of super turbo to go with its 2.3 red block heritage. And taking care of a possible pigs ear turbo will never make it BACK into a silk purse. No matter how much you say it or wish it martz. That is all my point was really.

 

[Ed Brewer]

So it sounds like the turbo itself is really the main concern. How much does a rebuilt turbo cost? I can do the installation myself, so labor cost isn't an issue.

Oh, and another thought: how reliable is the A/C? What are the chances of it still holding a charge and blowing cold after 16 years?

 

[gdill2]

Re: (Ed Brewer)

R-12 - yuk!

Easy and cheap to convert the ac to r134a when you put new seals in the compressor.

Two ways to go on the turbo - rebuilt unit or renewal kit.

Prices?

I'll check.

George Dill

 

[Nato740]

Re: (Ed Brewer)

Again Ed like we all are saying(or trying) it is not a bad car nor a very problematic one. But it is 16 years old and has 160,000 miles on it that you did not drive it. You do the math. Bullet proof It will not be. What to expect, WHOM knows. Like i said buy cheap and expect to use the rest of teh money you did not spend,on REPAIRS. OR parts that you install as DIY. To ask for advise outside that other wise is unfair and ill advised. COMMON SENSE is your best friend in this. NOT high hopes.

BTW converting from R12 to R134a is way more then seals in teh compressor. But not a hard job. Those that do teh job as just new seals in compressor are jsut the ones(guys) that have major problems and major headaches later. And very bad A/C performance for sure.

 

[Ed Brewer]

Yeah, I understand that Volvo 240/740/940's are solid cars...I guess I'm really trying to decide if I'm ready to tackle another old, high mileage car. I currently have a 1986 BMW 325es with 137,xxx miles, a 1995 Ranger that just turned 172,000 miles today, and a 1968 Beetle that can beat Mustang GT's at the dragstrip.

Obviously I am not going to know how this exact car is, but I am just wondering about general problems. Like I can tell you that a BMW e30 will need a driveshaft typically between 130,000 and 150,000 miles, and you can count on replacing the idle control module every few years.

 

[martz]

Re: how reliable is the A/C

Ed,

Can't speak for all other other 2.3 turbo owners, but I did have issues with mine. Owned a 86 740t wagon , mind you bought it with 90k miles on it and spent countless time and $ to get the A/C to hold freon. The leak eventually was found behind the dash. Forgot exactly what was replaced (its been over 10 years ), but is was something behind the dash.

I also had the turbo rebuilt and all fluids flushed as soon as I took ownership of the car. Repair kit for the the garrett turbo is readily available out there. Loved the vehicle . Would get to 110- 120 mph with ease . Vehicle was very stable on the highways. In short Solid car .

My opinion if Body/Interior clean, then you know it was well cared for, no oil leaks and ac blowing cold for now. I would GO FOR IT!!!! and welcome to the CLUB! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

Martz

 

[Nato740]

Re: (Ed Brewer)

Oh for sure Ed I know jsut what your saying on the E30 or around era of IAC motors. MANY MANY MANY are replaced every day! lol AS well as the MOTRONIC units and other electric controls/sensors. Even on NOT high milage ones. I do not miss BMW very much in that regard. http://********************/smile/emthup.gif