"For about $2000" means it will eventually cost you MORE than $2000 to rebuild the head. If you're absolutely sure the used engine only has 90K miles AND you want to keep the car then go with the "new" engine. Or shop around and see what kind of used car you can get for under three grand.

I would suspect the 850 could have the head rebuilt, for a lot less than a new engine. There is a Fla outfit that reconditions heads, they look brand new, for around $800. Of course, there is still labor to take the head off - easy, and to put the head back on - hard.


Several members have rebuilt their heads with very positive results.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Sounds like you can have the same car for 2k and know the engine is fixed. These post mention 850 engines still going with 300,000-400,000 miles. Or have a used engine, with less miles, for more $$ and unknow record. Having said that for 2k you may find a another 850, but then need to put money in it. If you like the broken one I would fix that engine and get another 4+ years out of it.

For the fun of it, how many valves get bent when you lose a belt?
I just want to do the math for myself.
ED7

That's about $400/year for the car, not a bad investment. You could do a craigslist and look for a 1998 S70. http://craiglook.com/
will search more than one city for you.

Of course, there is this great 247bhp wagon in the Twin Cities.... :>)
I will probably list the "R" for $4200 only because the timing belt and water pump are due in 20-25K miles. You will get a discount, but be forwarned, the black car gets hot in the sun.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

all things considered I don't think the 90k engine sounds like a bad option.

If you were doing the work yourself I'd probably say to go for the head job because it's a LOT less work, but if someone else if going to get dirty it kinda makes sense.

Be sure to include the costs of all the other stuff that you'll need to do on a new engine in your estimate:
- new timing belt, tensioner, rollers
- new water pump and gasket
- new thermostat and gasket
- PCV system, intake gasket, clean throttle body and new gasket
- new plugs, dist rotor and cap
- rear main seal, main trans seal
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1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+

Klaus has a 98 :-)...

I'd be looking at a new one, you can find 850's and the occassional s/v70 for 1200-2000 around STL. Water pump seizing isn't common, though if you get a 'new' car and its looking like its due for a timing belt, I'd change the pump unless you have documents showing its been replaced. Here's where I have a double edged sword of safety, if its aftermarket, I'd replace it. If its OEM (and I don't have documents showing it was replaced 70k ago or so) I'd assume its original, and replace it...


You might want to broaden your search geographically too. Im from STL and got myself a 240 off ebay out in Philly (I did contact the owner previously and find about the car) for 500 5 years ago. Flew out for $100 and had no problems on the way home. Ate about that in gas, maybe a bit less. Car is still running...

Also went up to Chicago for a Craigslist one that was a 'mechanics special' from someone who was tired of fixing it (electrical issues..). Having brought a spare alternator (Pick n Pulls are great) installed it and drove it home for 300.. That car lasted 2-3 years till it developed a RMS (and needed a suspension overhaul.. and exhuast.. ) and I replaced with the 96 850 locally, for 2k (with full records from 100k onwards... )
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If you're not driving it "like its stolen," are you really driving?