OK, thinking ahead to retiring Son o'Gutz, the '92 245. Came across an '01 V70 on FleaBay that's in my area. Just under 150K, allegedly the turbo needs work (oil smoke in the exhaust) and the sunroof glass is broken. I'll try to see the car over the weekend, but if it looks like it's going for cheap I may bid.

I took care of an 850 for 6 years and I've worked on 240s for 23 years and over 500K miles. How complex is a turbo replacement? My basic research here on BB suggests it's not quick but not beyond an experienced amateur, so I'm looking for guidance from those who've torn into one. And what's the routine for a smoking turbo - replace the whole unit with a rebuilt? Cost?

Then the sunroof. IIRC the headliner has to come down for any sunroof service, and I'm just not real good with interiors... something always goes wrong. Recognizing that broken glass on a sunroof isn't all that common, can anyone here guess at what a repair cost might be?

TIA!

One says shy away, the other says RUN!

Super advice, with reasons given - much appreciated, gentlemen!

BTW if you're looking for a newer car here are the general rules:

- 1999 - 2001 are no good unless you get a SUPER deal on car that appears to be 100% MINT. This goes for all models (S70/V70/S80/S60). (Not sure if the RWD S90 was still available in 1999 but it would be excluded from this rule)

- 1995 850 is a good year for a DIYer because it has most of the modern 'updates' but still has the onboard pushbutton-and-flashy-light OBD system.

- 1996, 1997, and 1998 S70/V70 are seen as good cars for DIYers with all modern updates but moved to the OBD-II system which requires a scanner

- 2003-2007 V70/S60 are great cars but built on the newer P2 platform. Many used the same great 5cyl engine from the 850 era but with coil-on-plug, VVT, upgraded fuel computer. These cars are not as easy to DIY because of the way parts are tied to the computer, but many people get by wrenching their own.

- AWD is best 2003+

- These cars are pretty high maintenance compared to a 240. They pay it back in modern handling and power and safety though. And the seats are killer.
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1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 215k+

I had a fraction of that knowledge, and you just added lots to it. Thanks again!

Some of us would shy away from a 2001, the first model year, for other reasons.

The broken SR glass is an easy replacement, just contact any salvage yard. Four screws hold them in, the roof liner is not touched. I wonder how it got broken in the first place, hard to do.

Smoke in the exhaust??? These turbos do leak after 100K, but not enough to pour oil into a down pipe. That would suggest that other things are wrong than just a leaky turbo. Replacement used turbos can be found at pick&pulls, but you can only use a turbo from a low pressure engine. I am assuming it is not a T5.

The internal seals can be replaced on your workbench, after you remove the heat shields, antifreeze piping and oil lines - not a fun job. The kit for the seals is around $100-150.

The electronics and tranny (5 speed) is a nightmare on the 2001, and would be a potential for heavy $$$ fixes.

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

Smitty, run away from this car.

Do your research on this forum and others - the 2001 is TROUBLE and you found one with uncommon problems to boot.

IMO you're asking for trouble getting tied up with this car. Just from your description I know I wouldn't take this car if it was free.

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1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 215k+