Hi,

Very new to the volvo community (2 days) and was looking for people with local knowledge (local to Vancouver) of good service garages, parts sources and the like.

I just bought a 1991 740T with 55,000 orig kilometers and want to make sure I look after things properly (I am pleased with the low mileage but nervous about the age of the car)

Thanks, and I look forward to your replies.

Sean

congrats on your purchase. i live in richmond. don docksteader (the dealership, south cambie st.) has a 'garage sale' once a year in may i think. there is also an independent volvo shop in burnaby called allvo automotive. they haven't serviced my car yet but they seem like they know what they're doin', plus they have a salvage yard.

I have a 87 760 T wagon with 240km on it. She leaks oil like a diesal locomotive, but seems to be tractor tough. Two Vancouver parts sources KarHaus on Victoria and Jack's Auto 2104 E Hastings are supposed to be good. I have no personal experience with them. Otherwise the Volvo dealer is at the south end of Cambie. I have been getting stuff shipped up from the US. Some parts are WAY cheaper and others aren't really worth it. Try fcpgroton.com and thepartsbin.com Both have great prices and fast service. You can ship to Point Roberts via UPS and pick it up yourself. Very fast service compared to via Canada Post. Very easy to clear it through customs yourself. They charge GST, PST and duty if it isn't a US made part. I can give you the name of a UPS shipping depot in PT Roberts if you are interested. I replaced all my shocks with KYB gas shocks and struts for about $300 CDN ($120us) this way. One Boge Front strut was $170 here in Vancouver. You have a pretty new Volvo there, so you probably won't need much in parts for a while. Good luck with it.

I am in Alberta - but know there are many moer Volvo's in the Lower Mainland.

What did such a fine machine set you back?

One of the frustrating things about being a VOlvonian in Canada is the short supply of premium used Volvo's at a reasonable price.

55,000 kms is like new - 1991 is not old by any means.

Just be steadfast on your maintenance - use better grade oil and good filters (Mann oil filters are supposed to be the best.)

Change the oil every 5,000 kms at the liongest stretch.

I have owned 5 Volvos in the past 13 years - with mileage varying from 90,000kms - up to 440,000 kms - without a serious motor snag.

Most of my cars seccumbed to fender benders.

My local (Edmonton) Volvo shop (Sandy Lane) has told me that as long as the turbo unit is allowed to idle down every time you go to turn off the car, that the turbo units are very reliable - never let anyone drive your car that does not own a turbo - racing into the stall and shutting down the ignition before the turbo can slow down will eat up the bearings - that is $1,300 +.

Congrats on a great find.