Okay, let me start by saying I'm not really an idiot, but I got myself into a pretty stupid position. My wife has been telling me we need to replace the 626 with a bigger car when the baby comes, so we went to a "reputable" used car lot and picked out a very nice 95 Volvo 850 GLT wagon with 88k on it. Here's the prob: After about a week I notice that there's a fairly persistant clatter coming from the engine when you're cruising at 60-65. Also, when I get on it, it sounds like a old Yugo at redline. I was thinking bad oil pressure or lifter noise.



I took the car to the lot's service department for a warranty repair ( I have 3 months of coverage) and they looked at it, drove it and said they would have to drop the oil pan and have a look and oh by the way, the car has had a rod replaced and some other **** done before we put it on the lot. ****!



So I can either let them fix the Volvo and keep my fingers crossed, or apply the money I've spent to another car on their lot. The only other car they have right now that works for me is a 2001 Outback with 44k, but its 5 grand more.



Anybody have any first or second-hand knowledge of Volvo 5-cylinder engines? Why would that engine need a rod replaced after only 88k miles? Should I bail and get the Subaru? Thanks guys!



Shoulda bought a Mazda!

 

If it were my Volvo I'd fix it. Ask on http://www.swedespeed.com/main_page/main.html



J

 

If I was truly stuck with the car, then yes, I would fix it, but in this case, I still have an out, sort of. I can put the money I spent on the Volvo toward another car.



The nature of the problem is what concerns me the most. It would likely be caused by low or no oil pressure, and it could just be the tip of a really ugly iceberg...

 

Okay, so if anyone cares, I got the Subaru. Last I heard, they were putting new crank bearings in the Volvo. They can keep it. Bastids.

 

As much as I love Volvos, I love Subarus a lot more. Good choice!