2005 XC70 - beyond economical repair ?

[qazxsw123]

MoT and service today, and it's looking like my 2005 XC70 might have reached it's end at 163k miles.

Front suspension arm (n/s)
Both rear shocks
Several other odds and ends, including handbrake weakness, brake fluid replace and coolant/antifreeze replace.
The garage has quoted £14-1500 - I've used this garage for 7 or 8 years, they've been good and I generally trust them.

They also advised that the exhaust back box is on it's last legs, and front discs/pads will need replacing soon.

On top of that, I've been concerned for a while (maybe 2000 miles?) that the dual mass flywheel and/or clutch might be failing. I occasionally hear a "cough" when changing gear and have to release the clutch very gently to get a smooth change - very similar to what I experienced on a Mondeo a few years ago, right before DMF failure. I would guess that's easily a £1500 job.

I could do some work myself and probably knock £2-300 of the initial bill. That would more or less pay for a pattern exhaust box and front brake parts which I'd be happy to fit.
I don't fancy the suspension jobs and certainly not the possible DMF replacement, so that still leaves a definite/immediate £1300 and a probable/soon £1500 - and that's probably more than the car is worth.


I've gone around in circles this afternoon/evening but I'm concluding that it's probably time to let it go. It seems a shame - I really like the car. It's generally very tidy and meets all my needs very well.
Any thoughts / comments / brilliant ideas before I wave it goodbye ?