Is it really time to part with our 440?

[740Estate]

Originally Posted by Waunclawdd

We have a 440 GLT that's 15 years old that we've had from new and has 105, 000. Runs very well. Last week the Volvo garage said it was too expensive to repair - rear axle, rear callipers, handbrake cables - and a host of minor stuff that doesn't bother me too much (e.g. gas struts).
At a quoted £1750, it does seem silly to spend and spend - but it seems so sad to let it die whan otherwise it's a great and really comfortable and reliable car.
Any advice please?

A Volvo garage will generally quote:

a. Volvo new or reconditioned parts.
b. Volvo servicing by the hour.
c. VAT.

You can cut the first one out by going to a scrappy or doing an online partsfinder search, chances are you'll half the cost of the parts without even trying.
The second one and third one get reduced by going to an Independant Volvo Specialist or even just a local backstreet garage. Theyre not ALL bandits and will usually be able to undercut the Volvo Garage by a long shot!!

I reckon you'll get a rear axle from a Scrappy with the Calipers from an online parts search for easily under 300 quid. A Garage will charge say 30 quid an hour, so say 4 hours labour, with you doing some of the smaller bits with a Haynes, you're looking well under a Grand for the lot to be repaired.. If youre not in the VOC, consider it too. There's online Info as well as discount at various places that will all help.

A happy ending. A local independent garage examined the car and found that the real work was the axle and the handbrake cable.
I got a second hand axle from Bradshaw Motors for £95 to door.
The whole work was done for less than a third of what Volvo dealer wanted.

Now on the road again and good for three more years at least the garage says.

In daily use - drives great and engine purs along.

Thanks all.

[ivor940]

Great to you hear your car is back on the road.

ivor940

[740Estate]

Brilliant news! Congrats on saving your Volvo from retirement!