Sane or insane?

Aug 31st, 2002, 20:59

In April, I bought a 1987 180k 745 GLE Turbo Diesel for $800. In the first few weeks, I got a s/h sunroof and headlining from a 960 for $250, I installed electric windows all round for $200 and had a new clutch and master cylinder installed for $500. In June, I replaced the rear brakes (pads, discs, calipers) for maybe $300 and then I got Nivomats for $400 and new front suspension bushings and tie rods for $200. In August, I have had a new headgasket, a new head, radiator and a complete service with glowplugs, fluids and belts; all for $1500. Add to this a handsfree Nokia car kit, a Kenwood headunit with 10 CD changer, four Pioneer speakers, an electric antenna, dog guard and a third seat and I'll end up having spent $5000. The car is now as good as new with no known problems. What do you people think? Sane or insane?

George

'87 745 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler
'88 745 Turbo Intercooler

Sep 4th, 2002, 12:48

'New' motor for $5k sounds fine to this englishman. Could you sell it for $5k? If it were nicked would the insurers cough $5k? Over how long do you intend to write down that $5k? What was your time worth and how does that modify the sums? Could you have spent $5k on something else and get just as much use out of it without putting all that time in?

We all like to think that Volvos will run until kingdom come but in this country anything spent during the last few years on a machine requiring 98 octane and/or leaded petrol has been wasted, as to continue running these machines will cost a fortune in "super" unleaded and special additives. You're obviously lucky with a diesel.

In my case the local kids have just vandalised my car; the council refused to let me rent a garage to keep it off the road in, the local police are powerless against the kids and if I did anything about it I'd be sent down as our laws are biased in favour of criminals by people who couldn't care less about victims. Yet the same state would be the first to complain if I didn't spend my money on maintaining it to their specifications. All seems like a waste of time doesn't it.

End of rant.

Regards, Phil

Aug 31st, 2002, 20:59	#1
George Holmer Guest Location:	Sane or insane? In April, I bought a 1987 180k 745 GLE Turbo Diesel for $800. In the first few weeks, I got a s/h sunroof and headlining from a 960 for $250, I installed electric windows all round for $200 and had a new clutch and master cylinder installed for $500. In June, I replaced the rear brakes (pads, discs, calipers) for maybe $300 and then I got Nivomats for $400 and new front suspension bushings and tie rods for $200. In August, I have had a new headgasket, a new head, radiator and a complete service with glowplugs, fluids and belts; all for $1500. Add to this a handsfree Nokia car kit, a Kenwood headunit with 10 CD changer, four Pioneer speakers, an electric antenna, dog guard and a third seat and I'll end up having spent $5000. The car is now as good as new with no known problems. What do you people think? Sane or insane? George '87 745 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler '88 745 Turbo Intercooler

Sep 4th, 2002, 12:48	#2
phil_uk Guest Location:	RE: Sane or insane? 'New' motor for $5k sounds fine to this englishman. Could you sell it for $5k? If it were nicked would the insurers cough $5k? Over how long do you intend to write down that $5k? What was your time worth and how does that modify the sums? Could you have spent $5k on something else and get just as much use out of it without putting all that time in? We all like to think that Volvos will run until kingdom come but in this country anything spent during the last few years on a machine requiring 98 octane and/or leaded petrol has been wasted, as to continue running these machines will cost a fortune in "super" unleaded and special additives. You're obviously lucky with a diesel. In my case the local kids have just vandalised my car; the council refused to let me rent a garage to keep it off the road in, the local police are powerless against the kids and if I did anything about it I'd be sent down as our laws are biased in favour of criminals by people who couldn't care less about victims. Yet the same state would be the first to complain if I didn't spend my money on maintaining it to their specifications. All seems like a waste of time doesn't it. End of rant. Regards, Phil

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