Volvo Repair: 1996 Volvo 850 Wagon Massive Oil Leak, volvo 850 wagon, volvo specialist

Question
Hi,

I recently puchaced a Volvo for the first time in my life, and I forgot checking the bottom side, which I always do. As soon as I woke up the next day, I check for any leakage and found that the car's bottom side is covered with muddy oil residual. My parking lot has oil several oil spots. One would be from transmission, the rest seem to be from somewhere in the middle. Even the fuel tank (right beneath the storage place behind the rear seats) The rack and pinion is greasy as well.

I am just overwhelmed by the amount and extensive coverage of oil and do not know what I should do. Is this common about Volvos? Anyways, do you think I should have steam cleaning before bringing it to a mechanic shop? I asked for the cost for oil pan gasket or transmission gasket, and the mechanic said it would cost over $300. That sounds like twice more than the regular cost. Is it the case for a volvo?

I may not asking the question nicely, but this is the best I could do with my overloaded mind. Please let me know.

Answer
Takashi, Relax, its okay.  The gas tank if its leaking fuel will be covered for free by a Recall by Volvo. The oil pan doesnt usually leak because its not a paper gasket, its a chemical gasket.  What is probably leaking is the rear main seal.  That is very intensive labor.  Be prepared to pay about 900-1000 dollars.  Rack and pinion is also expensive.  Probably in the 6-700 range.  Its common for the Rear main and rack to leak, its a wear item.  Dont be surprised when the Evaporator core for the A/C starts to leak.  That is another common thing.  Be prepared for another 9-1000 repair.  I suggest a Volvo Specialist shop and not just a common garage to do these things.  They will hack and ruin your car.  Leave it to the Real Volvo Techs.  Good luck and sorry for the bad news.  Roger