QuestionThanks in advance for your help! I have just purchased an 85 Volvo wagon, AT,160.000 it's in great shape. Since it's old and new to me, what things can I do now and in the near term to avoid breakdowns or more costly repairs. Newly done are: simple tuneup, plug wires, compression 120, airfilter OK, oil change, brakes, transmission and differential oil check, antifreeze, new tires and balance.
It seems to be a little low on power, maybe a little noise in the rear end. It starts well, the first shift starting out is a little more "clunk" than seems right but shifts smoothly after that.
I have time scheduled at the mechanics on Monday, I was thinking to ask about suspension stuff, bearings, and maybe the fuel filter..any other direction you might give would be very helpful.
Thanks! Patricia
AnswerPatrica,
Keep a three month or three thousand mile oil and filter service at a shop that checks over a few things and keeps a watchful eye on things and reports all findings to you. Have your favorite shop get for you a list of times/milages that certain things need to be done and follow that. If in doubt about a part being changed, change it and keep a list of what has been done and when. Have your shop drive the car and give you a report on if the power is low and the rear axle is noisey. If the trans shifts a bit rough ask about having the fluid flushed, and the shift cable adjusted. Change the rear axle fluid also.
