1998 Volvo S70 from North America - Comments

The engine "blew" at 89800 miles.

I bought this car when it was 3.5 years old and low mileage. Every now and then it had a single hesitation when it was idling, but I didn't think anything about it and Volvo told me it was OK. It has performed very well until about 7 months ago. It sounded like it had a muffler problem due to the increased sound coming from under the car. I took it to Volvo and was told it was fine. I took it to Midas twice and was told the muffler was fine. About a week ago the noise was a little louder and it was running rougher than usual. It was due for my 90,000 mile check up and I thought that was it. On the way home recently my car died with no warning lights. It just died. It was towed to Volvo and I was told that there was something wrong with the inside of my engine and I would need a new engine. A new engine at 89800 miles? Aren't they supposed to last? Aren't they the "quality" car. Beware buyers.

Was it failure of the timing belt that is supposed to be replaced at 70,000 miles?

Engines don't just "blow".

They fail for various reasons.

Usually through owner neglect/ignorance.

If you run without oil it will seize up.

If you run without coolant it will eventually seize up.

Overheating is most often caused by a faulty thermostat or burst/leaking hoses.

If you keep on driving it will boil the coolant out, and if you keep on driving, boil the oil and seize the engine.

The ignition wires can catch fire if you really cook it.

I deliberately tried this once just to see what happened with a car I was scrapping.

If you fail to replace the timing belt when recommended, (if your car has one) then your engine may be severely damaged.

When engines fail, sometimes the con-rods poke through the side of the engine.

But they don't just "blow."

In 36 years of driving over 800,000 miles, I've had 2 thermostat failures.

Stopping the car immediately when I noticed the temperature rising fast allowed me to let the car cool down before removing the thermostat, topping up with distilled water or coolant/anti-freeze, and getting back on the road.

It's ridiculous, but a faulty $5 thermostat can ruin an engine causing $6,000-$7,000 damage even in ordinary cars, let alone a top BMW or Mercedes where a new engine would be $30,000. I always carry a couple of gallons.

I agree... Engines don't just BLOW! if they do... you definitely will be aware... there will be an awesome clunking /banging sound and usually oil under the car!

I highly suggest you get a couple of other opinions before trusting the 'said' mechanic to to the dastardly deed of motor replacement!!!... good luck with a FINE auto!