To Keep or Not to Keep?

Question

Hi all, I currently own a 1993 Volvo 940 with 137,000 miles and a 1998 Volvo V70XC with 134,000 miles. My grandfather is cancelling his drivers' license and wants to give us a loaded (even the digital dash) 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Bayshore with only 65,000 miles and no major repairs ever. I absolutely love this car, but my wife isn't so sold.

We can also only afford to own two cars; it wouldn't be economically practical for us to own three with only two drivers. Their gas mileage is all about equal; so is the insurance cost. My question is: Should I take the Mercury? If so, which Volvo should I get rid of? The V70 has insanely high repair bills but, it is a wagon, so it's good for occasional trips. The 940 is my wife's favorite, and is essentially bulletproof -- no major repairs ever. The Mercury is one of my favorite cars of all time, plus it's soooo comfortable and repairs (if we ever need them) are generally cheap.

So...again...Which TWO should stay?

Answer 1

Both Volvos should get to stay.

Answer 2

If the V70 is the money drain then sell it. Personally I would sell the mercury and keep the Volvo's. The mercury is not even broken in yet, it is 17 years old and because it was not driven alot is more susceptible to problems. I used to be a service adviser at a Volvo shop and the "98 had it's share of problems but it is a good car. Maintain them right and they'll last to 300,000 miles, plus they are safe. I wouldn't trust the Mercury. Sell it and pt he money aside for Volvo repair if needed.

Answer 3

That's quite a problem you have. The one car you should keep is the 940. In my opinion, this model was the last decent Volvo. You have already experienced the repair costs of the later models, as have I, a '98 S90 nightmare. Get rid of the V70. That brings us to the Merc. I don't care for American cars. They just don't seeem to be put together well enough for me to expect any long-term service out of them. But since I've sugessted keeping the 940 and parting with the V70, the choice is academic. Let the 940 and the Merc spend time together.

Answer 4

keep the 940 period. the merc is a high line crown vic, there is a reason so many crown vic's are used by police dept's. this is a keeper also [maybe]
you have had some not so good v-70 experiences, perhaps selling the v70 outright is the best answer for you but consider trading the merc and the v70 in and purchasing a used 9 series wagon and using the monies left over to put it into really good shape [chances are even after repairs are complete you will still have money left over] and you will have 2 nice volvo's

Answer 5

Get rid of the V70. 1998 is the year Ford started the take over of Volvo, there are alright more problems with the newer Volvo's that just do not exist in the older models! Keep your 940 you won't regret it!

Answer 6

Get rid of the xc70.It will bring you the most money when you sell it.And if you dont sell it it will cost you a hell of alot more in repairs than the 940.I work in a volvo specialty shop.The xc70 i commonly write estimates of $2000.00 or more.The 940 very rarley will they break a $1000.00 visit.The awd xc has more expensive parts as everything is a bit more heavy duty.Here in quebec the rear shocks cost $525 each
Change them often enough.The angle gear or bevel gear is $2500.00 have changed 10 of them in the past year driveshaft 1000 and so on and so on.
Keep the 940 it will be on the road for years to come and repairs wont hurt.
Good luck

Answer 7

Sell both Volvos and get another good american car and you will have two then

Answer 8

u should get rid of the v70
since it has high repairs.