Sell or Keep my Volvo S40 2005

CISKIDD

MEMBER
2005 VOLVO S40

Hey guys,

I am in need of some advice for my relatively new car. My wife ran over a pretty bad bump that cracked the motor oil pan. She didn't know at the time until the red oil light kept flashing on and off. She parked the car at our home for another 4 hours, then took the car to a mechanic that's 25 minutes away. When she reached the station, the mechanic said that the oil was completely drained, so she had to leave it there overnight. My question: most of the oil probably drained in that 4 hours it was sitting in the driveway, and then she probably drove the car for another 25 minutes without motor oil. There was no overheating, nothing that would indicate any damage to the engine, but I'm not sure. How much damage did she do the engine and should I think about trading it in so I don't have to deal with the headaches of replacing one in the near future. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Frank

9 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Do you use synthetic oil?

I know I'm gonna get abuse over this but I'm gonna say it anyway. If you use synthetic there is a higher chance of not having problems even in this situation. If it wasn't knocking, I would fix it and drive it.

Say the motor goes bad in 6 months, what will cost you more a new motor or a new car? You have to factor in the beating your gonna get on a trade now or later. It will likley be more than the motor cost.

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Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 AT 6:47 PM

CISKIDD

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes, it was using synthetic oil. I believe there was still a good amount of oil leaking from the crack, but the gauge stick showed that there was nothing in there. My wife didn't hear any knocking or any noises that would indicate that the engine is struggling. The mechanic told her she needed a new oil pan, so we'll get that part fixed. As for the engine, I understand that trading it in will cost me a lot more, but this is our only car, and we would be severely crippled without it for even a week. How long do you think I have before problems start surfacing?

Thanks again for your reply

Frank

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Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 AT 6:58 PM

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MECHANIC
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I don't think you will have problems. OF course, It's only speculative.

If you understand the beating on the trade in, what would a rental cost for a week or two?

I'm not trying to sell you on anything, but really hate to see a financial beating from fear of the unknown.

The synthetic oil can be quite impressive. I have seen several cases of total oil loss that ran beyond yours and were fine.

Here's a quick story:
A customer had always stuck with synthetic. The car got older and he decided he was going to use it in the demolition derby at the county fair. Early on he lost he radiator, no more coolant! He went for 15-20 minutes like that. After the race was over he started it back up out of curiousity and ran it another 5-10 minutes wide open until the track officials told him to shut it down.

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Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 AT 7:06 PM

CISKIDD

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I hope $5 covers the beer wanted :). I appreciate your invaluable advice

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Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 AT 8:58 PM

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MECHANIC
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I guess It i'll be a couple quarts of OM this time :lol:

I wish you luck!

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Thursday, February 22nd, 2007 AT 5:33 AM

FREEWILL07

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I would sell that Volvo. My friend has one and he can't get rid of it. It's hard to find buyers that love Volvo's.

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Thursday, April 5th, 2007 AT 3:13 AM

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MECHANIC
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Is that logical?

2 thoughts. first, it is much more financially intelligent to drive a car you already own as it is much cheaper....even if the engine did go on it.

Second, Not that I am a particular fan one way or the other on a volvo, but there are many folks that do love them. Think of this from a marketing/sales perspective. If you ask too much, or have a product that is damaged or have not selling or maeketing skills, You can sell it. Market value is much different than book value. Nor can you can't sell ice to an Eskimoe.

My conclusion is that if you have a car that you own and you know it is cheaper to drive than to replace, you can't sell it anyways.....Why would you sell it???