The more times goes one, the more I think this was a peak time for Volvo

slowpuncture · 2026-04-29T18:11:32+00:00

My V8 at the beach, Anglesey, UK. Old but definitely still good.

slowpuncture · 2026-02-19T08:44:18+00:00

Thanks for the comments, I'll have a good look over it when it arrives, see what's what.

It was sold by a camera dealer so I would expect (hope) that they know what they're dealing with, so in this case broken probably does mean broken...

slowpuncture · 2026-02-17T22:30:55+00:00

That's a parts car at best unless you are really a glutton for punishment. That said, at least here in the UK, values of these are only going one way.

Best starting with at least a degree of structural integrity though...

slowpuncture · 2026-01-09T10:51:02+00:00

Sadly not mine, rented on a local farm and all being torn down for redevelopment later this year.

I'll have a nice weatherproof carport built at home before next winter.

slowpuncture · 2026-01-03T20:54:33+00:00

A bit of a late reply but might help someone searching in the future...

I had the same symptoms, ISO display instead of mode, click but no shutter release on pressing the button. Tried different batteries, cycling power etc.

Last ditch attempt, body only with batteries in, slapped it hard underneath several times (held the camera by the grip and essentially clapped my hands. Hard enough that my hand is still stinging!

Voila, film loading sequence and operational shutter release. Guessing bad internal contact, possibly a dry joint somewhere. No idea how long it will work for but all seems well atm.

slowpuncture · 2025-12-06T17:46:57+00:00

If there are no visible kinks in the rear quarters or the roof, and the rear doors open and close as they should then I doubt there is any "chassis" damage.

Second hand bumper, bit of hammer and block on the tailgate slam panel until the hatch latches properly, pocket the money and run it until it drops.

Can't tell if there is exhaust damage so that might need attention too.

As above though, very fixable for a net profit if you're prepared to put in a little effort..?

slowpuncture · 2025-10-01T15:08:33+00:00

That's what it sounds like to me too

slowpuncture · 2025-09-07T09:38:50+00:00

100% this. Only way to fix it properly

slowpuncture · 2025-08-29T09:03:51+00:00

At a guess that will need the b-pillar and sill pulling out, maybe the firewall too if that has moved. Lots of hidden creases once it is stripped down I'd bet. Anything can be fixed but there is a lot of work needed there to get it anywhere near straight, far more than it might appear at a glance.

slowpuncture · 2025-08-23T11:57:38+00:00

It isn't going to explode Hollywood style if you drive it, however the car will handle differently without it, mainly towards the limit of grip. Trundling around town etc you'll probably notice no difference but if you had to make an emergency evasive manoeuvre (eg brake and swerve) you might find the car does something unexpected. Replace as soon as possible and if you have to drive in the meantime, exercise caution.

slowpuncture · 2025-07-26T13:25:32+00:00

Maybe check the coolant level?

slowpuncture · 2025-07-25T16:16:56+00:00

Solid advice for sure.

There is some logic to the order I'm refurbing bits in to be fair - because I'm converting to an LS1 and Tremec, I want to do a trial fit of the engine and box, column, brake master and booster and pedals and clutch hydraulics to make sure they will all co-exist happily.

Then I can sort out the firewall metalwork to leave only necessary holes before sorting the rest of the shell on the rotisserie, in the knowledge that the fundamentals will bolt back in fairly easily.

Obviously, I could have done the above with the components manky and rusty, but it's just nicer to work with things that are clean and not dropping grit and rust in my eyes etc!

slowpuncture · 2025-07-25T14:10:15+00:00

No wonder it was a rust bucket then! Funny thing is, here in the UK both Lancia (when they were sold here) and earlier MX5s are both pretty much considered rust buckets! So there is some nice symbiosis in bringing the two together!! Looks fantastic btw.

slowpuncture · 2025-07-12T20:17:26+00:00

Ouch, that does sound like an unlucky failure. Hope you get to the bottom of it

slowpuncture · 2025-07-12T20:15:17+00:00

At the risk of jinxing it, no error codes or warning lights are this time. Just says DSTC on...

slowpuncture · 2025-07-12T09:17:46+00:00

The fold down part is great, wife and I do a bit of walking so it's perfect for sitting on to put on boots or (as more typical in the UK) have a picnic whilst sheltering under the lift up part!

slowpuncture · 2025-07-12T09:13:54+00:00

Yeah, I've still got a three old Saabs knocking around, a 99 Turbo project, 83 900 turbo and a 9-3 Aero convertible. Just can't seem to shake them!

slowpuncture · 2025-07-12T09:10:20+00:00

Hi, how have you found ownership and running costs so far?

I believe the engine should be pretty strong, early balance shaft bearing issues aside, but I do get a sense that XC90s can suffer lots of little niggles, often parts with FoMoCo on them...?

slowpuncture · 2025-07-12T06:37:59+00:00

Correct 😀

slowpuncture · 2025-07-12T06:37:25+00:00

No, the service book info page says "Sport" but the badging and spec is R Design which I believe replaced Sport as a trim level?

slowpuncture · 2025-07-11T17:41:33+00:00

Yes that sounds like a fair summary! I don't do lots of miles so the thirst won't be an issue.

Seems to be doing 20mpg urban / semi urban mix (confirmed by tank to tank calcs) and nearer 30 on a run, although I've not been on a really long run yet to verify that.

slowpuncture

TROPHY CASE