Our 1998 Volvo C70 T5 Coupé is Catastrophically Broken! Selling for Spares or Repair...

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On 21st January 2023, just short of three months after I had bought our 1998 Volvo C70 T5 Coupé, I received a call from Mr Coleman (aka ‪@therubbishmechanicmrcoleman‬ /The Rubbish Mechanic) whilst filming in Sheffield that it was severely and catastrophically broken, and that it needed to be taken off the road immediately. Two days later, I made the video I never wanted to make, and you see the result here. I have no more words to say...
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As an independent vehicle consultant, I take potential buyers through the whole car buying process from choosing a make and model to a vehicle handover and road tax. In addition to information on this service, I also have a selection of written and video reviews of cars that I have owned, hired, borrowed or have somehow come into my possession. Please use the Contact Me page on my website to get in touch, visit my Facebook page for latest updates and share this video if you like it! Thank you for watching.
Website: www.lloydvehicleconsulting.co.uk
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[@furiousdriving]

Wrote a note in my diary today. Simply said 'bugger'

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

At least you got to experience this wonderful car in its fully working state last year, sir! It was great while it lasted, wasn't it?

[@maxrider7880]

Love a Blackadder reference!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@maxrider7880 , that's why I pinned the comment, sir.

[@Elvis_TheKing]

Matt - can you buy, fix and add this to your collection?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@Elvis_TheKing, this video wouldn't still be up if he was able to...

[@itdoesntsuckitself3173]

I had the same car, was also purple but someone painted it silver, also 98 with the old throttle cable, full leather light color interior with wood inlay, the same awesome stereo, 18'''wheels, two electric seats, sunroof, lpg, and factory lowered suspension, always drove it like I stole it for 12 years. Two headgaskets came and went, three engines and one automatic gearbox with torque converter. In the end the only mechanical thing on it still original was the turbo, for some strange reason that never went. I drive a RangeRover now but sometimes I so miss the acceleration and the stereo. But don't miss the always warped brake discs and the oil tanker like turning circle!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

The acceleration was very strong. I have another white block engined Volvo now, which has no turbo, I am afraid that this era of T5 is known for not necessarily being the most reliable, which is something of a shame, as it pulled like a train! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@alansimpson835]

I'm genuinely gutted for you sir. It's a lovely looking car and at the price you got it for, it was definitely worth a punt. Especially with a beige leather interior. I don't doubt that if it's sitting at Mr Coleman's, that he's exhausted all avenues of being able to fix it at a cost effective price for you. Hopefully someone who likes tinkering is able to take it on as a project and it will live, given its rarity. At least you have the Rover back and hopefully you'll be able to add a third car to the fleet again soon.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes sir, we did check it carefully, but it still came back to bite us and quite badly at that. Never mind, at least the Rover is fixed now (after a fashion), and this will be going to a new home soon. Mr Coleman did indeed exhaust all avenues of getting it working for a reasonable sum.

[@markonmotoring]

Sorry to hear of the issues you are having with this car. I can't think of a 90's Coupe that suits you better than this (well perhaps with the exception of a Rover 800 Coupe). Though uneconomical for you to repair I hope that the next owner is willing and able to do what I required to get this one back on the road again.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, already got a couple of people interested. One of them will come and take it away, I am sure. I would absolutely love an 800 Coupé, now you are talking, sir!

[@paullonghurst1390]

So sorry for you, looks a nice car glad you’re not breaking it. Let’s hope it goes to a good home

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

These things happen sometimes, sir, it was fun whilst it lasted.

[@badbooks476]

Sorry about this Sir, Credit to you for having a go with a T5 and a hard but realistic decision

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It wasn't taken lightly, sir, but I think that it will be for the best in the long term.

[@Elvis_TheKing]

Absolutely gutted Mr Lloyd, absolutely loved this car. Here’s hoping she goes to a good home and will return to the roads very soon.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you, sir!

[@autoscribe2364]

So terribly sad. I hope someone buys it and returns it to health!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Looks like someone will buy it, as I have had a couple of offers already.

[@fergusogilvie1534]

Where’s it listed ?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@fergusogilvie1534 , this is the listing, sir.

[@LeChave]

Sorry to here about this Sir, I'm really gutted for you. I suppose we can only hope it goes to someone who'll get it back in shape and on the road again. Chin up mate!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you, Mr Campbell! I am hoping that it will go to someone who will find it useful.

[@pards004]

Sorry to hear that Joseph. I really liked the car when I saw it in Bedford a couple of months ago.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes sir, you were a privileged man to see it before we knew what the leak was! I was privileged to own it as well.

[@CortinasAndClassics]

Oh dear Joseph, so sorry to hear that the car is in such a bad way. I hope someone is able to save it seeing as it is so rare.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, my friend, you saw the pictures from underneath... It's not looking great under there, although it's pretty free from rust, which is a plus!

[@wayneaylott6703]

Joseph very sad mate as one car Comes back another decides to die. Let's hope you don't lose out to much on it mate.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you, sir! At least we have maintained one working car out of two all the way through now.

[@DavidJohnston58]

Gutted for you Mr Lloyd. 😣 That Volvo looks such a beauty. Someone with all the tools and mechanical knowledge themselves could project the car and get it back on the road ending up with a real nice, rare, classic car for the future. Hopefully will sell with ease.🤞

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, it's a bit scruffy really, but that doesn't really matter any more, as it has bigger issues now! We enjoyed ourselves whilst it lasted. Thank you, sir!

[@richardhowlett7398]

My first thoughts I will not say on channel , except to say it's a very rare car and I'm sure someone will buy it and return it to glory .

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Is your first thought anything like what Mr Richardson wrote in the pinned comment, sir? If so, say no more!

[@seancooke7332]

Very sad news but I have found circumstances like these to be exciting with the prospect of a new vehicle to replace the one that sadly must go. What is positive is that the car is not dead and will therefore be able to provide valuable parts for other C70s.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes sir, a very big shame, but Mr Coleman and I have been discussing what I may get to replace it once it has gone, should I wish to do so.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

MR Lloyd, I'm gutted for you, such a shame, more so because the car did suit you. Thankfully you've chosen not to break her for spares, I'm hopeful, someone will come along and do all the necessary work and get her back to the condition she deserves.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, it's totally uneconomical to repair, unfortunately. I have had someone already make me an offer on it, we will see what happens.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@Lloyd Vehicle Consulting I can imagine you didn't take the decision lightly, it's absolutely worth spending the money to get her right and hopefully, that will happen. It's a kick in the teeth when we aren't in a position to do that ourselves, not having the luxury of extra money for sure projects.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@paulie-Gualtieri. , I am afraid that it isn't worth me spending in excess of £2000 (probably more at a specialist) on a broken car that isn't worth that much in working state.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@Lloyd Vehicle Consulting Yes it's a catch 22, MR Lloyd.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@paulie-Gualtieri. , I assure you, Mr Coleman explored all possibilities before giving me the news, sir.

[@davebeat]

What a shame. I really feel for you, my E61 is currently going through "a teenage phase" too where I'm considering selling it for spares although I'd prefer to keep it. It just seems like bad luck that everything is going wrong at the same time (crankshaft pulley and belts, fuel pump, now alternator, and I feel the torque converter is on its way out too) all since December and I simply can't afford to keep taking it to the mechanic on what's become an almost weekly schedule.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Sorry to hear about your BMW, sir! That is a shame, I hope that you don't have to sell it for repairs as well. It happens with these older luxury cars that are not worth very much, sadly....

[@teamJJontour]

Bad News Joseph , but the right decision and hopefully someone else is will consider saving it

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, I am afraid that it is the most sensible decision under the circumstances. It was fun while it lasted!

[@Lot76CARS]

Really, really sorry hear the news, it's a genuinely pretty coupe and lovely car but I guess the logic of repair costs trumps the emotional attachment. You have to draw the line somewhere. Well, at least the Rover's back on the road and maybe a chance to replace the C70 with something else in time?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, when Mr Coleman gave me the news, we had a brief discussion about it, and decided that this was the way forward. Once this is gone, we can decide what to do later.

[@TPerry2828]

😕 That's a real shame, Mr Lloyd. Such a good looking motor.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I know, sir! I will miss it very much.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

That’s a great shame - she’s a lovely car……..hope you get a good price on her, and someone can save it!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I have very much enjoyed driving it, sir, but it's not economical for me to have it repaired, sadly.

[@mischafalkenau4537]

That is extremely sad. It is a beautiful car. Very much like Volvo and this vehicle looks stunning.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I have very much enjoyed it, but sadly the ownership experience has come to a bit of a premature end.

[@adamtoms2726]

What a shame Sir. I do feel for you, as its a lovely looking car. Whilst it is a very tough decision and a painful one, no doubt. I do think you've come to the right conclusion.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, there isn't much else to say, sir, I am afraid! Never mind, I enjoyed it whilst it lasted.

[@ivan747100]

Oh No! Very sad that mechanical issues have now scuppered what looked like being a fairly decent car. The cost of returning these classics to MOT standards once the parts are sourced & replaced more often than not exceeds the value of the car by a considerable margin, thereby rendering it uneconomic to repair & leaving you with the reluctant but necessary choice to part with it and recoup some funds as well.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes sir, that's an excellent summary of the situation.

[@mattw8332]

Gutted. ☹️ It is a bit perilous buying a used luxury car for less than £2k.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I think we have already found that out several times on the channel, sir, and have done so again....

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Sorry to hear this Sir, it really was a lovely car and really suited you, been in this type of situation a couple of times where I buy and then have to part with a car not long after getting it. I was just about to start back to work when I saw this video and I had to know the outcome of the C70.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes sir, I think we have all been there in the past at some point. Mr Coleman and I were very careful in looking at potential issues, and this car has lots of service history, but sometimes these things can just happen, and it is best to be practical about it if possible.

[@JeeryLomax]

Greetings from Canberra, Australia. I think you or the next owner should consider what might happen with the value of the C70 in the future. In Australia, they are increasing in value - good examples are asking more than A$10,000 i.e. around £5,700 for both the convertible and the coupé. Coupés as you know are very rare and yet offer better handling and, to me, look better. As a marketing project, they are "The Saint's" second car, have luxury appointments, etc. Could be a sleeper investment.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Unfortunately, they really aren't worth very much here. I haven't got anywhere to store it, I haven't got a spare £1500-2000 minimum to fix it and I haven't got transportation to take it somewhere in the hope that it may be, at some point in the future, worth a bit more. I need it gone.

[@JeeryLomax]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting Fair enough.

[@alemdelgado8468]

Sorry to hear about your issues with the car. is there a way I could purchase parts from this C70? I have one and I’ve been working on it I love this car.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I am really sorry, but this car is now long gone. Thank you very much indeed for watching anyway!

[@SvennsCarchannel]

What a shame! Such handsome old beast the C70😢

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I have very much enjoyed looking at and driving this car, it is indeed a shame that it has come to a premature end. Thank you for watching!

[@johnhall4917]

No headlight wiper action for @hubnut, he'll be moderately disappointed 😔

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It's a really common fault with these.

[@GentilsGarage]

I’m so sorry to hear this, it’s a gutting experience for you when a car like this has turned out to be uneconomical to repair.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you, sir! It was fun whilst it lasted, I think we have all been there before, haven't we?

[@GentilsGarage]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting indeed we have. Last time it happened to me was with the High Mileage S80

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@GentilsGarage, oh sir!!!

[@Dino_Dad.]

Sad to hear, but you seem in good spirits.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I held it together, sir. That is probably the last time I will see that car.

[@Dino_Dad.]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting Sir, I don't know why but you seem like the kind of man who should be the owner of a Metro, Maestro or Montego..and of the Vandem Plas veriaty. Maybe worth holding off until such a viable option appears 🤔

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@Dino_Dad. , sir, unsurprisingly the thought has crossed my mind, but you need serious money for a Montego Vanden Plas in particular, and so it could be many years.

[@Dino_Dad.]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting touche

[@p-osweden934]

I build that one in Uddevalla Sweden back in -98.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting!

[@p-osweden934]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting fun to watch. Bring back memories. It was a lot cheating on the first year.

[@bunter6]

Such a shame, I'm sure a viewer will gladly take her off you, but totally gutted for you as you were obviously so glad to get it.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you, sir! Yes, this wasn't the plan at all, but it is the best way forward, I am afraid.

[@benhooper1956]

That is a real shock, is this a known issue with these cars? Was there any way to predict it?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Not really. Mr Coleman checked it thoroughly after I bought it. He wouldn't have bothered doing the cambelt on it if he thought this was going to happen.

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

Oh no, that's such a shame :(

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I know, sir, but never mind, it was fun while it lasted.

[@stevestaff7425]

Such a shame Joseph. I guess that's the reality of an old luxury barge from auction sometimes. Hopefully someone with the know how will resurrect it . Just down to economics I guess

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, it can be a bit of an interesting adventure buying an old cheap luxury car, and I think we have found this out now!

[@willswheels283]

Sorry to read this Mr Lloyd, you haven’t had her long, what’s gone wrong with it thats basically “Written it off” for you? Lovely looking car as well and being a T5 makes it a little bit more special, I’m sure somebody could repair it if they did it themselves or knew people “in the trade”. All the best with the sad sale.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I mean, sir, it's all explained and itemised in the video, along with pictures. I don't really have anything else to say, it is very self-explanatory.

[@willswheels283]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting It’s a shame but I guess these things happen, at least you’ve got the 45 back in action Sir.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@willswheels283 , yes, I drove it again today, and very much enjoyed it.

[@willswheels283]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting Good old Rover! 👍😀

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@willswheels283 , had to spend a fair bit on that too, sir!

[@MadIIMike]

I wonder if Geoff can resist buying that one. xD

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Guess who was first on the list for me to contact when it broke, sir!

[@patrickh7368]

That is a shame….! was a nice motor, I watched it on Alex & Furious reviews… 😊

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, fortunately we had some fun whilst it lasted! Thank you for watching.

[@patrickh7368]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting just a thought….if the seals have given up in such a bad way altogether…..didn’t that used to be a sign that the oil additive was used to stop leaks, expanding and softening the seals which would make them wear quickly after using it… ?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@patrickh7368 , it's a fair bit more serious than that, I am afraid...

[@marksmith3469]

What a shame Lloyd a very nice car you have had done the cambelt aswell haven't you

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, cambelt was done in November, as explained in the video, and will need doing again if someone wants to fix it. It is Joseph, by the way.

[@marksmith3469]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting sorry I forget names lol

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@marksmith3469 , it happens all the time, sir, don't worry about!

[@marksmith3469]

What are you going to replace the volvo with another car Joseph

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@marksmith3469 , haven't decided yet, sir, need to get this one gone from Mr Coleman's house first....

[@sarahrobinson410]

I bought a newer car I have a few cars non great no really rubbish, everyone has there views. My latest purchase is 07 Astra twin top convertible. its dark blue Metallic has in my eyes low mileage 88.889. I gave £1300 on day of purchase it seemed a nice car, The battery I feel needs changing I think. As it was parked up since I bought it I went to use it, it had flat battery and to my shock the interior has turned rather mouldy looking. Love convertibles but having owned about 5 in the last 8 years this car I thought was a sorted car. Do I take a loss and sell or do I send the car to a top valet PLC I've seen on you tube. Also MOT is due and I am hoping that is better than interior.. Its brilliant on fuel I've not put any in since I bought it... OOPS just realised something .. Oh well not mentioned that sorry..!!!! PS don't let that put you off replying as all answers are interesting to resolve issues.. At the end of the day its a warm summers day type car but I bought it to make my cash flow up in summer but as its far better than my old cabby Astra 2.2 Bertone its a question of how deep is my funds willing to go..? Also If you love the Volvo Perhaps work through it as a project car,6 months down line it could be a show car.. if you got the patients to work with it.. My friend said why not get rid of my Mercedes CLK 320 52 plate and my Astra 2.2 convertibles and keep the newer 07 plates.. I was puzzled as I've owned both since 2016 and one was my dream car The older cars I know reasonably well I know nothing much about my newer purchases and one has higher mileage and the lower mileage.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

We aren't going to keep the Volvo, I am afraid, as I can't afford to spend more than what it is worth in a working state on putting it back together, especially when Mr Coleman hasn't got the time to do it. I had a Twintop myself in 2020 and paid about the same for it. Unfortunately, that went a bit wrong too....

[@byronmills5952]

That's such a shame - what would be the actual cost of doing the cam seals and Pcv and Vaccum system?...It must be a known bugbear with this running gear at this sort of age and milage?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Mr Coleman and I discussed this extensively. I mentioned in the video about some of his extensive experience with these old Volvos. It would be more than the value of the car (in a working state) to do all the work, hence why it is being sold for spares/repair.

[@byronmills5952]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting I very much hope the car is fully repaired - it's such a lovely thing especially in that beautiful colour. I know you haven't owned it long enough for you to gain a full emotional attachment, and you have to be pragmatic after the recent hefty spend on the Rover, but you must be gutted.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@byronmills5952, yes, and I have just paid my self assessment tax bill too!

[@zeproo]

nice

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It's been fun whilst it lasted.

[@James-ld2jc]

😢

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It was a sad day.

[@vincentyerkess7230]

Oh dear Sir. Graveyard me thinks 🤔

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

No need to rub it in, sir...

[@therubbishmechanicmrcoleman]

Such a shame. Be nice to put some good money into a better volvo.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Indeed, sir, thank you ever so much indeed again!

[@paul1153]

Disappointing it has come to this Joseph. Hopefully, you can find a buyer who likes a challenge.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you, sir, it was fun while it lasted!

[@jaybee1921]

Moral of this sad tale, don't buy from an auction...

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I did check it very carefully before I bid on it. I don't think that they were aware of these issues at the time either. We wouldn't have got the cambelt service done it we thought it was going to do this, of course. Sometimes, despite checking everything (and getting someone else to check as well), this sort of thing just happens with old cars, sadly.

[@Driven247]

Oh dear, not good!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It's not been the best news I have ever received, my friend! Never mind, see you on Sunday.

[@frothe42]

A terrible shame Joseph.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I am afraid so, sir...

[@a11csc]

such a shame joseph

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Never mind, sir, it was fun when it lasted!

[@nickyboy.]

18th

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Lots of comments this time, sir.

[@Efferpheasants]

..and the moral of this sad tale is - don't get seduced by praised car brands - they ALL rust, they ALL need feeding with parts.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Got a Very Vague Vlog coming up on this very subject in a couple of weeks, sir!

[@matthewgodwin3050]

Sorry to hear this Joseph. Assuming it's not too late, how about setting up a Go Fund Me account to raise money for the repairs needed. It would be nice to be able to keep the car, and I for one would definitely drop you a few quid. I imagine others will also be willing to help, as you keep us all entertained with your videos, so people will be pleased to give a little bit back. Hope it all works out for the best, whatever you decide.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I am afraid, sir, that Mr Coleman doesn't have time to do that much work, and the estimated cost of repairs FAR exceeds what the car was worth before this all happened, so I would prefer anyone who wishes to donate towards the channel (and of course no one should feel obliged to do so) to become a channel member or use the "Thanks" feature below. The cost of running the channel alone far exceeds what it costs without making slightly indulgent purchases like this, I am afraid.

[@deanstanley5799]

Has this been sold Joseph?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I have had an offer, sir, but I have not taken the gentleman concerned up on it yet.