Volvo 480 Club Europe

jifflemon wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:56 pm

Possibly because they're later cars and thus have another few years before rust becomes terminal.

Possibly because they're seen as more desirable (and whole lot LESS expensive to maintain than a Turbo)

And are turbos more expensive to maintain? I've never heard that about them, other than the usual bits of unobtainium

I can't comment on the respective maintenance costs of a turbo 480 because I've never had one.

However, in terms of the possible desirability of later models, the general perception is that the later models were better made, with all the earlier problems and niggles ironed out, so more reliable, and with the 2.0i engine both more economic and better to drive.

I emphasise the word "perception"; I'm not expressing any view on it! But certainly the classic car motoring press tends to highlight the Celebration as being the one to go for.

David

MisterH wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 06, 2021 10:18 pm

And are turbos more expensive to maintain? I've never heard that about them, other than the usual bits of unobtainium

There's more to go wrong. Some parts are unique to the turbo, thus unobtainium arrives much quicker for them.

dcwalker wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 07, 2021 9:47 am

I can't comment on the respective maintenance costs of a turbo 480 because I've never had one.

However, in terms of the possible desirability of later models, the general perception is that the later models were better made, with all the earlier problems and niggles ironed out, so more reliable, and with the 2.0i engine both more economic and better to drive.

I emphasise the word "perception"; I'm not expressing any view on it! But certainly the classic car motoring press tends to highlight the Celebration as being the one to go for.

David

Ah yes that double edged sword that is the classic car press, can't help but find it a little ironic that the rare special editions now make up the bulk of survivors...

Absolutely Ben. I've long maintained that soon the rarest one of all will be the bog standard, base model 480S.

David

MisterH wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 06, 2021 10:18 pm

And are turbos more expensive to maintain? I've never heard that about them, other than the usual bits of unobtainium

Sadly, that is the turbo lottery. The concept of a turbo can be incredibly reliable when looked after. You might own one for years and never have any trouble. Sadly, if it's due to expire on your watch, there's a £500 item strapped to your engine that a naturally aspirated car doesn't have.

When you think about it, that's a stupid lottery to play for 10bhp.

In the late 90's, there were two things we as young lads did with cheap turbo cars.

1) fit a "whoosh" vent-to-atmosphere dump valve.
2) Wind the boost up with nothing more scientific that wastegate adjustment.

Both these items are detrimental to longevity. On that basis, its a miracle any survived

Would be really interested Jeff in your Turbo numbers & research whenever you decide to publish. Have you got this sorry looking case already?

Have just recalculated the chart from the latest figures and it makes for grim reading



We lost 653 cars in 2 years...

Especially worrying as I know that turbo number in How many left is wildly optimistic.

I will add that over the years I imported 7 480s into the Republic of Ireland from U.K, a TT, Celeb, 2x Turbos and the rest are ES. And god knows who else has done the same in the ROI, I'm in the North now so any further purchases wont put a dent in the numbers.

Colm